Asphalt & Concrete

When constructing pavement, one of the many important factors to consider is what material you should use. There are various options, but from an environmental and practical standpoint, asphalt is the ideal paving material due to its recyclability and its low-emission impact.

Asphalt Is Greatly Reusable

Up to 99 percent of all asphalt that you see on the road today is made from recycled materials. After old or damaged asphalt has been taken off the road, it can be reworked quickly and put back into use without many additional ingredients. Items from other industries, such as rubber and glass, can also be incorporated into asphalt. That means that with this mixture of old pavement and other recycled goods, very few new materials have to be manufactured to lay down new pavement and this is one of the reasons asphalt is the ideal paving material.

Lower Emissions Result From Asphalt Use

Some construction projects require concrete which can take a while to set and cannot be used for some time. This is not ideal for busy roads that need to be used daily by many people since construction could create massive traffic problems, resulting in drivers idling for long periods of time. Asphalt can alleviate this because once it has cooled, it can be put into use, allowing traffic to flow as usual and reduce emissions from idling vehicles. In the production of asphalt itself, factories have been able to decrease emissions by almost 97 percent even while manufacturing increased 250 percent.

Other Environmental Benefits Come With Asphalt

Asphalt has been shown not to leach away nutrients in the soil, so it has very little impact on the environment once it is laid down. In addition, when being repaired, only the top layer of asphalt needs to be replaced, which reduces the energy that would otherwise come with having to replace the entire pavement.

NVM Paving & Concrete provides asphalt construction and maintenance to keep your pavement working as it should. Schedule a free estimate for your next project by calling us today at 703-426-2700!

Are you getting ready to invest in a new concrete driveway or parking lot?

If so, you might be thinking, “why seal concrete when it’s already such a strong and durable material?”

Yes, concrete is tough. Some even believe it was used to build the pyramids in Egypt.

But it’s not invincible.

And if you want to get the most out of a concrete project, then you’ll want to strongly consider sealing it.

Why Seal Concrete?

Aside from being cost-effective and relatively easy to apply, there are many other benefits to using a sealant.

Among those benefits are:

1. Protection

Of course, your concrete is exposed to the elements. From the heat of the blazing sun to hard rains and possibly damaging ice and snow.

But then there’s also the oil spills and other stains that come from cars, trucks and other vehicles.

All of these can damage your concrete, so it’s important to protect it with a sealer.

Plus, a concrete sealer will lock out moisture – thereby lessening the damage that comes from freezing and thawing

2. Extended Life

An average concrete driveway can last 25-30 years. The operative word being “can.”

While you can expect that sort of life from your concrete, you’ll likely end up replacing it sooner if you don’t protect it. Without sealant, it’ll suffer from discoloration, cracking or even crumbling.

But when you opt to seal your concrete, you increase the chance that your concrete will last for those 25-30 years.

3. Increased Durability

Keeping your concrete looking great is one thing. Keeping it functional is another.

When your exterior concrete is repeatedly exposed to the harsh elements, it gets weakened. Then cracking, scaling and other concrete problems can occur.

By sealing your concrete, you enhance its durability – which can prevent damage. So to keep your concrete looking and working great, take the extra step to have it sealed.

4. Mold Deterrent

While concrete is solid and strong, it is also porous due to the entrapped air that’s part of the mixing process. And that means it absorbs moisture.

As we mentioned above, moisture – especially freezing and thawing – can easily crack concrete. But that moisture has another drawback – mold and mildew.

If your concrete stays moist for a long time and doesn’t have a chance to dry, mold and mildew can form. This can create a green discoloration on your concrete surface.

By sealing your concrete, you inhibit the possibility of mold growth. In turn, your concrete looks better for longer amounts of time.

5. Color Enhancement

If you’re opting for application of color, then you’ll definitely want to use a sealant to protect your concrete.

Along with all of the other damage that concrete sustains by being exposed to the elements, discoloration is another. And it doesn’t take long for your concrete application to start looking dingy or old.

Therefore, along with all of the other benefits, applying a sealer will also help keep your concrete’s color intact.

Protect Your Investment

If you’re looking to get the most out of your concrete project, we hope the answer to “why seal concrete?” is now clear.

And if you’re looking for reliable concrete paving services, contact us today. We’ll conduct an on-site evaluation and then provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for service.

The concrete outside your building begins to deteriorate as soon as it’s cured. There are different things to watch for that can age your concrete and make it look untidy. If left unchecked, these things could lead to expensive repairs becoming necessary. Instead, keep this list of tricks in your toolbox for when you need to make your concrete look like new again.

Staining

Acrylic, acid and polymer stains work with old and new concrete. While this practice isn’t for everyone, it can be a great way to freshen the look of outside concrete. Stains come in a variety of colors and designs can also be etched into the surface for a unique look. A stain takes about 1 to 4 hours to dry but leaving it for 24 hours makes sure you get a great finish.

Resurfacing

Concrete that is structurally sound but has a few aesthetic defects can be fixed with resurfacing. This process quickly overlays a new surface that looks the same as replacing your concrete with a lot less cost and effort. Both staining and resurfacing have a secondary step that can be done on its own or alongside one of these to make your concrete look great: sealing.

Sealing

Since concrete is porous, you should schedule regular sealings to keep moisture from seeping in and soaking the underlying soil. This moisture can also widen cracks and make existing holes larger. A coat of sealing solution can reduce your concrete’s porosity and protect it from water damage. This keeps it looking new longer.

Eco-Blasting

When your concrete is dirty, it looks aged. Eco-blasting is an environmentally friendly way to remove dirt and debris from your concrete, making it shine like new again. There are no harsh chemicals and your concrete is safe to use right after the job’s done.

Do you have a paving need at one of your properties? Contact NVM Paving & Concrete today by calling me at (703) 372-9335 or sending an email to markb@nvmpaving.info to get a free estimate for your next project.

Parking lots, multi-family driveways and other paved surfaces are prone to cracking. While some cracks may be on the surface or need little to no repair, the health of your asphalt may rely on a professional inspection. There are two categories of cracks in asphalt and this is how you can fix them.

Shrinkage Crack

A shrinkage crack is the most common type of crack. Oxidation dries out the asphalt and it can shrink and crack like drying mud. These cracks begin as hairline cracks and work their way down to the base of the asphalt. Unfortunately, even for small cracks, the moisture can penetrate the concrete and lead to further damage.

Stress Crack

Stress cracks form when the asphalt is not strong enough to hold the weight that it is expected to carry. Weight presses down hard against the pavement and hence causes it to bend. Often you will see these types of cracks on road edges or in front of dumpsters.

Crack Sealant

Crack sealant is famous for preserving asphalt. Whenever you have a crack, little or big, prioritize sealing them. Your parking lot’s lifespan will drop dramatically if you have moisture entering through the cracks in the top. As the moisture moves downward, it can erode the base and destroy its load bearing capacity. Shrinkage cracks can lead to stress cracks and keep in mind that the latter is more difficult to repair. Sealant is all you need for a shrinkage crack. However, when it comes to stress cracks that begin at the base, it may take more work to fix the cracks.

Contractors use sealcoats to prevent shrinkage caused by oxidation from the water and sun, whereas fog seals restore oils that help restore asphalt’s flexibility.

Asphalt seal is the best at taking care of cracks in the pavement. The sooner you fix a crack, the less likely it is to grow and become more serious over time. For a reliable contractor to help you through asphalt maintenance, contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling (703) 372-9335 or sending an email to markb@nvmpaving.info to get a free estimate for your next project.