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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Asphalt & Concrete

Top Tips on Choosing the Right Concrete Coating for Your Project

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Concrete flooring is the ideal choice for commercial floors because it’s cost-effective, customizable, and durable. All of the things you would want in your commercial space.

However, concrete floors can still stain, crack, and cause other problems you don’t want to deal with. Luckily, concrete coating options exist to combat these issues and enhance the overall look of a space.

On the hunt for the best concrete coating? Keep reading to learn tips that will help you choose.

Consider the Condition of Your Concrete

Looking at the current condition of the commercial concrete slab is essential before choosing a coating system. The materials and methods you’ll use to make repairs will have an effect on coating selection.

For example, if you choose a thick concrete coating before making repairs, you are just adding layers over the current slab. This could result in your floor being too high.

You should also consider what conditions your flooring will be exposed to. You need a coating system that has the necessary chemical and physical properties to perform under conditions such as thermal shock, chemical exposure, etc.

Check Coating Performance

Concrete coating performance varies based on the type of coating you choose. in general, epoxy coatings have these characterizations:

  • Superior adhesion
  • Chemical resistance
  • Mechanical property resistance

Urethane formulas have the same characteristics with excellent gloss resistance. Coating systems that are hybrids of the two have great mechanical and thermal resistance.

The performance of a concrete coating depends on the film thickness as well, so check this component before making a decision.

Evaluate Durability

Concrete coating durability is one of the main things you should check before making a decision.

To evaluate durability, check the real service life of the solution you are thinking about choosing. There are various concrete coatings that can last long enough to see a return on investment and beyond.

As much as it would be beneficial, no concrete coating system is going to last forever.

The best way to ensure your coating stays on for its entire lifespan is through regular maintenance.

Think About Location

Where will the concrete coating installation process take place? With different types of concrete coating options, there are ones better suited for a warehouse than for redesigning an office floor.

The product you require depends entirely on where it will be installed. If you want it in your office, you’ll need to think about aesthetics as well.

A concrete coating system can protect your floors and make your commercial space look well-maintained and more professional. Make sure you select a product that complements the look you are going for.

Your Next Project Awaits: Choosing a Concrete Coating

Choosing the best concrete coating for your space is easy when you follow these helpful tips. If you still find that you don’t know what coating solution is best for your space, hire the professionals!

At NVM Paving & Concrete, we have over 35 years of experience in various concrete services. We can help you choose the concrete coating product that works best for your commercial needs.

Let’s start your next project! Request a quote from us now.

Why Milling Blacktop is Key to Pavement Rehabilitation

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Asphalt is renowned for its strength and repairability. This toughness and easy repair is fortunate for commercial entities because constant exposure to sunlight and water wears away at the surface.

You can fix asphalt in a variety of ways. There’s skin patching, seal coating (which is more preventative), and asphalt milling – the latter of which is the focus of this article.

Milling asphalt is effective because it allows for in-depth diagnoses and widescale repairs. But what exactly does this form of pavement rehabilitation entail?

Below is a handy guide to better explain asphalt milling, what pavement repairs it addresses, and the different types and benefits.

Milling Blacktop: What Does It Mean?

So, you just read that milling asphalt serves as pavement repair and diagnosis. But how does that work?

Asphalt milling removes the pavement surface to uniformly retexture or create a base for replacement. Milling makes it easier to fix or replace the entire top surface of an asphalt structure without destroying it.

Milling restores surfaces like roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways. Here are the structural issues milling helps to repair:

  • Cracking
  • Raveling
    • Is when aggregate becomes dislodged
    • Causing a rough and uneven surface
  • Bleeding (or flushing)
    • Happens when oil-based asphalt binder fills aggregate voids

Asphalt milling helps contractors better inspect deep structural issues. Surface patching is possible but pointless if you don’t know the underlying problem.

No One Size Fits All: Milling Options

Which milling option you employ depends on the situation. For example, fine milling is when you remove damaged asphalt, repair the foundation, and lay a new surface on top.

The goal is to make the uppermost layer look new. Planing is more complex and is often used on larger properties and major roadways. Planing creates a level surface for vehicular and commercial use.

Planning takes the old, damaged surface and creates an aggregate. This mixture becomes a level surface free of slips and potholes. The final milling option to discuss is micro-milling.

Micro-milling upends the upper layer of asphalt and old pavement repairs. It reveals a fresh surface that bonds better with new pavement resurfacing treatments.

You’ll only remove an inch or less of pavement with micro-milling. This rehabilitation method is considered more preventative maintenance – the point is to keep surface damage from getting worse.

The Benefits of Asphalt Milling

Milling asphalt offers many benefits, making it a smart choice for pavement restoration. One major advantage is that it allows the new overlay to maintain the original pavement elevations and water flow lines. If you skip milling and overlay with a 2-inch layer, the elevations can change, potentially causing water drainage problems and ponding.

Additionally, milling is environmentally friendly because it recycles materials, often using them in other road projects, reducing waste and conserving resources. It’s a sustainable method with no fire, smoke, or high energy consumption, which is better for the environment.

Milling is also cost-effective. Resurfacing just the upper pavement layer is cheaper than repaving the entire road, saving money and causing minimal disruption to traffic, making it a practical choice for road maintenance.

Need Pavement Repairs?

Milling blacktop is a low-cost, versatile, and environmentally-friendly pavement rehabilitation option. But it is only one of many commercial services NVM Pavement & Concrete offers. We also provide:

  • Asphalt seal coating, repair, and maintenance
  • Asphalt and concrete construction
  • Concrete maintenance and coating
  • Parking lot striping

We conduct site evaluations with free, no-obligation quotes, so contact us for repairs or maintenance today!

How to Choose the Right Asphalt Construction Company

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A quality asphalt construction company knows that a parking lot’s aggregate subbase layer should never be under six inches thick. Hiring the wrong company can result in your commercial construction project having a subpar parking lot. This can have a significant impact on your business.

A low-quality parking lot will have increased maintenance costs while making a poor first impression on customers. Avoid the pitfalls of lousy asphalt by following this guide to choosing the best company.

License

Any business you work with should have a license and insurance in good standing. These are signs the business is a legitimate one. You need a business you can trust to file the necessary building permits.

Experience

Look at how long the company has been in business. The longer the company has operated, the more experience it has.

In addition, the more likely it is a high-quality business. A company that does poor-quality work will get a reputation and not be in business long.

Professional Reputation

Ask around to find out about an asphalt contractor’s professional reputation. Commercial construction runs on tight budgets and timelines. The company you hire for your asphalt works must have a professional reputation.

References can provide you with insight into the company’s past work. Ask about communication, timeliness, and level of professionalism.

Services Offered

Your beautiful new parking lot won’t last forever. Eventually, it will need maintenance and repair.

A commercial paving contractor that offers these services can be ideal because it allows you to develop an ongoing professional relationship. NVM Paving & Concrete provides several asphalt services.

  • Asphalt Construction
  • Asphalt Repair
  • Asphalt Maintenance
  • Asphalt Sealcoating

Materials and Methods Used

There are many asphalt paving mixes and methods. The one used for your parking lot should be ideal for your climate and intended use. An experienced asphalt contractor will know what mix to use for each commercial project.

In addition, how well a parking lot lasts heavily depends on the base’s quality. There are multiple options for base materials used and their layer thickness. The person you meet with should be able to explain the best base layer design for your project and why.

Cost

A crucial part of the contractor selection process is bidding. Create a short list of asphalt companies that look promising. Request a project quote from each of them.

Compare the quotes to find the best quality company for a price you can afford. Pay attention to the quote’s details and not just the final price. The lowest bid may look appealing until you see that it includes low-quality materials and labor shortcuts.

Warranty

Ask a potential asphalt construction company if they offer a warranty for their work. A quality company will have confidence in their work and provide a warranty for the completed project.

Hire an Asphalt Construction Company

A commercial construction project comes together when the asphalt paving gets completed. Hiring a high-quality asphalt construction company is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the project’s paved surfaces. NVM Paving & Concrete has over 35 years of experience in offering a wide variety of asphalt services.

Request a quote for asphalt services for your next construction project.

Asphalt Repair and Maintenance: A Brief Guide

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Almost 95% of all paved roads in the U.S. have asphalt surfaces. Asphalt is a great material as it is long-lasting and quick to lay. It is also recyclable for the most part, so asphalt repair is a good eco-friendly option.

To get the most out of your asphalt and concrete surfaces, you need to understand how to maintain them.

This article provides a guide about asphalt repair and maintenance. We cover everything from drainage to resurfacing. Let’s take a look!

Keep Surfaces Clean

The easiest way to keep commercial pavements and asphalt in good condition is to clean them. Dirt, stones, and garbage can all contribute to the degradation of the surface.

During the winter months, sweeping up debris helps to prevent black ice from forming. This makes your paved areas much safer to navigate.

It also helps to increase the value of your commercial property. When your parking lot and paved areas are clean and well-kept, this will increase your curb appeal.

Prioritize Timely Asphalt Repair

Cracks and potholes can sometimes occur on asphalt surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas. Prevent these from worsening by being proactive with commercial pavement repair and maintenance.

If you don’t act fast, this damage can make the parking lot or pavement unsafe. In commercial buildings where there is a lot of foot traffic and cars, you don’t want any accidents to occur.

As a property owner, include a sum of funds to cover pavement repairs in your budget. This way if you have to pay for repairs, they can get done immediately and prevent it from getting worse.

Invest in Drainage

Excess water can be a huge problem for concrete and asphalt. The water can affect the bonds in these materials, causing them to break down and fall apart.

If water gets inside cracks during winter, when temperatures drop it will freeze. This can expand the cracks, meaning more water can get inside and the cycle continues.

If you are laying a new paved area, it is best to work with professionals rather than doing it yourself. Paving companies will know how to design your project with adequate drainage.

Regular Resurfacing and Sealcoating

One of the main parts of the concrete or asphalt repair process is to resurface. Schedule regular resurfacing and pavement maintenance.

You should do this when you notice that the top layer starts showing signs of wear and tear. You should also do inspections of the edges, as this is an area that often gets neglected.

You can also protect surfaces using sealcoating. This will act as a defence against UV rays and the weather, which can make the surface more brittle.

It also prevents damage from chemicals which might leak from cars, such as petrol or engine oil.

Prioritize Concrete and Asphalt Repair

If you own a commercial property with asphalt or concrete surfaces, you need to take care of them. By making asphalt repair a priority, you increase the safety and longevity of your paved area.

Hiring an experienced asphalt and concrete construction team is the best way to do this. At NVM Paving & Concrete, we are passionate about top-quality construction and repair services.

Get in touch with us today to organize a consultation for all your paving needs!

Durable and Practical: Exploring Concrete Flatwork Solutions

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There’s no doubt that commercial buildings experience maximum interaction with people and machines daily. And with much use comes wear and tear, which is bad news for property owners. You don’t have to go down the road of endless repairs because concrete flatwork can provide you and your clients with the best and most long-lasting service.

So, what is concrete flatwork, and why should you use it instead of other options?

Let’s find out!

What Is Concrete Flatwork?

Concrete flatwork refers to any poured surface with horizontal mobility. And although it is considered pricy, it does not require frequent repairs and can serve public facilities for a long time.

Some of the common examples include:

Sidewalks

Sidewalks are gaining popularity daily in many commercial properties. Typically, they are made from a concrete mix of water, sand, cement, and small rocks. Sometimes, contractors add certain finishes to ensure the surface isn’t slippery when wet.

Parking Lots

Parking lots bear heavy weight from automobiles all day and some round-the-clock. This means a shoddy job on your parking lot may result in potholes and other damages that may cost you to repair often.

Moreover, a parking lot informs your prospective clients about your commercial services. If you have an efficient parking lot featuring smooth, well-marked lines, and traffic flow, you create a good first impression, convincing them your building is worth leasing.

Dumpster Pads

Dumpster pads are a great addition to commercial properties as they offer multiple solutions. They provide a space for dumpsters without damaging your building or the grass. They also enhance your drainage system, preventing water accumulation outdoors and facilitating easy cleaning.

Why Use Concrete Flatwork?

Why apply concrete flatwork in your commercial building? Here are some of the possible benefits for your commercial property.

Long Lasting

Concrete is made from robust materials, including cement, rocks, and sand. This enables your sidewalks and parking lots to withstand heavy weights and endless walks around the clock without wearing out. Hence, you can serve your clients for a long period without repairs.

Exceptional Customer Experience

The key to a successful commercial business is providing excellent client service. Concrete flatwork ensures this by establishing fitting solutions to help your clients easily navigate the offices. For instance, when you install sidewalks, utilizing a wheelchair or cane becomes less challenging.

Moreover, they help maintain clean outdoors, which is crucial for your clients. This way, you can keep delivering a great customer experience and reaping business benefits.

Cost-Efficient

Concrete flatwork has an average life expectancy of 7.5 years. This means you can go for decades without major repairs after an efficient installation service. As a result, it saves you frequent repair costs, making it cost-effective.

Why not save money by hiring a concrete and asphalt expert?

Versatility

Concrete flatwork can be easily customized to your preferences. For instance, you can add decorative finishes that appeal to your prospective clients or apply different designs depending on your building needs.

It also serves different purposes, like keeping the place neat and guiding your clients’ visitors if it’s their first time coming to the office. In addition, they facilitate efficient drainage in your outdoor space.

Enhance Your Building with Concrete Flatwork!

Are you looking for a long-lasting outdoor solution for your commercial property? Concrete flatwork does an incredible job by providing durable service to your clients while preserving your commercial property. Contact your concrete flatwork expert today for superior installation service!

The Importance of Timely Catch Basin Repair

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When it comes to maintaining a well paved parking lot or road, safety and aesthetics come first. While there are many factors that contribute to the durability of asphalt surfaces, there is one element that is often overlooked: the catch basins. Catch basins play an important role in the management of stormwater runoff and the prevention of flooding. However, they need to be inspected regularly and repaired as soon as possible in order to function properly. In this blog, we’ll take a look at why catch basin repair is important and why they shouldn’t be overlooked.

1. Stormwater Management

Catch basins are vital components of a comprehensive stormwater management system. They collect rainwater and direct it into the underground drainage system, preventing puddles and flooding on the pavement. Properly functioning catch basins help maintain the structural integrity of the road or parking lot by preventing water from infiltrating the base layers, which can weaken the pavement over time.

Neglecting catch basin repairs can lead to clogs, blockages, and decreased efficiency in diverting stormwater. This, in turn, can result in ponding water, erosion, and the deterioration of the pavement, creating hazardous driving conditions and expensive repairs down the road.

2. Preventing Sinkholes

One of the most severe consequences of catch basin neglect is the formation of sinkholes. When catch basins become damaged or blocked, water can infiltrate the soil underneath the pavement, causing it to erode and create voids. Over time, these voids can lead to the formation of sinkholes, which can be not only costly to repair but also extremely dangerous for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Timely catch basin repairs can prevent sinkholes from forming by ensuring that stormwater is properly managed and doesn’t erode the soil beneath the pavement. This proactive approach can save property owners significant amounts of money in the long run.

3. Prolonging Pavement Life

Catch basins play a pivotal role in extending the lifespan of asphalt surfaces. When water is allowed to infiltrate the pavement layers, it can weaken the base and subbase materials, leading to cracks, potholes, and other pavement defects. By effectively redirecting stormwater away from the pavement, catch basins help preserve its structural integrity.

Regular inspections and prompt catch basin repairs ensure that this protective function is maintained. Investing in these repairs is a cost-effective strategy for prolonging the life of your asphalt surface and avoiding the more substantial expenses associated with full pavement replacement.

4. Legal Compliance

Many municipalities and local authorities have strict regulations regarding stormwater management. Neglected catch basins that fail to effectively redirect stormwater can result in legal and regulatory issues, potentially leading to fines and penalties. Timely catch basin repairs not only help you stay compliant with these regulations but also demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility and community safety.

5. Aesthetic Appeal

Catch basins, when in good condition, contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of your property. Neglected and damaged catch basins can be unsightly and detract from the visual appeal of your parking lot or road. By keeping catch basins in good repair, you not only ensure functionality but also enhance the appearance of your property, leaving a positive impression on visitors, customers, and tenants.

Contact Us for Catch Basin Repair

In conclusion, catch basin repairs are critical to the health and safety of your property. While catch basins may appear to be small, they play an important role in storm water management, pavement maintenance, and property upkeep. When catch basins are neglected, there are a number of issues that can arise, ranging from sinkholes and legal issues to costly repairs and safety hazards.

By scheduling regular inspections and repairs for your catch basins, you’re not only protecting your investment, but you’re also helping to create safer, more attractive, and more environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major one – contact us to schedule a repair for your catch basin today!