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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Asphalt Maintenance

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!

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!

5 Signs Its Time to Schedule Asphalt Crack Sealing for Your Commercial Property

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Have you heard that the global asphalt pavement industry is worth $222 million?

Asphalt is a popular choice for commercial property owners due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. Over time, even the best asphalt pavement can develop cracks and fissures.

These cracks compromise the aesthetics of your commercial property. They also pose significant risks to its structural integrity. Read on to uncover five signs that indicate it’s time to consider asphalt crack sealing.

1. Visible Asphalt Cracks

The most obvious sign that you need asphalt sealing is the presence of visible cracks. These cracks can vary in size and severity. They could range from tiny hairline fissures to larger gaps.

Cracking asphalt not only looks unsightly but can also allow water and other harmful substances to penetrate the underlying layers. This leads to more significant damage. To prevent the cracks from worsening and causing extensive repairs, it’s essential to address them quickly with professional asphalt sealing.

2. Potholes and Sinkholes

Do you notice potholes or sinkholes forming on your asphalt pavement? It’s a clear indication that the cracks have progressed to a more severe stage. Potholes occur when water seeps into the cracks and weakens the base material beneath the asphalt.

Over time, the weight of vehicles passing over the weakened area causes the pavement to collapse, forming a pothole. You need to prevent further deterioration and potential accidents on your commercial property. It’s crucial to schedule asphalt repair right away.

3. Drainage Issues

Poor drainage is another sign that your asphalt pavement needs an asphalt seal coat. Do you notice standing water or puddles on your commercial property after rainfall? It indicates that the cracks have allowed water to seep into the base layers.

Improper drainage can lead to a weakened foundation. This further exacerbates the cracking asphalt problem.

By improving the surface’s water runoff, you can mitigate the risks associated with poor drainage. You’ll also extend the lifespan of your asphalt pavement.

4. Fading and Deterioration

Over time, asphalt surfaces can lose their rich, dark color and appear faded and worn out. This fading is primarily caused by the penetration of UV rays, moisture, and other environmental elements into the cracks and crevices.

As the asphalt pavement deteriorates, it becomes more susceptible to additional cracks and damage. Sealing asphalt restores the appearance and protects the structural integrity of your commercial property.

5. Increased Asphalt Repair Costs

Do you find that you’re spending more time and money on frequent repairs and maintenance for your commercial property’s asphalt pavement? It’s a sign that crack sealing repair is long overdue.

Ignoring the cracks and allowing them to worsen will only make your repairs more frequent and expensive.

Do You Need to Schedule Asphalt Crack Sealing?

Timely asphalt crack sealing is essential for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your commercial property’s pavement. By addressing the asphalt issues in this guide, you can mitigate further damage and extend the lifespan of your pavement.

Do you need paving and concrete services on the East Coast? Contact NVM Paving & Concrete to schedule a visit.

5 Reasons Preventative Pavement Maintenance is Crucial

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Cracks or potholes in concrete and asphalt aren’t just unsightly, they can lead to accidents and cause other (costly) problems in your property. This is why we advise both homeowners and businesses to properly maintain their driveways and parking lots. Pavement maintenance is crucial to ensuring your asphalt or concrete surface lasts longer and stays in excellent shape. Below are the reasons why it’s important to maintain your pavement or asphalt surface. 

Ensures Safety 

Uneven or cracked pavement can be dangerous. When a customer or an employee is injured because of it, this can also financially hurt your business. Pavement maintenance is necessary to make sure your pavement is safer and in good condition. We recommend hiring the right professionals to maintain your pavement. Avoid doing this on your especially when you don’t have enough experience. Contact us instead. 

Increased Lifespan 

Water, snow, oil and heavy traffic can eventually damage your driveway or parking lot. If you don’t maintain your pavement, wear and tear can lead to even more serious problems such as cracks and potholes. Both can be risky (and costly as well) but you can prevent them with proper pavement maintenance. Good maintenance may involve repairing and sealcoating your driveway to add a layer of protection to the asphalt surface. As a result, your pavement will last years. 

Cost-Effective 

No one wants to pay for unnecessary expenses. Poorly maintained pavements can lead to damage or accidents, which will cost you more money down the road. The only way to avoid this is by ensuring your pavement is well-maintained. As mentioned, only hire the right professionals to repair, maintain or replace your asphalt surface. 

Curb Appeal 

Whether it’s for a residential or commercial property, an attractive driveway can enhance a property’s curb appeal. This can potentially increase the value of your home, attracting more buyers if you’re planning to sell. If you own a business, having attractive curb appeal also sends a good message to your employees and customers. It creates a good impression and may lead to new or repeat businesses. 

Attracts Customers 

If you’re running a business and the driveway or parking lot is poorly maintained, customers will not bother coming back. However, when you have an attractive driveway, customers are likely to do more business with you. As much as possible, take time to work on your driveway or parking lot, ensuring they are well-maintained. 

Contact NVM Paving & Concrete

Do you need pavement repair, installation or maintenance? We’re here to help! Our dedicated and experienced professionals can help with asphalt or concrete repair, installation and replacement. We also offer sealcoating to add an extra layer of protection to your asphalt or concrete pavement. We serve clients in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Reston, Fairfax, Richmond and in surrounding areas. Call us today for an estimate. 

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.

What Are The Main Causes of Potholes?

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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.