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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Parking Garage Maintenance

How to Protect Your Parking Lot From Harsh Weather

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As a commercial property owner or manager, you understand the importance of maintaining your parking lot. It’s not just a place for vehicles; it’s often the first impression visitors have of your business. But what do you do when harsh weather conditions threaten the integrity of your parking lot? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into effective strategies to protect your parking lot from the ravages of Mother Nature. From snow and ice to heavy rain and scorching sun, we’ve got you covered.

  1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance

The first step in weatherproofing your parking lot is regular inspection and maintenance. Conducting routine inspections can help identify issues before they become major problems. Cracks, potholes, and drainage problems are common concerns in parking lots. Addressing them promptly can prevent further damage. Make sure your maintenance plan includes:

  • Crack Sealing: Seal cracks in the pavement to prevent water infiltration, which can lead to frost heaves and further deterioration.
  • Pothole Repair: Promptly repair any potholes to prevent them from growing larger and posing a hazard to vehicles.
  • Drainage Maintenance: Ensure that your drainage systems are clear and functioning properly to prevent water buildup.
  1. Proper Drainage Systems

Effective drainage is critical to protect your parking lot from heavy rainfall and melting snow. If water pools on the surface or doesn’t drain properly, it can weaken the pavement and lead to costly repairs. Consider installing or maintaining:

  • Catch Basins: Regularly clean catch basins to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage.
  • Trench Drains: Trench drains are effective at channeling water away from the surface, preventing puddles and erosion.
  • Permeable Pavement: For eco-conscious solutions, permeable pavement allows water to penetrate and naturally drain into the ground.
  1. Snow and Ice Management

If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, proper snow and ice management is crucial to protect your parking lot and ensure safety. Here are some winter weather strategies:

  • Snow Removal: Regularly remove snow to prevent it from compacting into ice, creating hazards.
  • Salting and De-icing: Use salt or de-icing agents to melt ice and snow, making it easier to remove and improving safety.
  • Snow Plowing: Hire professional snow plowers to efficiently clear your parking lot.
  1. Sealcoating

Sealcoating is like a protective shield for your parking lot. It helps to protect the asphalt from UV rays, water, and other environmental factors. Typically, sealcoating is recommended every 2-3 years, but this can vary depending on your climate and traffic.

  1. Professional Repairs

When damage occurs, it’s essential to address it promptly. Professional repairs, when done correctly, can extend the life of your parking lot. Don’t ignore signs of wear and tear; consult with a paving expert to assess the damage and recommend appropriate repairs.

  1. Regular Cleaning

Keep your parking lot clean and free of debris. Organic materials like leaves and branches can trap moisture and accelerate pavement deterioration. Regular sweeping and cleaning can help maintain your parking lot’s integrity.

Contact NVM Paving

Your parking lot is an essential part of your commercial property. Protecting it from harsh weather requires a proactive approach. Regular inspection, maintenance, proper drainage, snow and ice management, sealcoating, professional repairs, and regular cleaning are all essential components of a comprehensive weatherproofing strategy. By investing in the care and maintenance of your parking lot, you can ensure its longevity, safety, and a positive impression on visitors to your business, regardless of the weather conditions. Stay proactive, and your parking lot will stand strong against the elements for years to come. Contact NVM Paving for all your paving needs!

Top Tips on Choosing the Right Concrete Coating for Your Project

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Concrete flooring is the ideal choice for commercial floors because it’s cost-effective, customizable, and durable. All of the things you would want in your commercial space.

However, concrete floors can still stain, crack, and cause other problems you don’t want to deal with. Luckily, concrete coating options exist to combat these issues and enhance the overall look of a space.

On the hunt for the best concrete coating? Keep reading to learn tips that will help you choose.

Consider the Condition of Your Concrete

Looking at the current condition of the commercial concrete slab is essential before choosing a coating system. The materials and methods you’ll use to make repairs will have an effect on coating selection.

For example, if you choose a thick concrete coating before making repairs, you are just adding layers over the current slab. This could result in your floor being too high.

You should also consider what conditions your flooring will be exposed to. You need a coating system that has the necessary chemical and physical properties to perform under conditions such as thermal shock, chemical exposure, etc.

Check Coating Performance

Concrete coating performance varies based on the type of coating you choose. in general, epoxy coatings have these characterizations:

  • Superior adhesion
  • Chemical resistance
  • Mechanical property resistance

Urethane formulas have the same characteristics with excellent gloss resistance. Coating systems that are hybrids of the two have great mechanical and thermal resistance.

The performance of a concrete coating depends on the film thickness as well, so check this component before making a decision.

Evaluate Durability

Concrete coating durability is one of the main things you should check before making a decision.

To evaluate durability, check the real service life of the solution you are thinking about choosing. There are various concrete coatings that can last long enough to see a return on investment and beyond.

As much as it would be beneficial, no concrete coating system is going to last forever.

The best way to ensure your coating stays on for its entire lifespan is through regular maintenance.

Think About Location

Where will the concrete coating installation process take place? With different types of concrete coating options, there are ones better suited for a warehouse than for redesigning an office floor.

The product you require depends entirely on where it will be installed. If you want it in your office, you’ll need to think about aesthetics as well.

A concrete coating system can protect your floors and make your commercial space look well-maintained and more professional. Make sure you select a product that complements the look you are going for.

Your Next Project Awaits: Choosing a Concrete Coating

Choosing the best concrete coating for your space is easy when you follow these helpful tips. If you still find that you don’t know what coating solution is best for your space, hire the professionals!

At NVM Paving & Concrete, we have over 35 years of experience in various concrete services. We can help you choose the concrete coating product that works best for your commercial needs.

Let’s start your next project! Request a quote from us now.

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. 

Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Parking Lot and Driveway

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Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Parking Lot and Driveway

Research shows that about 5% of US urban land comprises parking spaces. Having a clean area to park and a well-maintained driveway boosts the appeal of your home.

Also, maintaining your lot and a driveway is crucial to reducing injuries. The presence of cracks and potholes in such areas can lead to flat tires. People are likely to slip and fall on ill-maintained parking areas and driveways.

Regular maintenance is vital since summer heat expands asphalt and widens cracks. Here are summer tips for maintaining your parking lots and driveways.

Sealcoat Your Parking Area

Sealcoating involves covering your asphalt with a durable layer that improves your driveway’s resistance to sun rays. Applying a sealcoat in your parking lot reduces damages like cracking and staining. Sealing the spaces where people can park every three to five years keeps it intact and lessens injuries.

Although sealcoating may seem like an unnecessary expense, it saves you money eventually. Your lot and driveway will regain a fresh new look. Besides, sealcoating gives your driveway flexibility to handle traffic without creating potholes.

Repair Cracks and Potholes

High summer heat causes your asphalt to become malleable and soft. Summer temperatures can rise to 1490F, and this high heat damage causes depressions on the wheel paths. Such depressions then turn to potholes and cracks.

It’s crucial to repair your driveway and parking lot as soon as you notice any cracks and potholes. To prevent cracking from becoming extensive, ensure you fill them with asphalt or crack fillers. Hiring an expert helps you fill the potholes to limit injury cases and damages to your car.

Perform Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is a summer maintenance tip that ensures your parking lot and driveway retain their value. Sweeping every morning helps your remove leaves and debris, making your home look occupied.

Besides, cleaning removes oil stains and any unnecessary trash that may cover cracks or potholes. Having a clean driveway helps you conduct a faster inspection to assess any cracking and uneven surfaces.

Remove Stagnant Water

Water can cause significant damage to your driveway or parking lot. Pooling water weakens areas where you park, causing water to seep into the sublayers. During summer, the sun’s heat causes water to have air gaps that weaken the asphalt from within the sublayers.

Since a weakened driveway can’t handle weighty objects, it can become uneven and quickly develop potholes. Also, allowing water to settle on your lot eases mildew growth, affecting your parking space’s quality. You can avoid further asphalt repairs by draining water and keeping your driveway space dry.

Maintain Your Parking Lot and Driveway During Summer

Maintaining your parking lot and driveway helps you reduce repair costs. Moreover, regular maintenance improves your home’s curb appeal. It also enables you to prevent injuries to people and damage to your car.

At NVM Paving & Concrete, we provide asphalt repair and sealcoating. We can also construct and repair your parking area with concrete or asphalt. Reach out to us for all your parking lot maintenance needs.

The Cost-Saving Benefits of Sealcoating

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Save Money With Sealcoating

Maintaining your commercial property is a significant investment already. You spend both time and money making sure that your business is running smoothly and effectively. When it comes to budget, careful measures must ensure that intelligent decisions will pay off over time.

Paving your property is a significant asset and cost to your business. Don’t waste money by letting it go to disrepair; sealcoating helps protect and prolong the life of your pavement. Find out more cost-saving benefits of sealcoating and how to schedule efficiently for lasting results. 

Protect Your Budget 

Allocating money for paving your commercial property can be a considerable investment of sums, but it is worth it over time. Keep in mind that you must protect your budget by maintaining your pavement to avoid unnecessary allocations for the same job. Budget once for complete paving and then for maintenance sealcoating only. Sealcoating is significantly less costly than repaving. 

Protect Your Pavement 

In most of the areas we serve, clients experience a regular influx of snowfall, ice, and freezes. Sealcoating can help protect your pavement from weather damages. Without sealcoating, water may seep through cracks or under the surface, creating potholes and structural damage. Regular sealcoating efforts can mitigate freeze/thaw cycles prevalent in the late winter and spring months.  Preventable repairs are especially costly. 

Protect Your Image 

The whole reason you paved your commercial property in the first place was to increase curb appeal. Maintaining your effort is necessary to control the first impressions of clients and business associates that come to your property. Remember, you only get to make a first impression once. The difference between getting an account or not can be in the details. 

Protect Your Routine  

Scheduling routine maintenance in advance and on time is the best way to ensure that you will keep up with sealcoating. Schedule your sealcoating within the first year after your new pavement installation and then every two to four years afterward, unless you notice any additional issues. Preventative care is less costly than treatment. 

Contact NVM Paving & Concrete to learn more about sealcoating or schedule a consultation for your commercial property. Reach us by calling 703-423-0471 or sending an email today!

How Temperature Extremes Add Stress to Pavement

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Can Your Pavement Handle The Heat?

Most people understand that pavement takes a lot of abuse. Just the sheer size of vehicles and semi-trucks put a lot of weight on a surface, sometimes as much as several tons. Then there is the constant assault from chemicals such as oils and gasoline. While most people understand that weather impacts the durability of pavement, you might not know just how large that impact can be.

At NVM Paving & Concrete, our technicians know that heat and cold as well as moisture, are tough on parking lots.  For this reason, we employ talented professionals that strive to lay down the best asphalt and concrete surfaces to give your pavement the best possible chance.

The Impact of Temperature Swings

Basic physics says that pavement expands when heated and contracts when cooled. This has serious implications for a parking lot or other paved surfaces. In the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas, temperatures approach the 90s or higher in the summer and dip below freezing in the winter. Just as importantly, thanks to micro temperatures across a parking surface due to shade and other factors, different sections of pavement heat and cool at different times.

All of this can lead to imperfections in the pavement. Uneven heating and cooling allow a variety of blemishes to develop:

  • Cracking
  • Warping
  • Expanding segments
  • Potholing 

Over time if not addressed, these imperfections worsen. As water gets into small cracks, freezes, and then expands, minor issues become large problems.

The Solution to Bad Weather

Getting the most out of a paving job depends upon several factors. The first is making sure the job is done professionally from the start. The second step is performing routine inspections on the property to detect problems, especially in the middle of summer and winter. The third step is to make sure professional routine maintenance is used on all minor cracks.

At NVM Paving & Concrete, we do superior work throughout the lifespan of the pavement. Call 703-423-0471 or email us today to learn more!