Upgrading your driveway, parking lot, or private road with asphalt millings can be one of the most cost-effective improvements for your property. But even if you find quality material at a great price, the results will only be as good as the contractor who installs it. When you buy and sell millings near Philadelphia, PA, choosing the right contractor ensures your investment pays off with a smooth and durable surface that lasts.
At Borrow-Pit.com, we help connect buyers and sellers of asphalt millings, making it easier to find the right material for your project. But once you’ve sourced your millings, here’s how to select a contractor who can get the job done right.
Why Contractor Selection Matters for Asphalt Millings
Unlike loose gravel, asphalt millings need to be graded appropriately, spread, and compacted to form a stable surface. A skilled contractor will:
- Prepare the base for drainage and stability.
- Lay the correct thickness of millings for your intended use.
- Compact the surface to reduce shifting and erosion.
The wrong contractor may skip these steps, leading to uneven surfaces, water pooling, or premature breakdown.
Steps to Choosing the Right Contractor in Philadelphia, PA
1. Ask About Experience With Asphalt Millings
Not all paving contractors specialize in recycled asphalt. Ask how many similar jobs they’ve completed, and request before-and-after photos. Millings require a different approach than fresh asphalt or gravel.
2. Request References and Online Reviews
If reviews aren’t available for their milling work, look at feedback from related services. Consistent praise for workmanship and communication is a good sign.
3. Compare More Than Just Price
When you buy and sell millings near Philadelphia, PA, it’s tempting to go with the cheapest installation quote. But low prices can mean shortcuts. A fair price paired with proven results is the more intelligent choice.
4. Confirm Licensing and Insurance
Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured to work in Philadelphia, PA. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or property damage.
5. Clarify Material Sourcing and Handling
If you’re buying millings, confirm where the contractor will source them or let them know you’ve secured material through Borrow-Pit.com. If you’re selling millings, discuss their plan for hauling and reusing them.
Local Expertise Matters — and Red Flags to Avoid
When you buy and sell millings near Philadelphia, PA, hiring a local contractor offers clear advantages. Local pros understand Philadelphia, PA, soil conditions, seasonal weather changes, and drainage challenges, which means they’re better equipped to install millings that last. They also often have relationships with nearby suppliers, helping reduce delivery times and costs.
That said, not all contractors are equal. Watch out for warning signs that could lead to problems down the road:
- No written contract or unclear project scope.
- Lack of verifiable experience with asphalt millings.
- Requests for large upfront payments without a track record.
- Use of low-quality, debris-filled millings.
By combining local expertise with careful vetting, you can ensure your project is completed to a high standard.
Get Started With Borrow-Pit.com
Finding the right contractor is only part of the equation. You also need quality material at a fair price, and that’s where we come in.
Borrow-Pit.com is a peer-to-peer listing service for contractors, individuals, land owners, and material producers to advertise their materials and aggregates. If your project has a large cut and you want to mitigate some of your trucking costs, Borrow-Pit.com can help. If you have a large area that needs to be filled with material or aggregate, Borrow-Pit.com can help. If you are an aggregate producer or you’re crushing concrete and want to increase visibility for your products, Borrow-Pit.com can help.
By connecting directly with verified buyers and sellers in the Philadelphia area, you can streamline your project, save money, and ensure you’re getting the best possible material for your needs.
Start your search or list your millings today at Borrow-Pit.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are asphalt millings good for a driveway?
Yes. When installed correctly, they create a hard and low-maintenance surface that resists erosion.
How thick should asphalt millings be?
For residential driveways, 3–4 inches of compacted millings is ideal.
What is cheaper, gravel or millings?
Millings are usually cheaper when sourced locally, and they often compact better than gravel.
Can you put millings on top of gravel?
Yes—just make sure the gravel base is stable and properly graded.
How to lay crushed asphalt?
Start by removing any vegetation and leveling the area. Spread the millings evenly to the desired depth (typically 3–4 inches for driveways), then compact them thoroughly with a roller. For best results, work during warm and dry weather to promote binding.
