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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Asphalt & Concrete

The Different Purposes of Rough Grading vs. Fine Grading

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Twenty percent of car accidents happen in parking lots. Many of these are not the business’s fault. You can, however, prevent a fair amount of them with a high-quality parking lot.

The first step to getting this is to ensure the proper grading of your lot. To do that, you first need to learn what grading is. Read on to get started with this knowledge by learning the difference between rough grading vs fine grading. 

What Is Grading? 

Grading refers to the construction process where workers change the slope of a piece of land. Usually, this involves making the land uniformly smooth and flat. 

There are plenty of different processes, however. Business owners may want to add a slope to their property that directs water away from vulnerable areas. Grading can also be a major step in creating attractive landscaping features. 

What Is Rough Grading vs Fine Grading? 

Rough and fine grading are two phases of grading. Usually, rough grading happens first, and fine grading follows after. Most of the differences between the two involve how roughly workers work the soil.

How Rough Grading Works

When workers rough grade a piece of land, they shift large amounts of soil around to form the majority of the slope. This is usually done with heavy equipment such as excavators. Workers may also use laser measuring tools or other kinds to make certain that the slopes are at the correct angle. 

The workers must create the right slopes. If they don’t, the land could flood due to drainage problems. 

How Fine Grading Works

Workers performing a fine grading process are more concerned with making the land smooth and ready for its intended purpose. This can involve shaping the land a bit. If so, workers will only work with the top two inches of soil at most. 

Mostly, though, fine grading involves removing debris that makes the surface uneven, such as rock, and adding an appropriate type of topsoil. What kind of topsoil a worker uses for fine grading depends on the final purpose of the land. For example, more plant-nutritious topsoil may be used for a lawn and a regular one for paving. 

Why Is Grading Important for Paving? 

The best parking lot is a uniformly smooth one. This will prevent your business’s customers from damaging their cars or tripping over divots or bumps. It’s also important that water drains well so that your customers can comfortably navigate the lot without getting their feet wet. 

This isn’t possible without effective rough and fine grading. 

Get High-Quality Asphalt Paving Services From Us 

Now that you understand the difference between rough grading vs fine grading and their importance, you can find a company that offers the best in these areas. Be sure to ask about their grading processes. They may even be able to give you photos. 

While you’re searching, consider our full-service commercial asphalt paving. We’ve paved for a vast number of businesses, facilities, and installations all over the East Coast. Fill out this form and get a free estimate. 

Why An Integrated Plan Works Best for Commercial Pavement Management

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NVM Paving and Concrete has been delivering commercial pavement property services to all of Virginia, Maryland, and DC, for over 25 years. NVM is deemed the area’s top professional parking lot construction, maintenance, and ADA compliance expert!

No matter the type of facility, NVM Paving and Concrete has the expertise, skilled crews, and equipment to provide pavement construction and maintenance solutions. This company is built on providing clients with high-quality pavements and outstanding workmanship.

Integrated Plans for Commercial Pavement Management

Integrated Master Schedule

Regarding project management, budget requirements, and timelines, at NVM Paving and Concrete, we have decades of experience providing the highest quality service in the region. Integrated plans for Commercial pavement management are crucial for cities to oversee their pavement networks properly. 

Creating a rolling 5-year pavement management plan with an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) ensures that all project participants stay informed and can track schedules, costs, and risk activity. An IMS helps decision-makers implement the best cost-effective solutions to maximize their budgets.

Prioritization

During the evaluation process, all pavement inventory is assessed for their distresses and associated conditions. The conditions are then documented for analysis. Once evaluated and rated, the pavements are further divided into categories by condition and grouped according to how they are to be scheduled.

Commercial Pavement Management

Preventive Maintenance

The first tendency may be to expend money on pavements with the worst conditions. However, the best practice is to utilize your maintenance budget in the first segment of a pavement’s lifespan. This is because if the pavement degrades below fair condition, most of its useful service life is over. Preventive maintenance or pavement rehab options instead of reconstruction can significantly reduce costs.

Overlays & Resurfacing

Asphalt resurfacing and structural overlay projects are next on the IMS. Maintenance significantly prolongs a pavement’s lifespan by improving or restoring structural strength and protecting the underlying pavement structure. This type of maintenance may often be repeated during a pavement’s lifecycle. 

However, the opportunity can be lost if deterioration continues and pavements fall into disrepair; timing can be crucial. 

Reconstruction

Once completing preventive and resurfacing, scheduling the reconstruction projects is next. Pavements in advanced deterioration are not good projects for resurfacing/or structural overlays. The cost of reconstruction may not significantly change year over year, so it may be best to maintain serviceable conditions with minor repairs for these candidates.

Once set up, your Integrated Plan for commercial pavement management should help you track and review your pavement inventories and their condition, check for safety hazards and determine if any issues have developed. A three-year re-evaluation program is practical but adjusting should be done accordingly. 

  • Keep each pavement rating updated
  • Documenting all repairs and maintenance items that need to be completed 
  • Document details of all work completed in the past 5 years
  • Keep all construction document copies
  • Set up budgets for the following five years

By maintaining an Integrated Plan for Commercial Pavement Management, you will always be able to look to the future and plan accordingly, cut down unnecessary costs, expedite timelines and increase your company’s profitability. Contact NVM Paving and Concrete today, and let us show you how we can help.

Managing A Commercial Construction Project Using Concrete

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There are numerous moving pieces in commercial construction projects, from tasks to teams to stages. As such, overseeing concrete construction needs proper planning and execution. Otherwise, the project might fall into pieces.

So, how do you ensure everything runs smoothly during construction? This article will unpack how to effectively oversee each step of a commercial construction project using concrete.

Commercial Construction Project Initiation

Individuals often postulate that planning is the first stage of a construction project. But on the contrary, a feasibility assessment is usually conducted first. Then, involved parties determine whether the project has potential and whether or not they should set the ball rolling.

After everyone gives the project the green light, the construction team will devise a project initiation document. It is primarily the project’s foundation with goals, organizational charts, risks, and stakeholders.

Planning

The construction team includes architects, structural engineers, and a project manager, who are involved in the project’s roadmap. As the project foreman, you will draft the project management plan (PMP), guiding the project’s execution. You will produce:

  • Documentation entailing deliverables, objectives, milestones, and schedules – You will create a list that will guide the various aspects of construction concrete oversite.
  • Work breakdown structure – Create a visual diagram dividing the team into smaller and more manageable sections.
  • A communication plan – Have communication lines among stakeholders, teams, and suppliers and aim for group transparency. 
  • A risk management plan – Overseeing concrete construction without a contingency plan is not prudent. This is true, especially when safety matters arise. Therefore, a risk management plan implements safety measures to avert accidents and injuries.

Execution

After the start of the construction, you will actively act as a supervisor and a cornerstone for the project’s success. Therefore, avoid staying in the office behind a desk since you will send a negative message to the rest of the team. Instead, ensure your team sees you as someone taking a personal interest in how the project is proceeding.

Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

As the construction oversite concrete manager, you should have first-hand accounts of how the project will be effective in your role. Therefore, ensure you monitor the project’s progress, execution, and work quality.

Closing

Before completing the project, the team will convene to re-assess their work. They will go through the highs and the lows during the project. Parties will also identify segments that are unfinished or that need addressing. Finally, you will calculate the final budget vis-a-vis the cost of unfinished work. Consequently, you will come up with a report that you can use for future similar projects.

Get Commercial Property Services Today

Are you looking for commercial asphalt paving for your project? NVM, Paving & Concrete will give you the best full-service asphalt paving regardless of the kind of project you are undertaking. Our top-tier equipment, unmatched expertise, and dedicated crew are all you need. Contact us to request a quotation and for more inquiries.

The Complete Guide to Asphalt Milling for Your Commercial Property

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The Complete Guide to Asphalt Milling for Your Commercial Property

What is asphalt milling? It’s a way of recycling old asphalt with new asphalt.

Did you know that as much as 45 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement gets produced annually in the U.S?

Does your commercial property need some work done on the asphalt surface? Do you want to repair the damage or make some cosmetic changes? If so, you may want to consider milling solutions.

Why do this? Asphalt milling is less expensive than replacing the entire asphalt surface. And, it’s better for the environment.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!

What is Asphalt Milling?

What’s the process? Milling is when old asphalt gets ground up. This happens with a large machine that grinds the asphalt into small pieces.

The small pieces of asphalt are then sent to a plant, which mixes the new asphalt and other materials. After mixing, the new asphalt paves over the old asphalt surface.

What are the Benefits of Asphalt Milling?

Asphalt milling has a few benefits over traditional methods of resurfacing asphalt.

For one, it’s less expensive. You won’t have to pay to remove and dispose of the old asphalt. And, you won’t have to pay for a new asphalt surface.

Another benefit is that it’s better for the environment. This process recycles old asphalt. Thus, you won’t need as much new material.

And, since this process grinds up the old asphalt, it can act as a sub-base for the new layer. This helps to stabilize the new surface.

Asphalt milling is also less disruptive than other methods of resurfacing. You won’t have to close your business for an extended time.

Since the new surface lays over the old surface, there’s no need for new curbs or gutters.

Commercial Applications

Asphalt milling is ideal for commercial properties. Some commercial uses are parking lots, office buildings, factories, and warehouses. Milling repair and improve the condition of your commercial property. 

Here are some of the most common applications.

Resurfacing

Milling can resurface an existing surface. This is often done when the surface becomes damaged or worn over time. This can help extend your asphalt’s life and improve its appearance.

Leveling

If you have an uneven surface, milling can also level it. This can make your property much safer and improve its aesthetic appeal simultaneously. 

Repairing Utility Cuts

Utility companies often cut into asphalt to access underground utilities. Once they finish, the cut is usually filled with an asphalt patch. But, these patches can often settle and become uneven over time. 

Milling the area until it’s smooth can help prevent further damage. As well as keeping the commercial property looking its best. 

Start Your Asphalt Milling Project Today

Repaving surfaces with milling is cheaper and causes less disruption. And, it’s environmentally friendly!

Do you have a commercial property that needs resurfacing? If so, check out our milling services!

A Complete Guide On Parking Lot Resurfacing

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Have you noticed that your parking lot looks a little rough lately? Are there cracks in it? Do you see standing water long after a rainstorm?

If so, your parking lot needs parking lot resurfacing. 

When a parking lot isn’t in the best shape, it poses a risk to cars. They can suffer damage from potholes and unlevel ground. The sooner you fix the problems, the better.

If your parking lot could use some work, keep reading to learn more about what resurfacing entails. 

Preparation for Parking Lot Resurfacing

Before resurfacing starts, the parking lot needs to have everything on it removed. Structures on the lot like wheelchair ramps and speed bumps have to be demolished or removed. Structures for utility companies’ wires and pipes will also need handling.

When Do You Need to Resurface?

Over time, parking lots will deteriorate and become worn. Small blemishes are fixable with something as simple as an asphalt patch. 

As time goes on, cracks and tears in the base layer of asphalt will make parking lot maintenance pointless. 

A new parking lot should last for about 25 years. Over time, regular usage and the weather will cause it to deteriorate. Locations that have high accumulations of rain and snow will cause the lifespan of a parking lot to be shorter than average. 

If the asphalt is dull and dry but otherwise fine, replacing the sealcoat should be enough. Asphalt sealcoat protects the lot from the elements and regular use. 

When old parking lots are resurfaced, blemishes get filled in, and it receives a new coat. 

You shouldn’t resurface if the asphalt is worn down to its foundation layers. When this occurs, repaving is your only option. 

How Does Parking Lot Resurfacing Work?

Deploying an asphalt layer tends to be cheap, but some other services come with resurfacing, which can raise the price. 

Resurfacing is an intense process. If you spot standing water or a large network of cracks, it’s time for your lot to get some treatment. Your lot will receive a cleaning and will receive a leveling of new asphalt. 

Hot asphalt gets injected into the lot, to mold it into a more effective shape. Leveling binders can cost you, and the company handling your resurfacing should show you the unleveled areas in your lot. 

Geotextiles are another offer that may be presented to you. They are set on the lot before they apply the new surface. Geotextiles are waterproof and provide more rigidity to the new surface. 

Comprehensive Paving and Concrete

When you spot serious issues with your lot, you should get parking lot resurfacing services as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage it will sustain, which means more money to fix them. 

At NVM Paving & Concrete, we provide a quality experience to meet your construction needs. Along with asphalt repair, we also do parking lot striping, concrete maintenance & coating, snow removal, and many other services. Give us a call to receive a quote for a job you need to be done.  

The Key Differences Between Asphalt and Concrete

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The Key Differences Between Asphalt and Concrete

There are many different types of paving materials on the market, and choosing the right one for your commercial property needs can be tricky. Two of the most common materials are asphalt and concrete, but what are the key differences between them? Read on to learn which is the right fit for you.

What Is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a type of pavement that is made up of bitumen, which is a sticky black substance that is derived from crude oil. This material is then mixed with gravel or sand to create a strong and durable surface. Asphalt is commonly used for roads, driveways, and parking lots because it can withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions.

What Is Concrete?

Concrete, on the other hand, is a type of pavement that is made from cement, water, and fine aggregate (such as gravel or sand). This mixture is then left to harden, creating a strong and durable surface. Concrete surfaces are often used for sidewalks, patios, and floors because it can be easily molded into different shapes and designs.

So, what are the key differences between asphalt and why would you want to use one or the other at your commercial property?

Asphalt Is Cheaper Than Concrete

For starters, asphalt is much cheaper than concrete and can be installed quickly. When it comes to asphalt maintenance, asphalt is repaired more easily than concrete; all you need to do is patch up the affected area. However, asphalt does have a shorter lifespan than concrete and is prone to cracking. It will start to crack and crumble after about 20 years.

Asphalt Is More Malleable Than Concrete

Another key difference between asphalt and concrete is that asphalt is much more flexible than concrete. This means that it can withstand small movements without cracking. Concrete, on the other hand, is not as flexible and is more likely to crack under pressure or when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Concrete Is Low Maintenance and Long Lasting

The benefits of concrete include the fact that it is very durable, low maintenance, and easy to repair. Once it is installed, you won’t have to do much to keep it looking good. Asphalt, on the other hand, needs to be resealed every few years to keep it from cracking and fading. The durability of concrete has been proven time and again, it can last on average 20 years longer than concrete.

Concrete Is A Sustainable Building Material

When it comes to the environment, concrete is a very eco-friendly building material. Meaning that it can be recycled and doesn’t require the use of harmful chemicals during its production. Also, concrete doesn’t produce any toxic gases or leachates, making it a safe choice for many commercial applications.

Asphalt Or Concrete? Which One Should You Choose For Your Commercial Property?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your commercial property preferences and needs. For example, if you need a more durable parking lot that can handle higher traffic volume, then asphalt is the better choice. However, if you desire a more aesthetically pleasing parking lot or one with unique features like stamped concrete, then concrete would be the better option. Other considerations include climate (asphalt holds up better in cold weather) and cost (asphalt is usually cheaper to install).

No matter which type of pavement you choose, the team at NVM Paving can help you get the perfect results for your commercial property. Contact us today to learn more about our asphalt and concrete paving services!