When done correctly, fresh paint can make your property more attractive to potential customers, tenants and employees. A well-striped, properly marked parking lot conveys the impression that you pay attention to details, have pride in your business and care about the convenience and safety of those who access your property. Conversely, a parking lot with faded or missing markings may leave visitors wondering whether the interior of your property is also poorly maintained. Although pavement striping and markings may seem simple, there are many details that can affect the quality of the job.
Parking Lot Striping: What You Need To Know
As with many tasks, asphalt striping and marking a parking lot requires planning, preparation and effort to achieve the best results. Here are a few things that you should know for your paving contractor about getting the most for your money.
• With very few exceptions, parking lots are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some local governments have enacted accessibility codes that are even stricter than the federal ones. Under federal law, you must make sure that your parking lot is compliant when you have new markings applied. If you have not had fresh paint applied for several years, your lot may not be in compliance unless its design is altered.
• Virtually every decision can affect the number of parking stalls that will fit in a given space. For example, travel aisles must be wider if they are used for two-way traffic instead of one-way traffic. Head-in parking stalls allow more spaces, but they also require a larger allotment of space for turning.
• Your parking lot should remain closed to vehicles for at least 30 minutes after the paint seems to have dried. Ask your contractor how long to keep the area closed to foot traffic and vehicle traffic; you may be able to allow foot traffic sooner than you can allow vehicle traffic.
• Some pavements will absorb more paint than others, reducing the visibility of the markings and stripes. However, if this happens, ensure that your contractor does not try to compensate by applying a thick coat of paint rather than two or more thin coats.
• The average parking lot will require fresh paint every 18 to 24 months. However, high-volume lots may need annual striping. As a rule, once the visibility of the paint drops below 75 percent of its original clarity, the parking lot should be repainted.
• The type of paint must be matched to the type and condition of the pavement. For example, rubber-based paints are typically best for concrete, but water-based paints are usually preferred for new asphalt pavements.
• Having asphalt sealcoating applied prior to striping makes your parking lot even more attractive. Furthermore, sealcoating helps you extend the life of your pavement.
• You might want to consider the importance of curb paint. Marking loading zones, fire lanes, no-parking zones or disabled access can help eliminate confusion and make the parking lot safer.
If you need parking lot striping and pavement markings, you can trust All Pro Asphalt to deliver exceptional work at affordable rates. In addition, we offer asphalt and paving, sealcoating, asphalt repair, infrared asphalt restoration, concrete work, asphalt crack repair, car stops, speed bumps, parking lot signs and reflectors. For a free quote, fill out the online form or call 816-249-6800.
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