Parking lot line striping is an important method of organization and means of communication for commercial properties. Parking lines guide tenants and visitors to make parking less of a hassle.
Unfortunately, parking lines do not last forever. They fade over time due to exposure to chemicals and harsh weather. Paint quality also degrades with wear and tear. Fading lines are not only an eyesore but a safety risk too. Make sure your parking lines are bright and shiny all year round.
The size and complexity of a commercial parking lot makes it difficult to maintain. It is imperative for business owners to include parking lot striping in their annual maintenance program.
Why Parking Lot Line Striping Should Be Done Before the Winter
Line striping cannot be done in the winter. The pavement will either be wet from condensation or covered with snow. It also takes longer for paint to dry. The best time to restripe or re-organize your parking lot is before the cold weather sets in.
Benefits of Parking Lot Line Striping
When parking lines fade, it makes navigation difficult. This can be frustrating for drivers and creates an unsafe environment. Below are some of the benefits of striping your business parking space regularly.
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Prevent accidents
Driving around a parking lot with faded line striping can cause confusion and lead to accidents. A driver may not be able to identify where to stop and start. He might park too close to the road or in areas not designed for parking vehicles. If you can’t see where you’re supposed to park, you could end up blocking someone else. Passengers in the vehicle beside you might have to squeeze themselves into a tiny space because you parked too close.
Clearly marked lines with brightly colored paint help alert drivers which spaces are available. They direct the flow of traffic so you know exactly where to go.
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Minimize disruptions to your business
Most businesses are busy in the summer, especially those that cater to tourists. Scheduling your parking lot restriping during peak season can be very inconvenient to your customers. You could end up losing clients if your parking lot is difficult to navigate or under repair.
Hire a professional line striper during your off-peak period to save time and money. This way, your parking lot gets a much-needed makeover without disrupting your busiest time of the year.
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Provide access for handicapped drivers and emergency vehicles
Parking lot line striping is necessary to comply with the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires businesses to provide handicapped parking. These designated spots must be clearly marked to make parking easier for handicapped drivers.
Line striping based on ADA regulations also provides access for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances.
What You Need to Know When Line Striping Parking Lots
There are three types of parking pavements: asphalt, cement, and concrete. Create a checklist based on your surface type before starting your parking lot line striping project.
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The parking lot surface must be clean
The cleanliness of the parking lot surface can impact the lifespan of your lines. If the striping is painted on a dirty surface, it will wear off quickly. The next time a sweeper cleans the area, the stripes could chip, rip or fade. As a result, you might need to do the job twice which could end up doubling the cost.
A parking lot surface that is cleaned properly before striping would need to be restored less frequently. If your parking lot is in need of new stripes, hire a professional that will thoroughly clean it.
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Create a layout plan
There are three common types of parking slots:
- Straight parking at 90 degrees
- Angled parking at 45 or 60 degrees
- Parallel parking
The size of each stall will depend on what it is intended for. Check with your local zoning regulations for exact measurements.
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Choose the right paint and technique
Oil-based alkyds are often used for restriping and new layouts while latex paint is common for resurfaced lots.
Line striping over fresh asphalt or crack sealer requires a waterborne coating. If you are striping over concrete substrates, use chlorinated rubber paint.
Most professionals recommend quick-dry acrylic waterborne paint for restriping. This should be applied at temperatures above 45°F.
Apply two thin coats of acrylic latex paint instead of one thick coat to prevent pavement damage.
Typical drying time is 30 minutes but it’s best to allow a full hour with no traffic.
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Spot fading signs
When parking lines are visibly reduced by 75% of their original look, it is time to call a professional. It is recommended for business owners to plan a restriping project every two years.
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Comply with ADA requirements
Make sure that your parking lot contains the minimum number of accessible stalls for the handicapped. If your property does not meet these guidelines, reconfigure the number of stalls and apply new markings. Each stall must also comply with the minimum size required by the ADA.
Does your parking lot need a fresh restripe? Does a recent expansion on your business require a new parking design? Contact Prestige Property Services to schedule your line striping consultation appointment today.
