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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Asphalt & Concrete

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!

How a Concrete Parking Lot Benefits Your Commercial Property

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How a Concrete Parking Lot Benefits Your Commercial Property

A concrete parking lot may sound like the least exciting thing on the planet, but it’s integral to the success of your business. Don’t underestimate how much a customer parking lot can influence people’s first impressions. Within seven seconds, they’ll make a judgment about the legitimacy and professionalism of your business. Still not convinced? Keep reading to find out how a concrete parking lot can benefit your commercial property.

It Looks Professional

As mentioned above, your customer parking lot says a lot about your business. 

Your parking lot should not be riddled with potholes, bumpy spots, or cracks. The parking lanes should be freshly painted and easily identifiable. 

Beyond that, pay attention to the finer details. Ask yourself these questions about your concrete parking lot:

  • Is it easy to access from the road?
  • Are there identifiable arrows or signs that indicate “In” and “Out” lanes?
  • Are the parking spaces big enough?
  • Is there sufficient space to back out of parking spaces?
  • Do you have any handicap spaces?
  • When applicable, do you have enough cart returns?

If you’re a small business on a strip with other businesses, maybe your parking options are limited. If so, consider staking your claim on a few spots with “Customer Only” signs.

It Keeps Everyone Safe

Parking lot safety may not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to this topic, but you can’t ignore it. Think of all the potential accidents that could occur in a poorly-designed parking lot.

Two cars could drive into one another because the space between parking lots is too narrow. One car could back into another while reversing out of a space. Cars entering or exiting the parking lot might not yield to traffic.

These are only a few examples of possible disasters. In fact, twenty percent of car accidents happen in parking lots. 

Don’t forget to include good lighting and a surveillance system in your parking lot safety plan. You don’t want thieves ransacking your customers’ cars.

It Prevents Infestations

If you neglect parking lot maintenance, you may run into a pest or rodent problem. Your custodial team should regularly change out garbage cans and pick up trash in the parking lot.

Otherwise, these pests may find a way inside.

It’s Eco-Friendly

If you have a concrete parking lot, you’re doing the environment a favor. This material is completely recyclable and saves us from dipping into gas, water, and oil resources. 

Installing concrete is easier, and it will last years longer than asphalt. Lastly, a concrete parking lot will reflect light, keeping the surface cooler in the summer and reducing energy costs.

Freshening Up Your Concrete Parking Lot

Updating the concrete parking lot for your customers is an easy and eco-friendly way to keep people coming back. It ensures parking lot safety and keeps your energy cost down.

Ready to repave your customer parking lot? Click here to fill out a contact form.

Understanding Parking Lot ADA Compliance

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Is Your Parking Lot ADA Compliant?

When folks without disabilities go out into the public sphere, they might overlook any environment’s impact on a person with disabilities. Without the proper treatment, buildings and businesses can be inaccessible to people with disabilities, leaving them unable to conduct their business. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there are standards for accessible design in public places that must be adhered to. ADA deals with public accommodations, which directly speaks to ADA-compatible construction of commercial parking lots. At NVM Paving & Concrete, we understand the value of these standards, and we know what it takes to address ADA needs to create an accessible lot.

Barrier Removal

According to regulations, business owners need to remove potential barriers that might hinder a person’s inability to safely and freely navigate the parking lot area. For instance, a raised garden that separates a parking lot from the building it serves constitutes a barrier and needs to be removed or updated.

Effectively, this section of the ADA declares that a person with disabilities can maneuver from the lot to the building’s entrance. This is most commonly achieved by designating parking spaces close to the building specifically for people with disabilities. For lots with 25 spaces, one must be ADA accessible. For lots with 50 spots, two spots must be accessible, including one for a van. The bigger the lot, the more accessible spots there must be.

Program Access 

This refers specifically to state and government-controlled entities, and it simply means that people with disabilities can easily access federal or municipal buildings. We’re now used to seeing these situations in lots everywhere, with designated spaces close to the building’s entrance and depressed curbs that remove the lip, which creates accessibility.

Contact us at 703-423-0471 or email us for all your commercial parking lot needs, from installation to maintenance. We work on all types of commercial properties and are ready to work on yours, too.

How To Save Time and Money with an Asphalt Parking Lot

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Asphalt Parking Lots

When it comes to managing a commercial building, there are a lot of factors that require your consideration. Unfortunately, for many property managers, one of the responsibilities that fall to the wayside is the maintenance of the parking lot. At NVM Paving & Concrete, we believe that you shouldn’t have to worry about your parking lot. To avoid ongoing concerns, building owners should consider an asphalt parking lot.

Asphalt Is Safer and Smoother

On the one hand, asphalt has a smooth appearance that may increase your business’s curb appeal. The fact that it remains smooth and durable also increases the safety rating. When you have a parking lot riddled with potholes and cracks, you run the risk of guests or staff injuring themselves on the premises.

Accidents in your parking lot can cost you money in lawsuits and damages. They can also damage your building’s reputation. Asphalt is skid-resistant and causes markings to look more vibrant. People are less likely to have accidents when using an asphalt parking lot.

Asphalt Requires Less Downtime

Downtime can harm your business. Most business owners do not have time to shut down their business for prolonged periods. If you have a poor-quality parking lot, odds are you will run into problems in the future. You may be more likely to require repairs or a complete replacement sooner than you would with other materials.

We install asphalt quicker than other materials to keep business losses due to construction down to a minimum. Likewise, asphalt requires less maintenance. During the winter’s freezing and thawing cycles, it holds up and only needs occasional sealcoating to prevent cracks.

When it comes to your business’s time and money, you cannot afford to waste either. At NVM Paving & Concrete, we understand the importance of a long-lasting, durable parking lot. Call us today at 703-423-0471 or email us to find out how an asphalt lot can save you time and money.