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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

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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!

Partner With NVM Paving & Concrete for Your Next Paving Project

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Why Choose NVM?

An asphalt project for your commercial business can be a big deal and a costly expense. This is why it is important that you partner with a company that knows its way around the industry. Find out why our team at NVM is the best choice for your next project.  

Unrivaled Expertise

You are partnered with unrivaled expertise when you partner with NVM. At NVM, we use industry-leading equipment and have the skills and experience to make a difference. While the process may be similar, each project is unique. An experienced contractor can use the information they have gathered from numerous past projects and come up with the best plan for your property.

One Company for Everything

It can be a juggling act when you try to balance multiple contractors for different jobs. Instead of trying to coordinate with several contractors, NVM can provide you with all of your paving needs. When you work closely with one company, you are more likely to see the job finish quickly and more to your liking.

Budget and Time Friendly

As a business owner, you not only have time restrictions, but you have a budget that you need to stick to. If a job is done improperly or carries on too long, that is money out of your pocket. With fair prices and a commitment to serving customers, we save our clients time and money. A quality company should be able to work with your schedule, rather than forcing you to bend it to match theirs.

Top-of-the-Line Workmanship

Our reputation precedes us. As one of the most trusted paving contractors, we take workmanship seriously. Our contractors having the skills to lay, repair, and maintain asphalt should be a guarantee to you that the job will last. Not only do we vouch for all of your construction teams and managers, but previous customers have also offered sparkling testimonials and reviews.

For your next paving project, go with a company you can trust. Contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or emailing us today!

How Concrete Contractors Prepare for a Project

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Be Prepared

Most people understand the basics of concrete. You may know how concrete is mixed and what the final product looks like. When it comes to a full paving project, however, you may be at a loss. As a property manager, you won’t be pouring the concrete yourself, but it helps to know the process when you are keeping an eye on your next pavement project. Here is an inside look at how a contractor prepares for a concrete paving job.

Set a Date and Mark Out the Project

When it comes time to start your paving project, the contractors will contact you to set a date. They can provide you with the estimated start date. Then, when the project is ready to start, the team will mark out the project. This means that they will define and square the edges so that the lot is straight and neat.

Build the Base and Remove Pavement

To build the base, contractors need to dig about 8 to 10 inches deep. Then, around six to eight inches of crushed material will be placed to create a base. If necessary, old pavement can be removed and brought to the recycling facility.

Draining Requirements and Add Steel

The contractors will figure out the draining requirements necessary. Then, after establishing the finished grade, they will place forms around the edges of the concrete. If the contractors need to strengthen the base then they may add crushed stone. Once finished, they install grid reinforcing steel to add strength. Once finished, the prep work is over and the contractor can begin to pour the concrete.

Whether you are ready to lay a concrete patio or parking lot, it helps to know what to expect. For your next pavement job, contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or sending us an email!