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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Asphalt & Concrete

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!

What To Expect With A Concrete Catch Basin Installation

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How often do you find yourself grappling with water runoff on your property? Chances are, this issue has been an unwelcome guest more times than you can count. But what if there was a solution that could alleviate this issue and improve your property’s drainage system?

That’s where concrete catch basin installation comes in. These structures are more than just components of your drainage system. They help manage excess water, preventing pooling and property damage.

So, how can you effectively install a concrete catch basin, and what should you expect? Stick with us, and we’ll walk you through the whole installation process.

Understanding Concrete Catch Basins

A concrete catch basin is an integral part of any robust drainage system. Acting as a reservoir, it captures excess water, preventing floods and potential property damage. But what is a catch basin exactly?

Picture a box-like structure, usually made of concrete. It’s fitted with a grate on top and an outlet pipe that leads water away from your property. When it rains, water runoff enters through the grate and is transported away, keeping your premises dry.

Pre-Installation Considerations

Before you roll up your sleeves and delve into the installation process, there are key factors property managers need to keep in mind. First, assess the size of your property and its proneness to water accumulation. This will help determine the ideal location and number of catch basins needed.

Second, familiarize yourself with local regulations. They often dictate how to construct and maintain drainage systems.

Lastly, pay attention to the type of soil and terrain. These factors will influence the excavation process and the overall design of the catch basin.

The Concrete Catch Basin Installation Process

Time to install a catch basin! Start with excavating the designated area. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the catch basin and the connecting pipes.

Once done, place the catch basin and secure it firmly. Now, it’s time to connect the outlet pipes. Make sure they slope slightly downwards away from the catch basin.

This slope allows water to flow easily away from your property. Once everything is connected, backfill the area with soil and gravel. Finish up by placing the grate on top.

Post-Installation Maintenance and Long-Term Benefits

Installing a catch basin is only the first step. Ensuring it continues to efficiently manage water runoff requires regular property maintenance. This includes clearing debris and leaves from the grate and checking for any potential blockages in the outlet pipes.

But why go through all this effort? Well, a well-maintained catch basin can offer long-term benefits.

It aids in effective water management, keeping your property dry and safe. Moreover, it helps prevent issues like soil erosion and flooding, ultimately contributing to the longevity and health of your property.

Stepping Towards a Better Property Maintenance Plan

A concrete catch basin installation can significantly impact the health of your property’s drainage system. Not only does it help control water runoff, but it also goes a long way in proactive property maintenance.

NVM Paving & Concrete is ready to aid you in managing your commercial property effectively. With our expertise, we can help ensure your catch basin serves your property well for years to come.

Ready to take a step towards better property management? Schedule a free estimate for your business today.

Designing a Formwork for Concrete Stairs

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When it comes to creating concrete stairs, it’s important to ensure that the necessary steps are taken beforehand to result in a high-performing build. This includes crucial steps such as designing, assessing the foundation, and most of all, formwork. The formwork is what’s going to form your concrete into the structural shape that stairs need to be. It’s one of the most important elements of creating concrete stairs. 

But what’s involved in designing a formwork for concrete stairs and how can you ensure that everything is done correctly? Stick around for everything you need to know. 

The Importance of Designing a Formwork for Concrete Stairs

The formwork for your stair projects is used to form concrete into stairs for your building. The inside of the formwork is usually coated with a specialized plastic or oil to prevent the concrete from adhering to the mold. 

Formwork for concrete stairs helps create the overall shape and size you’re looking for and holds it in place until the concrete sets. Concrete tends to be runny and messy, and applying the correct formwork helps create an even shape without the extra hassle. 

How to Design a Formwork for Concrete Stairs

It’s important to understand that creating concrete stairs requires expert engineers and professionals. This is because the overall task is considered difficult and requires skilled laborers to complete it to perfection. 

Before designing the formwork, an extensive site survey will be needed to find out more about the space you’re working with. This includes analyzing key factors such as the height of the floor, ceiling information and more. 

Once the site survey has been completed, it’s then recommended to discuss expectations. What will these stairs be used for? What is their anticipated load? How wide and thick should the stairs be to accomplish your vision? What angles need to be considered? These are all important elements of designing a formwork for concrete stairs. 

Before being able to build the formwork for concrete stairs, it’s important to ensure that the dimensions of the thread and riser are properly assessed. If the concrete stairs are going to be fixed to a wall, the line of flight needs to be documented to ensure a coherent build. 

Design experts will then be able to consult on how thick the boards need to be and how they should be supported. This is usually done through posts. Wooden boards are then used to outline the steps and are then fastened with screws to create the overall formwork. 

Get in Touch

If you’re looking to work with the number one provider of concrete construction services in Fairfax, get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help. We specialize in concrete formwork design and installation and have over 25 years of experience delivering concrete staircases that go above and beyond client expectations. Get in touch to find out more! 

Is Your Commercial Property Responsible for An Uneven Sidewalk Repair?

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Falls account for 87% of serious injuries for senior citizens. Falls can occur anywhere, but a damaged sidewalk could be a huge liability for commercial property owners.

Does your unsafe sidewalk have you worried about sidewalk accidents? Read on to learn if you require uneven sidewalk repair and whether you might be liable for uneven sidewalks.

Who Is Liable for Sidewalk Accidents?

In the event of an accident, one or more parties may be at fault. In most municipalities, it is the city that maintains and repairs sidewalks. Depending on the city’s laws, the owner of the adjacent property may also be the owner or part-owner of the property.

Cities can be hard to sue. Many municipalities have legal immunity from accidents that result from uneven sidewalks.

Even if the city is liable, there is often a short deadline to make such filings. There are often strict limits on the dollar amounts injured parties can recover.

Private properties are considerably different. A shopping center, for example, is tasked with managing its property. This means the property owner handles the safety and conditions of the sidewalk.

If someone slips and becomes injured, the property owner may be liable for that situation. If a contracted worker like a landscape company created the unsafe condition, that company may be liable for the injury.

Can the Pedestrian Be at Fault?

A judge may decide that the pedestrian was at fault for tripping and falling on the sidewalk. This may be because the pedestrian did not use reasonable care when walking in obviously hazardous conditions.

Or the sidewalk may only be minimally uneven and unlikely to cause a pedestrian to fall. A judge may also determine that the injuries sustained could not reasonably have been caused by the alleged fall. In some fraudulent cases, plaintiffs have tried to use pre-existing injuries to justify litigation.

How Do I Repair My Uneven Sidewalk?

Concrete and asphalt repair is affordable and straightforward. Simple maintenance can keep your commercial business looking its best. Maintenance provides a safe walking environment for your clients and customers.

NVM is a full-service provider, meaning we can repair all kinds of concrete structures. Do you have concerns about the safety of your sidewalks? Don’t hesitate to make these minor repairs before it leads to an avoidable accident.

Our experts are able to find and repair all sorts of cracks in asphalt and concrete. Having your parking lot repaired can even help your business stay ADA-compliant.

Learn More About Uneven Sidewalk Repair

Owning a commercial property comes with important responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is uneven sidewalk repair. Whether you are building a sidewalk, repairing one, or needing to rebuild, NVM is here to help.

Give us a call or fill out our online form. Our paving experts will discuss your project in depth. We have a dedicated crew to see your project through on time and on budget.

How to Prepare Your Property before Getting Commercial Concrete Work

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Concrete is one of the best construction materials available, primarily due to its durability, versatility, and affordability. Concrete is also fire resistant, easy to work with, low maintenance, and energy efficient. If you are planning a commercial project, it makes sense to opt for concrete as your construction material of choice.

If you have a property that is getting commercial concrete work done, there are a number of steps you should take to properly prepare the site. In this blog post, we will highlight the steps you should take. This is whether the concrete is being poured outdoors or indoors. Let’s get started.

For Concrete Being Poured Outdoors

As a property owner or manager, the first thing you should do is clear away any obstructions. For example, any trees, brushes, or physical objects that are in the way of where the concrete will be poured should be removed. In the case of vegetation, it’s important to ensure that the roots are also removed.

The entire area should, as much as possible, remain clear so that the concrete mixing trucks and workers can move about with ease. This will help speed up the work. Also, make a plan that ensures that your commercial activity is not affected by the presence of workers at the job site.

Once you have prepared the property for commercial concrete work, the contractors will commence with the various steps. This includes everything from soil preparation, sub-base, formwork, and more.

For Concrete Being Poured Indoors

The work area should be closed off so that employees, customers, or anyone else does not have access. The area itself should be cleared of any objects that will interfere with the progress of the work.

Any nearby furniture or objects that cannot be removed from close to the work site should be covered with a drop cloth to prevent damage. Check that there are no tripping hazards in the vicinity of the work area so that workers are safe at all times.

You may also need to make plans for your commercial activity, depending on the specific location of the indoor project. Employees and/or customers may need to be informed about the work in advance.

If you have any questions or queries about how to properly prepare a commercial area for concrete work, you should speak to the contractor you have hired.

Preparing Your Property for Commercial Concrete Work

The above information will help you to properly prepare your property for commercial concrete work. This will ensure that the contractor is able to complete the work in a timely and efficient manner. It also helps to promote safety throughout the project.

For professional paving and concrete work across Virginia, Maryland, and DC, your premier choice is NVM Paving & Concrete. We are a full-service paving and concrete contractor available for projects of all sizes and scopes. Contact us today for a commercial quote.

How To Identify Different Types of Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

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Did you know that more than 40% of America’s road system is in poor or mediocre condition?

Despite the fact that asphalt pavement is a durable and long-lasting material, it will still develop cracks over time. These cracks can be unsightly and can even cause further damage if you do not identify and treat them.

Fortunately, there are methods you can use to identify different types of cracks in asphalt pavement. To make things easier for you, we have written a short guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

Types of Asphalt Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

If you want to identify the different types of asphalt pavement cracks, you will first need to familiarize yourself with the different types of cracks. Here are several of the most common types that you should know about.

Block Cracking

These interconnected cracks resemble the shape of an alligator’s skin. They are usually caused by a failure in the subgrade or a lack of support beneath the asphalt surface.

Edge Cracking

This type of crack forms along the edges of the pavement. Edge cracking is caused by a lack of support at the edges of the pavement, or by heavy traffic and heavy vehicles.

Transverse Cracking

Traverse cracking runs perpendicular to the centerline of the pavement. These cracks are typically caused by repeated loading and unloading of the pavement.

Reflection Cracking

These cracks form when somebody lays an asphalt surface over a concrete surface that already has cracks. Reflection cracks will develop if the underlying concrete moves.

Slippage Cracking

Slippage cracking is caused by a lack of bonding between the asphalt surface and the underlying layer. A surface might develop these cracks if you have not been properly maintaining it.

How to Identify Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

It is essential to identify the cracks in the pavement, especially if you plan on resurfacing a parking lot. There are several ways to do this. One of the most common ways is to simply look for them.

You should also look for signs of deterioration. For example, if the surface of the pavement is uneven or has become rough and bumpy, this could be an indication of cracks beneath the surface.

Another way to identify cracks in asphalt pavement is to look for signs of water damage. Cracks in the pavement can allow water to penetrate beneath the surface. This can lead to further damage.

If you notice water pooling on the surface of the pavement or if the surface is discolored, this could be an indication of cracks.

Know How to Identify Asphalt Pavement Cracks

If you are a commercial property or facility manager, it is essential to know how to identify different types of cracks in asphalt pavement. If you identify asphalt cracks, you’ll need to repair them as soon as possible.

Do you need help identifying and repairing asphalt pavement cracks on your commercial property? If so, keep in mind that we can help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!