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NVM Paving & Concrete, Inc.

Northern Virginia Paving Company

New Asphalt & Concrete Projects

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!

What Are the Rules for Freshly Paved Asphalt?

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Freshly Paved Lot

If you have pavement in need of repair, it might be time to lay new asphalt. When you’re repairing your parking lot or installing a brand new one, it is important to create a time table. You have to know how long to close your business or how long the parking lot will be out of commission. Asphalt paving is not a long process. However, there are things that you need to know about freshly paved asphalt.

How Long Does Asphalt Take to Dry?

Asphalt only takes about three days to dry. Of course, the time of year must be taken into consideration as well. In high temperatures with high humidity, it may take much longer for the asphalt to completely dry. It is also important to realize that while the asphalt may only take a few days to dry, it can take up to 6 months to fully settle.

Should You Take Action in the First 24 Hours?

After the first 24 hours, you do want to be careful with your asphalt. After all, it isn’t completely dry. You can walk on the pavement with no problems as long as you are not wearing heels or cleated shoes. These types of shoes can damage your brand-new lot. You should also wait at least 3 days before allowing cars to park on the lot, giving the asphalt time to dry.  

What Can You Do in the First Few Months?

For the first few months, you want to take extra precautions with your asphalt parking lot. This will keep your lot durable and stable for years to come. While heavy equipment and trucks can park on your lot, you do want to pay attention to how long that equipment remains.

Freshly paved asphalt can be a wonderful asset to your property for years to come, so be sure to pay special attention in the first few months. For commercial concrete and asphalt services, contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or emailing us today!

Save Time and Money With Asphalt Parking Lots

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If you are a building owner, you have a lot of responsibilities that need your consideration. One of these responsibilities is your parking lot. You have to maintain a safe, functional parking lot for your guests, tenants, or clients. If you’re looking for an option that can save you time and money, then asphalt may be your number one.

How Asphalt Saves Money

Money is always a concern when it comes to business construction. When you choose asphalt, you are receiving an affordable and durable option. On one hand, asphalt is safe. It’s smooth, skid-resistant, and has better visual distinctions. If you’re worried about your liability, asphalt is a safer choice for your guests, resulting in fewer liability claims.

Asphalt gives off a professional look that will increase your curb appeal. Increasing your curb appeal leads to higher foot traffic which can ultimately lead to greater revenue. This will also increase the overall value of your building.

Asphalt also requires little maintenance. With asphalt, you can save money by avoiding constant, costly repairs to your parking lot.

How Asphalt Saves Time

The asphalt installment process is fairly quick, especially compared to the other available options. An under-construction parking lot can lead to lost business and largely inconvenience your employees. With asphalt, you can keep these issues minimal. After the initial installment, very little maintenance is required, leaving your parking lot looking its best for years to come.

As a property manager or business owner, it is up to you to ensure that you have a safe parking lot. When laying a new parking lot, you have to consider the time and money that it’s going to cost you. With asphalt, you can save time and money. Contact NVM Paving and Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or emailing us today to learn more.