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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Commercial Property Parking Lots

The Different Purposes of Rough Grading vs. Fine Grading

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Twenty percent of car accidents happen in parking lots. Many of these are not the business’s fault. You can, however, prevent a fair amount of them with a high-quality parking lot.

The first step to getting this is to ensure the proper grading of your lot. To do that, you first need to learn what grading is. Read on to get started with this knowledge by learning the difference between rough grading vs fine grading. 

What Is Grading? 

Grading refers to the construction process where workers change the slope of a piece of land. Usually, this involves making the land uniformly smooth and flat. 

There are plenty of different processes, however. Business owners may want to add a slope to their property that directs water away from vulnerable areas. Grading can also be a major step in creating attractive landscaping features. 

What Is Rough Grading vs Fine Grading? 

Rough and fine grading are two phases of grading. Usually, rough grading happens first, and fine grading follows after. Most of the differences between the two involve how roughly workers work the soil.

How Rough Grading Works

When workers rough grade a piece of land, they shift large amounts of soil around to form the majority of the slope. This is usually done with heavy equipment such as excavators. Workers may also use laser measuring tools or other kinds to make certain that the slopes are at the correct angle. 

The workers must create the right slopes. If they don’t, the land could flood due to drainage problems. 

How Fine Grading Works

Workers performing a fine grading process are more concerned with making the land smooth and ready for its intended purpose. This can involve shaping the land a bit. If so, workers will only work with the top two inches of soil at most. 

Mostly, though, fine grading involves removing debris that makes the surface uneven, such as rock, and adding an appropriate type of topsoil. What kind of topsoil a worker uses for fine grading depends on the final purpose of the land. For example, more plant-nutritious topsoil may be used for a lawn and a regular one for paving. 

Why Is Grading Important for Paving? 

The best parking lot is a uniformly smooth one. This will prevent your business’s customers from damaging their cars or tripping over divots or bumps. It’s also important that water drains well so that your customers can comfortably navigate the lot without getting their feet wet. 

This isn’t possible without effective rough and fine grading. 

Get High-Quality Asphalt Paving Services From Us 

Now that you understand the difference between rough grading vs fine grading and their importance, you can find a company that offers the best in these areas. Be sure to ask about their grading processes. They may even be able to give you photos. 

While you’re searching, consider our full-service commercial asphalt paving. We’ve paved for a vast number of businesses, facilities, and installations all over the East Coast. Fill out this form and get a free estimate. 

The Key Differences Between Asphalt and Concrete

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The Key Differences Between Asphalt and Concrete

There are many different types of paving materials on the market, and choosing the right one for your commercial property needs can be tricky. Two of the most common materials are asphalt and concrete, but what are the key differences between them? Read on to learn which is the right fit for you.

What Is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a type of pavement that is made up of bitumen, which is a sticky black substance that is derived from crude oil. This material is then mixed with gravel or sand to create a strong and durable surface. Asphalt is commonly used for roads, driveways, and parking lots because it can withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions.

What Is Concrete?

Concrete, on the other hand, is a type of pavement that is made from cement, water, and fine aggregate (such as gravel or sand). This mixture is then left to harden, creating a strong and durable surface. Concrete surfaces are often used for sidewalks, patios, and floors because it can be easily molded into different shapes and designs.

So, what are the key differences between asphalt and why would you want to use one or the other at your commercial property?

Asphalt Is Cheaper Than Concrete

For starters, asphalt is much cheaper than concrete and can be installed quickly. When it comes to asphalt maintenance, asphalt is repaired more easily than concrete; all you need to do is patch up the affected area. However, asphalt does have a shorter lifespan than concrete and is prone to cracking. It will start to crack and crumble after about 20 years.

Asphalt Is More Malleable Than Concrete

Another key difference between asphalt and concrete is that asphalt is much more flexible than concrete. This means that it can withstand small movements without cracking. Concrete, on the other hand, is not as flexible and is more likely to crack under pressure or when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Concrete Is Low Maintenance and Long Lasting

The benefits of concrete include the fact that it is very durable, low maintenance, and easy to repair. Once it is installed, you won’t have to do much to keep it looking good. Asphalt, on the other hand, needs to be resealed every few years to keep it from cracking and fading. The durability of concrete has been proven time and again, it can last on average 20 years longer than concrete.

Concrete Is A Sustainable Building Material

When it comes to the environment, concrete is a very eco-friendly building material. Meaning that it can be recycled and doesn’t require the use of harmful chemicals during its production. Also, concrete doesn’t produce any toxic gases or leachates, making it a safe choice for many commercial applications.

Asphalt Or Concrete? Which One Should You Choose For Your Commercial Property?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your commercial property preferences and needs. For example, if you need a more durable parking lot that can handle higher traffic volume, then asphalt is the better choice. However, if you desire a more aesthetically pleasing parking lot or one with unique features like stamped concrete, then concrete would be the better option. Other considerations include climate (asphalt holds up better in cold weather) and cost (asphalt is usually cheaper to install).

No matter which type of pavement you choose, the team at NVM Paving can help you get the perfect results for your commercial property. Contact us today to learn more about our asphalt and concrete paving services!

How a Concrete Parking Lot Benefits Your Commercial Property

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How a Concrete Parking Lot Benefits Your Commercial Property

A concrete parking lot may sound like the least exciting thing on the planet, but it’s integral to the success of your business. Don’t underestimate how much a customer parking lot can influence people’s first impressions. Within seven seconds, they’ll make a judgment about the legitimacy and professionalism of your business. Still not convinced? Keep reading to find out how a concrete parking lot can benefit your commercial property.

It Looks Professional

As mentioned above, your customer parking lot says a lot about your business. 

Your parking lot should not be riddled with potholes, bumpy spots, or cracks. The parking lanes should be freshly painted and easily identifiable. 

Beyond that, pay attention to the finer details. Ask yourself these questions about your concrete parking lot:

  • Is it easy to access from the road?
  • Are there identifiable arrows or signs that indicate “In” and “Out” lanes?
  • Are the parking spaces big enough?
  • Is there sufficient space to back out of parking spaces?
  • Do you have any handicap spaces?
  • When applicable, do you have enough cart returns?

If you’re a small business on a strip with other businesses, maybe your parking options are limited. If so, consider staking your claim on a few spots with “Customer Only” signs.

It Keeps Everyone Safe

Parking lot safety may not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to this topic, but you can’t ignore it. Think of all the potential accidents that could occur in a poorly-designed parking lot.

Two cars could drive into one another because the space between parking lots is too narrow. One car could back into another while reversing out of a space. Cars entering or exiting the parking lot might not yield to traffic.

These are only a few examples of possible disasters. In fact, twenty percent of car accidents happen in parking lots. 

Don’t forget to include good lighting and a surveillance system in your parking lot safety plan. You don’t want thieves ransacking your customers’ cars.

It Prevents Infestations

If you neglect parking lot maintenance, you may run into a pest or rodent problem. Your custodial team should regularly change out garbage cans and pick up trash in the parking lot.

Otherwise, these pests may find a way inside.

It’s Eco-Friendly

If you have a concrete parking lot, you’re doing the environment a favor. This material is completely recyclable and saves us from dipping into gas, water, and oil resources. 

Installing concrete is easier, and it will last years longer than asphalt. Lastly, a concrete parking lot will reflect light, keeping the surface cooler in the summer and reducing energy costs.

Freshening Up Your Concrete Parking Lot

Updating the concrete parking lot for your customers is an easy and eco-friendly way to keep people coming back. It ensures parking lot safety and keeps your energy cost down.

Ready to repave your customer parking lot? Click here to fill out a contact form.

How To Save Time and Money with an Asphalt Parking Lot

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Asphalt Parking Lots

When it comes to managing a commercial building, there are a lot of factors that require your consideration. Unfortunately, for many property managers, one of the responsibilities that fall to the wayside is the maintenance of the parking lot. At NVM Paving & Concrete, we believe that you shouldn’t have to worry about your parking lot. To avoid ongoing concerns, building owners should consider an asphalt parking lot.

Asphalt Is Safer and Smoother

On the one hand, asphalt has a smooth appearance that may increase your business’s curb appeal. The fact that it remains smooth and durable also increases the safety rating. When you have a parking lot riddled with potholes and cracks, you run the risk of guests or staff injuring themselves on the premises.

Accidents in your parking lot can cost you money in lawsuits and damages. They can also damage your building’s reputation. Asphalt is skid-resistant and causes markings to look more vibrant. People are less likely to have accidents when using an asphalt parking lot.

Asphalt Requires Less Downtime

Downtime can harm your business. Most business owners do not have time to shut down their business for prolonged periods. If you have a poor-quality parking lot, odds are you will run into problems in the future. You may be more likely to require repairs or a complete replacement sooner than you would with other materials.

We install asphalt quicker than other materials to keep business losses due to construction down to a minimum. Likewise, asphalt requires less maintenance. During the winter’s freezing and thawing cycles, it holds up and only needs occasional sealcoating to prevent cracks.

When it comes to your business’s time and money, you cannot afford to waste either. At NVM Paving & Concrete, we understand the importance of a long-lasting, durable parking lot. Call us today at 703-423-0471 or email us to find out how an asphalt lot can save you time and money.

Important Facts: Pavement and Temperature Changes

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Temprature Changes

As the temperature changes into winter weather, the professional paving of your parking lot is essential. While paving your parking lot might seem like a straightforward process, it contains crucial elements of chemistry and engineering. That is because just any mix of materials won’t hold up in changing conditions. The variable weather of the D.C, Maryland, and Virginia areas, which receive everything from blazing hot days to freezing temperatures, demands a precise mix of materials put down in optimal conditions.

At NVM Paving & Concrete, our professionals use a quality mix of liquid asphalt and base layers. The materials form bonds that cause aggregates to join together into quality asphalt. Over time, due to pressures from the weather, this bond weakens.

The Impact of Heat

During the hot summer months, direct sunlight and heat can cause the surface of a parking lot to expand. Once this happens, cracks begin to develop, which can lead to significant issues. As cracks widen, water will enter and penetrate the subsurface layer of asphalt, and the added moisture erodes the materials and destroys the integrity of the lot. Air gaps can also form, causing depressions on the surface, making it unsafe for pedestrians or vehicles to move around freely. Over time, the parking lot will develop potholes forcing you to repair them or completely repave them, which means this will be costly.

The Impact of Cold

During the winter months, temperatures can fluctuate above and below freezing, and while there may not be any precipitation on the ground, there could still be moisture under the surface. When snow, rain, sleet, or hail enter a cracked asphalt area and the temperature warms, water seeps through. Once the temperatures drop again, the water freezes and expands, pushing the cracks further apart. This continuous freeze and thaw process can widen already made cracks and cause significant and dangerous damage like potholes.

The standard freeze and thaw process is part of nature, but it can slowly wreak havoc on paved surfaces. As moisture penetrates the asphalt and temperatures drop during the winter months, the ice pushes outward. This has the power to gradually weaken the layers of the parking lot, resulting in the formation of cracks and potholes.

Rain can also be problematic in cold weather, especially if the paved surface has a significant slope. A steep incline can result in the rain running down the liquid asphalt and eventually eroding the material’s top layer. Over time, the paved area can wear away and become mainly rock and aggregate.

For all your pavement construction needs and maintenance solutions, contact us by calling 703-423-0471 or emailing us. 

How Does Weather Distress Asphalt?

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Weathers Affect on Asphalt

Maintaining the asphalt pavement on your commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties can be a challenge if you are unaware of how the elements play a role in the overall lifespan. Rain and snow are more apparent culprits of asphalt distress but did you know that the sun can also cause additional wear and tear on paved surfaces over time? Extreme temperatures on either side of the spectrum, hot and cold, can also impact your asphalt. Learn more about how seasonal weather can affect your asphalt to ensure that you have the proper care and prevention measures in place. 

How Rain Distresses Asphalt 

In exceptionally wet climates, or even during prolonged rainy seasons in temperate climates, rain is notorious for seeping in and causing damages. Water will make its way in under the base or find its way into small cracks, causing structural damages that require expensive repairs or replacement if left unattended. 

How Sun Distresses Asphalt 

The intense UV rays from the sun are damaging to everything, and asphalt is no exception. Sun damage can lead to fading, requiring frequent restriping or resurfacing. Sun and extreme heat can also cause cracks and soft spots on the asphalt, leading to structural damage down the road. 

How Snow Distresses Asphalt 

Snow and extreme winter weather are the most distressing weather for asphalt. Snow and freezing temperatures cause the same water damage as rain does and include additional frost heave and freeze/thaw cycles that create potholes. Snowplows combined with salt and de-icing chemicals are necessary to make roadways safer, but these practices also contribute to freeze/ thaw cycles and create significant asphalt damages. 


To find out how to protect and repair the asphalt on your commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties from damages caused by weather conditions, contact NVM Paving & Concrete.