Asphalt Maintenance

What Are The Main Causes of Potholes?

March 3, 2023 by Corinne

If you are a commercial property manager, potholes are probably one of your biggest headaches. They cause road damage and make it difficult for customers to navigate. They were also expected to cost American businesses $240 billion by the end of 2022.

But what causes potholes, and how can they be prevented? This quick guide will examine the main causes behind those pesky potholes so that you can better understand why they appear in the first place and, more importantly, how to avoid them in the future.

What Are Potholes?

Potholes are an, unfortunately, all too common sight on commercial properties. Before we discuss what causes potholes, it is important to understand what they are so you know what to look for. They can appear seemingly out of nowhere and quickly turn a smooth drive into a pock-marked journey.

While potholes look like cracks in asphalt, they are quite different; pothole edges tend to be jagged, whereas crack edges are usually somewhat smooth.

Overall, potholes can be extremely dangerous as they can cause serious damage to a vehicle if not avoided. As a commercial property manager or facility manager, it is important to understand they could also lead to expensive legal battles if they cause enough damage.

What Causes Potholes?

There are a few main causes of potholes. In general, they occur when water seeps into the pavement of roads and freezes. As the ice expands, it cracks and breaks apart pieces of asphalt. When cars continue to drive over potholes, they become bigger and can seriously damage drivers who do not notice them in time.

Weakened Pavement

Weakened pavement is one of the key causes of potholes. After all, groundwater cannot get inside if the pavement is strong and sealed properly. So, it is important to ensure your roads are properly maintained.

Cracks and other damage to pavement can be a sign that weakened pavement is leading to future pothole problems. If left untreated, weakened pavement can worsen until it leads to a full-fledged pothole.

Water

As mentioned above, when melted ice and frozen water come into contact with roads and highways, it has a surprisingly damaging effect.

As the melted ice mixes with dirt, rocks, and other debris on the asphalt surface, it creates opportunities for air and moisture to reach the foundation layers of the pavement. This causes significant damage to those lower layers. Consider the freezing point of water and pay special attention to your commercial pavement when the weather gets cold.

Traffic

The vibration from traffic, especially from traffic involving heavy vehicles like trucks, affects the quality of pavement and asphalt, making it unable to support traffic in the long run. Over time, these constant vibrations cause cracks in the surface. Eventually, they develop into potholes as pieces of them chip away.

Additionally, when cars drive over pre-existing potholes, they can get bigger or cause more damage by further chipping away at the surface around them.

Asphalt Repair & Management

Understanding what causes potholes is the first step. Next, you will want to take measures to prevent them from forming in the first place. Fortunately, potholes do not have to be unavoidable with proper maintenance.

NVM Paving is dedicated to delivering superior asphalt repair and maintenance. When you contact us for regular maintenance, you will be helping to extend the life of your pavement and save yourself money in the future. Do not let potholes be an issue; contact us now and ensure a long-lasting asphalt surface.

How To Identify Different Types of Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

February 1, 2023 by Corinne

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!

A Guide on Maintaining Your Commercial Paving

January 6, 2023 by Corinne

After you spend a lot of money on a commercial property, the last thing that you want to do is forgo the maintenance and be even more out of money a few years down the road. That is why learning more about how to maintain your commercial paving is extremely important.

Not all paving is created equal, so knowing the right commercial paving tips can come in handy.

If you are ready to save money and keep your property looking nice, read on for more about commercial pavement maintenance.

Get Regular Inspections

If you want to ensure that your pavement is in good condition year-round, you should make sure that you are getting regular inspections. As much as you could look at the pavement, you are not an expert in the field most likely, which means that you do not know exactly what you were looking for.

A professional is able to look much more closely and understand what is going on with your commercial pavement to maintain it.

Keep It Clean

This may seem self-explanatory, but if you do not keep your pavement clean, you are going to need to replace it much sooner. If your pavement becomes dirty or stained it can hurt the lifespan pavement.

This is because in the dirt, the stains, or the grime that you notice on the pavement there may be chemicals that can slowly degrade the pavement itself.

However, it is not as easy as you may think to keep pavement clean. Hiring professionals is the best way to go about it to ensure optimal cleaning.

Do Not Wait on Repairs

It can be tempting to put other priorities first when you know that you need to repair the pavement. However, if you wait to do repairs, the pavement may be worse off.

The last thing you probably want to deal with is more repairs and fixes (and more money out of pocket) if you wait to repair your pavement longer than you should.

Always Remove Snow

If you live in a snowy area, it is important that you remove snow before it causes damage. Removing snow is vital in order to maintain the pavement. Not to mention, if you do not remove it, your business is not going to be accessible or safe.

Taking Care of Your Commercial Paving

While there are many things that you need to take care of at your business, that outside of your business is just as important as what goes on inside. That means that you need to take care of your commercial paving. With these tips, you know exactly what you need to do to make your pavement last as long as possible.

If you want to hire a professional for the maintenance of your pavement, you can contact us here today. At NVM Paving & Concrete, we want to ensure that you have the best-maintained pavement around.

Safe Ways for Pavement Deicing

January 6, 2023 by Corinne

According to the CDC, over 800,000 people visit the hospital due to a slip and fall injury each year. Maryland and Virginia’s winters compound this risk for residents throughout their daily lives. Business owners must accept liability when a slip and fall injury happens on commercial property.

Commercial property and facility managers are responsible for keeping their pavements safe and ice-free during winter. Pavement deicing is essential to ensure that customers and employees can access your premises without slipping or falling on icy surfaces.

But how should you go about deicing your pavement this winter? This blog post will discuss the different methods for safely deicing your pavement this winter.

Keep reading to learn more about the safest, most reliable ways to keep your pavement ice-free.

Why Pavement Deicing is Necessary

Snow and ice are injuries waiting to happen. You do not want to become responsible for hurting another person. But personal safety goes beyond empathy as it also impacts your business.

For example, injured workers can not work, and injured customers stay home. Plus, if a customer slips and falls on your commercial property, you may lose their business for good.

Finally, as a Virginian commercial business, you are subject to premises liability laws. Neglecting to take pavement deicing measures in the winter opens you up to a lawsuit. So, pavement deicing is more than the safe thing to do– it is the legal thing to do.

Rock Salt or Ice Melt

Rock salt and ice melt are effective pavement maintenance methods among facility managers. Rock salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a standard solution for melting ice on the pavement.

Rock salt is available in larger chunks and is cheaper than other deicing solutions. But it can damage pavement if not used properly.

On the other hand, ice melt is a blend of either calcium chloride or magnesium chloride mixed with sodium chloride in pellet form. It is a more expensive solution but will melt ice faster than rock salt and does not cause pavement damage.

Ice melt is often the preferred option for deicing pavement after a winter storm. It works faster at melting ice and snow, making it easier for property managers to clear parking lots or walkways.

Abrasive Ice Covering

Abrasive coverings are much more cost-effective than rock salt yet still provide the necessary traction to prevent accidents from occurring. An alternative to salt and rock salt is to use an abrasive covering, such as:

Kitty litter
Sand
Wood shavings
Sawdust

These materials help melt the ice while providing a non-slip surface for employees and customers walking on the pavement. After winter storms or when clearing snow, these materials are ideal for preventing slips and fall injuries. They also have a lower environmental impact than chemical deicing options.

Paving and Concrete Companies in Virginia

The best way to take care of your employees and customers this winter is to give them safe walkways. Pavement deicing is an essential step in this process. But safe walkways begin with well-maintained pavement.

NVM paving is the premiere paving and concrete company in Virginia, from new paving to maintenance service. Our pavement experts can give you the advice you need to keep your walkways safe this winter. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

3 Tips for Patching Asphalt Efficiently Using an Asphalt Patch Truck

December 6, 2022 by Corinne

Can you believe that there are over 4 million miles of public road across the United States?

It is an unfortunate fact that more than 40% of these roads are considered either mediocre or poor and are in need of asphalt repair. While asphalt is great for vehicles, it does not last forever. The good news is that you can use an asphalt patch truck to fix almost any issues.

Are you unsure of how to handle this machinery in the most efficient way? Keep reading to learn the 3 top tips for patching asphalt using an asphalt patch truck.

1. Do Not Speed

While it is understandable that you would want to get the job done as fast as possible, speeding over a damaged road can result in a low-quality fix. It may even get to the point where you will have to scrape the uneven asphalt away before starting all over again. This will make the job much longer and harder than it has to be.

The old saying “slow and steady wins the race” definitely applies to patching asphalt. This is something to keep in mind when maintaining your business’s driveways, parking lots, and more.

2. Remove Any Collected Debris

Are you still wondering how to patch asphalt? Before you attempt to fill a pothole or a series of cracks, you should take the time to remove the debris that has collected inside.

From leaves and dirt to dead bugs and candy wrappers, these things can end up compromising the integrity of your asphalt over time. A wire street broom or a similar tool can come in handy for this task.

There may even be some vegetation that has taken hold in or around the problem areas. This should be uprooted and thrown away as well.

3. Get the Right Amount of Asphalt

If you want more patching asphalt tips, then be sure that you have gauged the amount of asphalt correctly. The last thing you would want is to run out of the material before you have finished the job. This could end up ruining the look and flow.

This is why it is a good idea to survey the area and make note of each crack and hole that needs filling. You should also rate the severity of the damage on a scale from low to high. Creating an asphalt pavement repair game plan can make things much easier when using your asphalt patch truck.

Ready to Use an Asphalt Patch Truck?

Now that you have learned 3 tips for patching asphalt using an asphalt patch truck, you will make any road look as good as new. That way, you can save the day anytime there is an imperfection or even a pothole on your asphalt.

Instead of dealing with these issues on a regular basis, you should seek out the tried and true services of NVM Paving & Concrete. Our customers can always rely on our experience and attention to detail. From asphalt repair and maintenance to parking lot striping and snow removal, we have you covered.

Why An Integrated Plan Works Best for Commercial Pavement Management

November 7, 2022 by Corinne

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.