South County paving removal
Asphalt and Parking Lot Removal in Gilroy
Sun-baked lots, cracked truck courts and potholed farm drives around Gilroy and South County: we take the asphalt out, send it to recycling, and leave the base ready for new paving or a building.
Parking Lot Asphalt Removal in Gilroy
Parking lots in Gilroy get a lot of sun. Summer heat dries out the binder, the pavement turns gray and brittle, and cracks let winter rain into the base. After enough seasons the lot has potholes, alligator cracking and settled areas where water pools. At that point an overlay will not hold, and the old asphalt has to come out.
We remove lots for shopping centers, offices, churches, schools, and the truck courts and yards around warehouses and packing buildings. Work can be phased so part of the lot stays open for customers, with fencing and signs keeping cars and people out of the work zone. On a redevelopment site, the whole lot usually goes at once.
Milling Asphalt or Pulling It Full Depth
Milling (some crews call it grinding) shaves off the top layer of asphalt to a set depth and leaves the base in place. It works when the base is still solid and the plan is a new surface layer. The ground material comes out in small pieces that recycle easily.
Full depth removal breaks out the whole pavement section and, where needed, the base rock below. It is the right call when the base has failed, when the grade has to change, or when the site is being cleared for a building. We look at the pavement during the site visit and, if needed, cut a test hole to see what is underneath.
Farm Roads, Equipment Yards and Rural Driveways
Out in the county, asphalt shows up on long private driveways, roads between barns, equipment yards and loading areas at packing sheds. Many were paved decades ago over thin base and are now more patch than pavement. Some owners want them removed and replaced with gravel, others want new paving, and some just want them gone so the ground can go back to planting.
Rural removals need room for trucks to turn and a plan for a long haul route. On parcels around San Martin and along the county roads east of Gilroy, we stage equipment on site and work the full length of a drive in one pass where possible. Soft ground near orchards or fields may need a firm path before loaded trucks run on it.
Asphalt Recycling and Permits in Gilroy
Old asphalt is one of the most recycled construction materials. Clean asphalt grindings and broken pieces are processed into recycled asphalt pavement and reused in new mixes or as road base. Keeping asphalt separate from concrete and soil makes that possible and keeps disposal costs lower.
Removing private pavement on its own usually does not need a demolition permit, but work that touches city streets, sidewalks, curbs or driveway approaches needs an encroachment permit from the City of Gilroy or the county. Larger lots may also need grading or stormwater permits, especially if more than an acre is disturbed. We sort out what applies before scheduling.
Gilroy Asphalt Removal Pricing: What Moves the Number
Square footage and pavement depth set the baseline. A thin residential driveway goes quickly. A commercial lot with thick asphalt, concrete curbs, islands and light pole bases takes more time and more trucks. Whether the base stays or goes makes a big difference.
After that, phasing, haul distance and site conditions matter. Keeping part of a lot open for business slows the work. A long drive out from a rural parcel adds truck time. Buried utilities, drain inlets and wheel stops add detail work, and new curb or drainage needs change the scope.
Scope of a Gilroy Asphalt Removal Job
Milling or Full-Depth Asphalt Breakout
Depending on the base and the next use, the pavement is milled to depth or broken out completely with excavators and loaders. Edges at streets and buildings are saw-cut for a clean line.
Curb, Island and Wheel Stop Removal
Concrete curbs, landscape islands, wheel stops, bollards and light pole bases are removed with the asphalt when the plan calls for it, with concrete kept separate for its own recycling stream.
Base Repair and Subgrade Prep After Removal
Failed base and soft spots are dug out and replaced, and the subgrade is graded and compacted so the paving contractor or builder has a solid platform to work from.
Asphalt Recycling and Hauling
Asphalt grindings and broken pavement go to recycling for reuse in new mixes or base. We keep loads clean, track the tonnage for diversion reports and haul everything off site.
Asphalt Removal: Job Site Photos
Asphalt and Parking Lot Removal Across Gilroy
Demolition FAQs
Gilroy Parking Lot and Driveway Asphalt FAQ
Can you remove part of the parking lot and keep the rest open?
Yes. We phase the work by section, fence off the active area and route traffic around it. Phasing takes longer overall, but it lets businesses keep customers coming in.
Is old asphalt recycled?
Yes. Clean asphalt is processed into recycled pavement for new asphalt mixes and road base. We keep it separate from concrete and soil so it can be recycled.
How long does a parking lot removal take?
A small lot or long driveway can take a day or two. Larger commercial lots take several days to weeks, depending on size, thickness, phasing and whether the base comes out too.
Should my driveway be milled or torn out completely?
When the rock under the pavement is still firm and water drains off properly, milling plus a fresh lift may do. Pavement that is cracked all the way through, sinking or holding puddles usually needs full removal and base repair to last.
Demolition quote
Price Your Gilroy Asphalt Removal
Describe the lot or drive in the quote form: rough size, how it gets used and what replaces it. Expect a reply within 24 hours so we can come out and check the pavement.
- Permits
- Demolition
- Haul-off