Asphalt Parking Lot Removal: What to Expect

Updated January 23, 2023

Asphalt parking lots are typically cheaper to install than their concrete counterparts, but due to the additional maintenance asphalt requires, it tends to have a much shorter lifespan than concrete.

If your asphalt parking lot is looking worse for wear, removing it is likely the best option.

In this guide, we'll go over the asphalt removal process, what to expect, and some of the most common questions people have regarding asphalt parking lot removal.

Find local asphalt removal contractors

When to Remove and Replace Your Asphalt Parking Lot

If your parking lot only has a few chips and scratches, it probably does not need to be replaced.

In fact, there are many ways to repair minor asphalt damages for a minimal amount of money and effort.

However, pay attention for any signs that you should replace the parking lot, like:

Cracks more than two inches deep
Parking lot is not level
Areas are sunken in or raised
Potholes

How Asphalt Removal Is Done

There are two ways to remove asphalt: with heavy, powered equipment or by hand with basic tools.

Because parking lots are so large, they are removed using big, heavy equipment to get the job done efficiently.

Asphalt removal tools include excavators, backhoes, as well as circular saws and/or jackhammers in some cases.

The asphalt parking lot removal process might vary slightly from one project to the next, but here is how it typically goes:

A crew member of your hired company will start by finding the area where your asphalt is the most damaged. This will be their starting point for ripping up the asphalt.
Before they begin tearing up the asphalt, a dumpster truck/trailer will be positioned nearby so the debris can be dropped directly into it.
With their equipment of choice—an excavator in most cases—the crew member will then start scraping up the asphalt.
As they rip up the asphalt with the bucket of their excavator, they will drop the asphalt directly into the nearby dumpster.
They will work up and down the parking lot until it is completely demolished and removed.

Who to Hire for Asphalt Parking Lot Removal

Asphalt parking lot demolition tools like those listed above are extremely powerful and can be dangerous if not handled properly by experienced professionals.

This is why we recommend hiring a qualified asphalt removal company to remove your parking lot so property damage and personal injury are not a concern.

Before reaching out to contractors, we recommend gathering as much info about your parking lot as possible.

For example, you should know the current condition of the lot's asphalt, roughly how long and how wide the lot is, and any obstacles or nearby structures that may pose an issue for equipment, like light posts, curbs, fences, etc.

The more information you have regarding your parking lot removal project, the more accurate your estimate will be.

We recommend speaking with at least two or three contractors before hiring so you can compare estimates, customer service, and availability accurately.

With multiple estimates, you'll be able to be sure you're hiring the best contractor for the job.

Hometown makes the process of finding the right asphalt parking lot removal contractor fast and easy. Simply enter your zip code, answer a few questions about your project, and instantly submit a quote request to up to three local asphalt removal contractors.

You can also learn more about each company and read customer reviews to see what they have to say about their services.

Average Cost of Asphalt Removal

Asphalt parking lot removal costs $1-$3 per square foot on average, including debris disposal.

However, there are a number of factors that will affect the cost of your specific parking lot removal, like:

Size and depth of the parking lot
How complex the parking lot is
Cost of living in the area
Who you hire to do the work

The geographic location and complexity of the parking lot—like how many lamp posts, concrete planters, trees, or other areas need to be avoided—will play a big role in cost, as does who you hire.

Your exact parking lot removal cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your project is to reach out to multiple contractors in your area for a quote using Hometown.

This not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best asphalt removal contractor for the job, not just the cheapest.