Randomly parked cars, confused visitors, and legal liabilities are just a few of the problems that arise from improper parking lot striping practices. The task of maintaining a parking lot should never be overlooked, and there are many common mistakes in line marking that owners should be aware of.
By avoiding these 4-line striping mistakes, you can be sure that your parking lot will look attractive and operate efficiently:
1. Failure To Properly Evaluate The Pavement Surface
Before starting the project, be sure to measure the parking lot correctly. Incorrect measurements can result in stripes that are too long or too short for the space, which looks unprofessional. Additionally, you must ensure that the condition of the pavement allows the paint to adhere to the surface without causing discoloration, peeling, or premature peeling.
Take note of the efficiency and safety of your current parking lot design and decide if it’s time for a different design. Traffic flow, both vehicular and pedestrian, plays an important role in creating a positive experience on a business property.
2. Not Preparing The Parking Lot In Advance
Parking lines and pavement markings will last longer and look better on a lot that has been cleaned, dried and masked to prevent overspray. Start by sweeping up dirt, dust, and debris and removing obstacles. You should also inspect any cracks or potholes and make any necessary repairs before striping or marking the pavement. Cracks in asphalt can cause paint to pool, resulting in uneven or sloppy lines.
Additionally, painting over existing faded lines looks unappealing compared to painting over a new, clean surface. Wet blasting is a quick service (offered by Pavement Solutions) that removes existing markings without damaging the pavement beneath. Removing old marks will greatly improve the condition of the lot and ensure that the paint looks fresh and remains intact.
3. Using The Wrong Paint
Different types of paint are intended for different types of surfaces. Pavement conditions, traffic volume, and local weather conditions are crucial factors to consider when choosing paint for your parking lot. Trying to take shortcuts and opting for any old, cheap paint will cause it to chip and fade almost immediately. Water- and oil-based paints are the most common options for striping. Reflective paint can be coated over standard parking strips to provide safer nighttime navigation. Thermoplastic paint is a durable option that is best suited for parking lots with high traffic volume and weight.
You should consult an experienced and credible pavement marking and striping contractor before choosing a type of paint. Pavement Solutions paving professionals use the highest quality paving treatments, equipment and paints to ensure the best result.
4. Not Meeting Compliance Standards
Failure to meet parking compliance standards can cause headaches for property owners. Pavement markings and linear stripes must comply with ADA regulations, fire code laws, and municipal and state codes. Parking lots must have spaces designated to accommodate people with disabilities. If you fail to comply with essential ADA regulations, you will likely have to remove the newly painted lines and start from scratch to avoid receiving a hefty fine.
5. Not Updating Dash Lines Regularly
Homeowners should include boundary lines and pavement markings in their routine maintenance plans. Striping should be done at least once a year and more frequently if necessary. This helps prevent accidents, maximize parking spaces, and improve curb appeal.
