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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

Paving Contractors

How to Choose the Right Asphalt Construction Company

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A quality asphalt construction company knows that a parking lot’s aggregate subbase layer should never be under six inches thick. Hiring the wrong company can result in your commercial construction project having a subpar parking lot. This can have a significant impact on your business.

A low-quality parking lot will have increased maintenance costs while making a poor first impression on customers. Avoid the pitfalls of lousy asphalt by following this guide to choosing the best company.

License

Any business you work with should have a license and insurance in good standing. These are signs the business is a legitimate one. You need a business you can trust to file the necessary building permits.

Experience

Look at how long the company has been in business. The longer the company has operated, the more experience it has.

In addition, the more likely it is a high-quality business. A company that does poor-quality work will get a reputation and not be in business long.

Professional Reputation

Ask around to find out about an asphalt contractor’s professional reputation. Commercial construction runs on tight budgets and timelines. The company you hire for your asphalt works must have a professional reputation.

References can provide you with insight into the company’s past work. Ask about communication, timeliness, and level of professionalism.

Services Offered

Your beautiful new parking lot won’t last forever. Eventually, it will need maintenance and repair.

A commercial paving contractor that offers these services can be ideal because it allows you to develop an ongoing professional relationship. NVM Paving & Concrete provides several asphalt services.

  • Asphalt Construction
  • Asphalt Repair
  • Asphalt Maintenance
  • Asphalt Sealcoating

Materials and Methods Used

There are many asphalt paving mixes and methods. The one used for your parking lot should be ideal for your climate and intended use. An experienced asphalt contractor will know what mix to use for each commercial project.

In addition, how well a parking lot lasts heavily depends on the base’s quality. There are multiple options for base materials used and their layer thickness. The person you meet with should be able to explain the best base layer design for your project and why.

Cost

A crucial part of the contractor selection process is bidding. Create a short list of asphalt companies that look promising. Request a project quote from each of them.

Compare the quotes to find the best quality company for a price you can afford. Pay attention to the quote’s details and not just the final price. The lowest bid may look appealing until you see that it includes low-quality materials and labor shortcuts.

Warranty

Ask a potential asphalt construction company if they offer a warranty for their work. A quality company will have confidence in their work and provide a warranty for the completed project.

Hire an Asphalt Construction Company

A commercial construction project comes together when the asphalt paving gets completed. Hiring a high-quality asphalt construction company is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the project’s paved surfaces. NVM Paving & Concrete has over 35 years of experience in offering a wide variety of asphalt services.

Request a quote for asphalt services for your next construction project.

From Flawed to Flawless: The Power of Profile Milling for Commercial Pavements

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Did you know that the pavement industry has grown by almost 3% in 2023 alone?

If you have pavement that you want to protect, try profile milling. Profile milling is a powerful technique that can transform flawed commercial pavements into flawless ones.

This method offers numerous benefits. With profile milling, you can address common issues, have smoother pavement, and more. Keep reading to learn why it’s worth the investment.

Correcting Flaws With Profile Milling

One of the best advantages of profile milling is the correction of flaws in the pavement. Over time, commercial pavements can develop irregularities and deformities. This issue often comes from heavy traffic, weather conditions, and other factors.

Profile milling is a pavement maintenance technique that involves the removal of a thin surface layer of the pavement to correct irregularities and achieve a smoother, even surface.

The process is accomplished by using specialized milling machines equipped with cutting tools that precisely shave off the targeted areas, leaving behind a flawless and uniform surface. This approach not only addresses visible flaws like cracks, rutting, and potholes but also ensures that the pavement’s structural integrity remains intact.

Pavement Excavation and Planning

Pavement excavation and planning are crucial steps in the edge milling process. Before commencing the milling work, it’s worth inspecting the pavement and identifying problem areas. That way, you can focus on the specific sections that need improvement.

Proper pavement planning ensures the milling machine operates efficiently and effectively. Before you know it, you’ll enjoy a seamless and well-executed project.

The Role of the Pavement Milling Machine

The use of a pavement milling machine is essential for profile milling. This specialized equipment removes unwanted layers from the pavement.

The milling machine employs rotating cutting tools that grind and remove damaged areas. You’ll notice a precise and uniform transition between the milled and unmilled sections. Doing this ensures that the edges of the pavement seamlessly blend with the rest of the surface.

Improved Water Drainage

Profile milling offers several benefits that go beyond cosmetic considerations. One notable advantage is the enhancement of drainage on the pavement.

Uneven surfaces and damaged edges can hinder proper water runoff. This problem can lead to water accumulation and damage to the pavement structure.

By eliminating these irregularities through profile milling, water can flow freely. This will cut down on the risk of water-related issues like potholes and cracks.

The Power of Milling Means Enhanced Longevity.

Profile milling can boost the longevity of the pavement. By addressing major and minor flaws, you can preserve the structural integrity of the pavement. This helps minimize the development of further damage.

It also extends the lifespan of the pavement by a significant margin. That way, you can reduce the need for repairs or even replacements. Profile milling can result in substantial cost savings over the long term.

It’s Time to Save Your Commercial Pavements

With modern technology, commercial pavements can look great and reflect the professionalism of your business.

NVM Paving & Concrete offers reliable solutions in several states, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.

You can even count on us for free commercial pavement estimates. Our experienced team wants to hear from your business.

Things to Consider When Paving an Airport Runway

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There’s a bit of a humorous saying in the airline industry: “A good landing is one you can walk away from. A great landing is one where they can use the plane again.” This is firmly tongue planted-in-cheek, but there’s a kernel of truth to it in that a smooth, safe landing makes a real difference to keeping airplanes operating the way they should.

The best way to maximize the chances of a safe landing is by providing quality airport runway paving to ensure planes have a smooth airstrip to land on when they touch down. However, runway paving is about far more than just providing the right surface. Here’s what else you need to know!

Standing Up to the Weight

Here’s an obvious statement: Aircrafts are pretty heavy. A commercial aircraft weighs more than 100 tons, and that’s before you’ve boarded a passenger or checked a piece of luggage on board. When you add in those factors, you’re looking at a lot of stress on the runway pavement, considering how often planes will need to use the airstrip.

That’s why you need to consider high-quality airport runway paving from the beginning. You’re going to have airplanes landing on the surface multiple times a day for several years, and even a slight error can prove disastrous. Above all else, when you’re considering paving an airport runway, you need to be sure the materials you’re using can handle the stress.

Using Pavement Properly

The kind of pavement that you use also changes depending on the way you plan to use that section of your runway. If you’re planning to park your airplanes on a section of pavement, that’s going to result in stress applied differently than if you’re taxiing to and from the gate. 

This is why quality airport paving isn’t something that just happens. It exists through careful design and planning between experts who know the location and the land underneath the pavement properly. Just like with a highway, every detail is carefully and meticulously planned in order to maximize safety and minimize problems. Before any asphalt is mixed and laid down, it’s critical to know how you’re planning to use each runway section.

Minimizing Downtime

Airports are kind of like amusement parks in this manner: when something isn’t running on time, people get frustrated. And just like at an amusement park, it doesn’t matter what the issue is: people will get upset when things aren’t running properly even though it’s for their safety. That means you need to make sure your surface is easy to maintain and you’ve got the knowledge to keep it well cared for.

If you don’t have a first-rate maintenance staff, you’ll want to invest more in initial airport runway paving to limit risks and prevent problems. Either way, if you’re going to keep people on time for their destination, quality airport paving is a must. Whatever you need to do to keep your runway in top shape, the time and cost is worth it for a safe, enjoyable experience.

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. 

What Are The Main Causes of Potholes?

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If you are a commercial property manager, potholes are probably one of your biggest headaches. They cause road damage and make it difficult for customers to navigate. They were also expected to cost American businesses $240 billion by the end of 2022.

But what causes potholes, and how can they be prevented? This quick guide will examine the main causes behind those pesky potholes so that you can better understand why they appear in the first place and, more importantly, how to avoid them in the future.

What Are Potholes?

Potholes are an, unfortunately, all too common sight on commercial properties. Before we discuss what causes potholes, it is important to understand what they are so you know what to look for. They can appear seemingly out of nowhere and quickly turn a smooth drive into a pock-marked journey.

While potholes look like cracks in asphalt, they are quite different; pothole edges tend to be jagged, whereas crack edges are usually somewhat smooth.

Overall, potholes can be extremely dangerous as they can cause serious damage to a vehicle if not avoided. As a commercial property manager or facility manager, it is important to understand they could also lead to expensive legal battles if they cause enough damage.

What Causes Potholes?

There are a few main causes of potholes. In general, they occur when water seeps into the pavement of roads and freezes. As the ice expands, it cracks and breaks apart pieces of asphalt. When cars continue to drive over potholes, they become bigger and can seriously damage drivers who do not notice them in time.

Weakened Pavement

Weakened pavement is one of the key causes of potholes. After all, groundwater cannot get inside if the pavement is strong and sealed properly. So, it is important to ensure your roads are properly maintained.

Cracks and other damage to pavement can be a sign that weakened pavement is leading to future pothole problems. If left untreated, weakened pavement can worsen until it leads to a full-fledged pothole.

Water

As mentioned above, when melted ice and frozen water come into contact with roads and highways, it has a surprisingly damaging effect.

As the melted ice mixes with dirt, rocks, and other debris on the asphalt surface, it creates opportunities for air and moisture to reach the foundation layers of the pavement. This causes significant damage to those lower layers. Consider the freezing point of water and pay special attention to your commercial pavement when the weather gets cold.

Traffic

The vibration from traffic, especially from traffic involving heavy vehicles like trucks, affects the quality of pavement and asphalt, making it unable to support traffic in the long run. Over time, these constant vibrations cause cracks in the surface. Eventually, they develop into potholes as pieces of them chip away.

Additionally, when cars drive over pre-existing potholes, they can get bigger or cause more damage by further chipping away at the surface around them.

Asphalt Repair & Management

Understanding what causes potholes is the first step. Next, you will want to take measures to prevent them from forming in the first place. Fortunately, potholes do not have to be unavoidable with proper maintenance.

NVM Paving is dedicated to delivering superior asphalt repair and maintenance. When you contact us for regular maintenance, you will be helping to extend the life of your pavement and save yourself money in the future. Do not let potholes be an issue; contact us now and ensure a long-lasting asphalt surface.

How To Identify Different Types of Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

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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 and needs asphalt repair 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!