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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

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A Guide on Maintaining Your Commercial Paving

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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.

How Concrete Parking Lot Maintenance Benefits Your Property

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The quality of your parking lot affects the experience of tenants and other occupants on your commercial property. That is why concrete parking lot maintenance is vital.

Concrete parking lots are popular among businesses because they are durable, easy to maintain, and look good. 

Proper parking lot maintenance helps maintain your parking lot’s appearance and prolongs its lifespan. This article discusses four main tasks involved in concrete parking lot maintenance. 

Cleaning and Restriping

Several factors determine the level of maintenance your concrete parking lot requires. Among the most important is how you use the parking lot and the types of vehicles that drive and park on it. Parking lot cleaning tasks include 

  • Power sweeping to remove loose debris
  • Power washing to eliminate oil, grease, and other chemicals
  • Vacuuming stormwater drainage structures to remove debris
  • Jetting stormwater lines

Maintaining a clean parking lot benefits your business in several ways:

  • Improves safety because markings on the concrete are visible
  • Brightens parking lot at night because a clean parking lot reflects light effectively
  • Improves the parking lot’s durability
  • Reduces the risk of slip and fall accidents due to oil and grease

You can also restripe your pavement markings to improve their visibility in low light, making the parking lot easier to navigate.

Pavement marking paint options include everything from affordable waterborne products to highly reflective and durable sprayable thermoplastic products. 

Pavement Sealant

Concrete sealants are available in two categories: penetrating and surface sealants. They benefit your concrete parking in many several ways:

  • It reduces moisture infiltration
  • Enhances stain resistance
  • Minimizes deterioration due to the freeze-thaw cycle
  • Reduces efflorescence formation and mildew/mold growth

Penetrating sealant is invisible because once you apply it, the concrete absorbs it. These sealants typically contain siloxane, silane, siliconates, or silicates. Penetrating sealants are susceptible to deterioration due to freeze-thaw cycles, so you need to reapply the sealant periodically. 

Surface sealant products settle on top of the concrete, creating a layer that protects against traffic. They contain urethanes, epoxies, or acrylic resins and are typically used to accentuate a concrete parking lot’s colors and other decorative aspects. You need to reapply surface sealant periodically because it is susceptible to deterioration by traffic.

Joint Resealing

Joint sealants for longitudinal and contraction joints applied post-construction have a lifespan of 5–10 years. You can hire professionals to inspect your concrete parking lot and recommend a solution. Options include:

  • Removing the existing joint
  • Cleaning the joint 
  • Preparing for a new seal
  • Replacing the sealant

Joint sealant typically contains preformed seals, silicone, and hot rubber. It helps keep the joints functional by keeping out debris and other impurities. 

Filling Cracks 

Concrete parking lot maintenance also involves sealing cracks. Doing so helps keep out water and prevent the crack from expanding due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Professionals recommend leaving hairline cracks alone because they are too small to seal effectively. 

Keep in mind that the nature of the crack determines the type of materials used to fill it up. For example, you can fill static cracks with epoxy or other rigid fillers. If the crack is moving, you may need to use flexible filler. 

Expert Concrete Parking Lot Maintenance

Keeping your concrete parking lot clean, applying the correct sealant, and filling in cracks are some of the essential concrete parking lot maintenance services you should get from a reliable contractor. Contact NVM Paving & Concrete today to request a quotation. 

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!

Proper Paving Is Essential for Your Project

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Ensure Proper Asphalt Installation

Before clients make their way through your front door, you have already greeted them. Beyond welcome signs, employees, or any business dealings, you make visitors feel they are wanted by the appearance and functionality of your driveway and parking lot. A well-maintained, smooth, error-free drive and parking pad say volumes about your company. Considering that the Baltimore area is subject to the full range of four seasons of weather and we have constant, heavy traffic, there are many challenges to keeping driving and parking areas in pristine condition. One major factor in securing a lasting surface is ensuring the proper installation.

Eight Distinct Stages in Pavement Installation

There are step-by-step instructions that will make sure that your surface looks, performs, and lasts long term:

  • Remove the previous surface. All vestiges of asphalt and other construction material must be discarded.
  • Prep for drainage. The underlying earth must be smoothly graded for water runoff. Water pooling beneath the pavement is a primary cause of failure.
  • Install the frost barrier. This sub-base is essential for temperature extremes.
  • Verify the surface. We use heavy equipment to test the subsurface before proceeding.
  • Pour the binder. This is a middle layer that seals the sub-base to the asphalt.
  • Emplace the new asphalt layer. If done right, this layer will provide a smooth, lasting surface for vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Install transitions. This involves making certain the newly paved area is connecting with roadways and other driving surfaces.
  • Roll the surface. The newly installed asphalt surface is compacted.

NVM Is Ready to Make This Happen in Your Location

If you would like your driving and parking areas to be more inviting and safer for your customers as well as employees and other visitors, NVM Paving & Concrete can make it happen. Contact us today at (703) 426-2700, or visit our website.

Asphalt vs Concrete: Which Is Right For You?

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Should You Choose Asphalt or Concrete For Your Parking Lot?

When it comes to pavement options, you are likely faced with the choice of asphalt versus concrete. If you’re working on a project to improve your commercial property, you might be considering the pros and cons of each. Is asphalt or concrete your best option?

Considering Texture

Asphalt and concrete have two very different textures. Asphalt is smoother than concrete and tends to absorb sound, offering a quieter ride for vehicles. Concrete can be decorative, with differing textures making up unique designs, so if having a decorative parking lot is more important to you than noise levels, concrete is the way to go. If you prefer quiet simpleness, you should choose asphalt.

Predicting Repairs

When you compare the number of repairs needed for concrete versus asphalt, you’ll want to consider the amount of heavy traffic the parking lot will see. If you’re paving a lot that will see a lot of heavy traffic, concrete may require fewer repairs than asphalt over time. If your parking lot is in an isolated area with moderate traffic, asphalt holds up quite nicely.

Adding Coloration

If you plan to add colors to your parking lot, choose concrete. You can tint concrete with a variety of colors other than gray. Both concrete and asphalt allow you to add striping for parking spaces, crosswalks, and more. However, paint tends to last longer on concrete, so if you have several largely painted areas, concrete allows you to repaint them less frequently.

Planning Timing

One important consideration is the timing of your project. Asphalt just needs to be compacted with a roller, and it’s ready for use immediately. This makes asphalt the obvious choice for those on a tight schedule.  Concrete has to cure for about a week after it is laid, so if time isn’t an issue and concrete checks all the boxes in other areas, it will be worth waiting for.

Contact Us for a Free Estimate

At NVM Paving & Concrete, we are experts in both asphalt and concrete. Call 703-423-0471 or email us today and find out which option is best for you.

3 Facts You May Not Know About Concrete

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Interesting Facts Behind Concrete

Concrete is something that most people take for granted. It gets walked on, driven on, and played on, and most don’t have a second thought about it. There are some interesting things you might want to know so you can appreciate it more fully.

1. Concrete Is an Ancient Material

It’s said concrete has its origins as far back as 800 BC. It was slightly different in the way it was produced, but it played the same role that it does today. Many structures that you see in history books about the Roman empire include concrete that was made from pozzolana. This material is basically volcanic ash mixed with water, which is quite similar to the concrete we use today.

2. Scientists Don’t Understand the Chemical Reaction

It seems scientists figure everything out. With time and experimentation, there are a lot of mysteries that are solved, simply by science. What has not been figured out is the chemical reaction of concrete. When the powder mixes with water, it becomes a liquid material that hardens to what we know as sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and curbs, but scientists don’t know how that happens. Considering how old concrete is, it’s a pretty amazing mystery! Although there are plenty of theories, not one has been proven and cemented in as the true answer to the question.

3. Concrete Is Used More Than Any Other Building Material

Around the world are various building projects using various materials, but none of those materials are used as much as concrete. It’s even used for restroom partitions! Aluminum, steel, plastic, and wood are widely used, but even they don’t make up as many projects as you find using concrete, which accounts for more than twice those other materials combined.

Contact the Professionals for Your Next Concrete Job

You can see why concrete is actually an interesting material, although most take it for granted. To get started with your concrete job, contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or emailing us today!