Paving Contractors

How To Identify Different Types of Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

February 1, 2023 by Corinne

Did you know that more than 40% of America’s road system is in poor or mediocre condition?

Despite the fact that asphalt pavement is a durable and long-lasting material, it will still develop cracks over time. These cracks can be unsightly and can even cause further damage if you do not identify and treat them.

Fortunately, there are methods you can use to identify different types of cracks in asphalt pavement. To make things easier for you, we have written a short guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

Types of Asphalt Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

If you want to identify the different types of asphalt pavement cracks, you will first need to familiarize yourself with the different types of cracks. Here are several of the most common types that you should know about.

Block Cracking

These interconnected cracks resemble the shape of an alligator’s skin. They are usually caused by a failure in the subgrade or a lack of support beneath the asphalt surface.

Edge Cracking

This type of crack forms along the edges of the pavement. Edge cracking is caused by a lack of support at the edges of the pavement, or by heavy traffic and heavy vehicles.

Transverse Cracking

Traverse cracking runs perpendicular to the centerline of the pavement. These cracks are typically caused by repeated loading and unloading of the pavement.

Reflection Cracking

These cracks form when somebody lays an asphalt surface over a concrete surface that already has cracks. Reflection cracks will develop if the underlying concrete moves.

Slippage Cracking

Slippage cracking is caused by a lack of bonding between the asphalt surface and the underlying layer. A surface might develop these cracks if you have not been properly maintaining it.

How to Identify Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

It is essential to identify the cracks in the pavement, especially if you plan on resurfacing a parking lot. There are several ways to do this. One of the most common ways is to simply look for them.

You should also look for signs of deterioration. For example, if the surface of the pavement is uneven or has become rough and bumpy, this could be an indication of cracks beneath the surface.

Another way to identify cracks in asphalt pavement is to look for signs of water damage. Cracks in the pavement can allow water to penetrate beneath the surface. This can lead to further damage.

If you notice water pooling on the surface of the pavement or if the surface is discolored, this could be an indication of cracks.

Know How to Identify Asphalt Pavement Cracks

If you are a commercial property or facility manager, it is essential to know how to identify different types of cracks in asphalt pavement. If you identify asphalt cracks, you’ll need to repair them as soon as possible.

Do you need help identifying and repairing asphalt pavement cracks on your commercial property? If so, keep in mind that we can help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!

Safe Ways for Pavement Deicing

January 6, 2023 by Corinne

According to the CDC, over 800,000 people visit the hospital due to a slip and fall injury each year. Maryland and Virginia’s winters compound this risk for residents throughout their daily lives. Business owners must accept liability when a slip and fall injury happens on commercial property.

Commercial property and facility managers are responsible for keeping their pavements safe and ice-free during winter. Pavement deicing is essential to ensure that customers and employees can access your premises without slipping or falling on icy surfaces.

But how should you go about deicing your pavement this winter? This blog post will discuss the different methods for safely deicing your pavement this winter.

Keep reading to learn more about the safest, most reliable ways to keep your pavement ice-free.

Why Pavement Deicing is Necessary

Snow and ice are injuries waiting to happen. You do not want to become responsible for hurting another person. But personal safety goes beyond empathy as it also impacts your business.

For example, injured workers can not work, and injured customers stay home. Plus, if a customer slips and falls on your commercial property, you may lose their business for good.

Finally, as a Virginian commercial business, you are subject to premises liability laws. Neglecting to take pavement deicing measures in the winter opens you up to a lawsuit. So, pavement deicing is more than the safe thing to do– it is the legal thing to do.

Rock Salt or Ice Melt

Rock salt and ice melt are effective pavement maintenance methods among facility managers. Rock salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a standard solution for melting ice on the pavement.

Rock salt is available in larger chunks and is cheaper than other deicing solutions. But it can damage pavement if not used properly.

On the other hand, ice melt is a blend of either calcium chloride or magnesium chloride mixed with sodium chloride in pellet form. It is a more expensive solution but will melt ice faster than rock salt and does not cause pavement damage.

Ice melt is often the preferred option for deicing pavement after a winter storm. It works faster at melting ice and snow, making it easier for property managers to clear parking lots or walkways.

Abrasive Ice Covering

Abrasive coverings are much more cost-effective than rock salt yet still provide the necessary traction to prevent accidents from occurring. An alternative to salt and rock salt is to use an abrasive covering, such as:

Kitty litter
Sand
Wood shavings
Sawdust

These materials help melt the ice while providing a non-slip surface for employees and customers walking on the pavement. After winter storms or when clearing snow, these materials are ideal for preventing slips and fall injuries. They also have a lower environmental impact than chemical deicing options.

Paving and Concrete Companies in Virginia

The best way to take care of your employees and customers this winter is to give them safe walkways. Pavement deicing is an essential step in this process. But safe walkways begin with well-maintained pavement.

NVM paving is the premiere paving and concrete company in Virginia, from new paving to maintenance service. Our pavement experts can give you the advice you need to keep your walkways safe this winter. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

How Concrete Parking Lot Maintenance Benefits Your Property

December 6, 2022 by Corinne

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.

3 Tips for Patching Asphalt Efficiently Using an Asphalt Patch Truck

December 6, 2022 by Corinne

Can you believe that there are over 4 million miles of public road across the United States?

It is an unfortunate fact that more than 40% of these roads are considered either mediocre or poor and are in need of asphalt repair. While asphalt is great for vehicles, it does not last forever. The good news is that you can use an asphalt patch truck to fix almost any issues.

Are you unsure of how to handle this machinery in the most efficient way? Keep reading to learn the 3 top tips for patching asphalt using an asphalt patch truck.

1. Do Not Speed

While it is understandable that you would want to get the job done as fast as possible, speeding over a damaged road can result in a low-quality fix. It may even get to the point where you will have to scrape the uneven asphalt away before starting all over again. This will make the job much longer and harder than it has to be.

The old saying “slow and steady wins the race” definitely applies to patching asphalt. This is something to keep in mind when maintaining your business’s driveways, parking lots, and more.

2. Remove Any Collected Debris

Are you still wondering how to patch asphalt? Before you attempt to fill a pothole or a series of cracks, you should take the time to remove the debris that has collected inside.

From leaves and dirt to dead bugs and candy wrappers, these things can end up compromising the integrity of your asphalt over time. A wire street broom or a similar tool can come in handy for this task.

There may even be some vegetation that has taken hold in or around the problem areas. This should be uprooted and thrown away as well.

3. Get the Right Amount of Asphalt

If you want more patching asphalt tips, then be sure that you have gauged the amount of asphalt correctly. The last thing you would want is to run out of the material before you have finished the job. This could end up ruining the look and flow.

This is why it is a good idea to survey the area and make note of each crack and hole that needs filling. You should also rate the severity of the damage on a scale from low to high. Creating an asphalt pavement repair game plan can make things much easier when using your asphalt patch truck.

Ready to Use an Asphalt Patch Truck?

Now that you have learned 3 tips for patching asphalt using an asphalt patch truck, you will make any road look as good as new. That way, you can save the day anytime there is an imperfection or even a pothole on your asphalt.

Instead of dealing with these issues on a regular basis, you should seek out the tried and true services of NVM Paving & Concrete. Our customers can always rely on our experience and attention to detail. From asphalt repair and maintenance to parking lot striping and snow removal, we have you covered.

The Different Purposes of Rough Grading vs. Fine Grading

November 7, 2022 by Corinne

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.

What Should You Consider Before You Hire a Paving Company?

October 15, 2021 by Corinne

What to Think About

Your parking lot receives traffic every day, which can cause the surface to wear out. To make sure the asphalt is safe for your customers and employees, you need to have the surface repaved every so often. At NVM Paving and Concrete, we know that hiring a paving specialist can be an overwhelming process. But, with these three things to consider, hiring a paving company will be easy as pie.

Ask About the Cost

Your business does not have an infinite budget to cover maintenance costs, so you want to ensure that a paving company can provide quality work. When you interview professionals, ask for an estimate with a full breakdown of the price. Typically, paving companies use the size and condition of your parking lot to determine how much the job will cost. If your lot is not in good condition or the company needs specialized equipment to do the job, the cost may increase. Knowing exactly what you are paying for and the kinds of fees you should expect will allow you to track your budget.

Ask About Credentials

At NVM Paving and Concrete, we understand that not every company will have the expertise that you are looking for. Do your due diligence and look at the professional licenses each company has so that you know what they are qualified to do. Additionally, it is important for paving companies to both understand and meet specific guidelines for handicap parking and pedestrian safety. This will create a smooth flow during heavy traffic and prevent any collisions.

Ask About the Timeline

As you interview paving companies, ask how long it will take to complete the job. You may have to close your business to account for the construction. Inclement weather and the time of year can also make a job take longer and you need to know how the timeline may affect your business.

If you are ready to repave your parking lot, we are ready to help you. Contact NVM Paving and Concrete at 703-426-0471 so we can help you start the process.