When complete removal and replacement of the asphalt surface is required the underlying base material is often unstable. The edges of the asphalt to be removed and replaced are saw cut, jack hammered, or milled. Then the asphalt is removed. The underlying base is stabilized and graded to the proper depth below finish grade. Finally, the asphalt edges are tacked and the area is patched with the proper thickness.

If the removal and replacement is done in conjunction with an overlay, the large milling equipment is typically used to remove the asphalt. If the area to be removed is quite large, or if it includes the entire lot, a process called "reclaiming" is used.

Allied recommends implementing the reclaiming process when base stabilization and a new asphalt mat are required. The procedure entails grinding up the existing asphalt surface and integrating it into the underlying asphalt. Engineers typically limit the reclaiming process parameters. The reclamation thickness is typically 6 to 12 inches.

Allied believes in "safety first". Gopher State One Call locates all underground utilities prior to any digging or reclaiming. Private utilities and sprinkler heads and lines are not located. These are the responsibility of the building owner.

The Road Reclaimer is uniquely designed equipment which improves the underlying base for the new asphalt surface, grinding up the existing asphalt and incorporating it into the underlying base material. Allied also has a smaller 48 inch Reclaimer which is mounted on a 950 caterpillar loader.

Water is then applied by an Allied Blacktop Company tanker truck and acts as a binding agent to improve compaction of the base.

All materials are recycled on site and become base material, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Recycling also saves cost associated with hauling the existing asphalt out, and hauling in new base material. In some instances depending on elevations, some of the reclaimed material will need to be transported off site to accommodate the new asphalt.

Prior to paving, the reclaimed base material is fine graded and compacted. The final step of the reclamation process is to pave the new surface. As with other Allied projects, the new surface is applied at the specified thickness and will properly tie into the finished elevation of the adjacent structures.