One of the easiest ways to make your parking lot look better is to have the lines repainted. Over time, the paint will wear away and the lines will start to fade. This can make it difficult for customers and employees to safely navigate through the space whether it be in their vehicle or on foot.
Being a business owner or property manager, understanding the importance of line striping is essential. Not only does it make your parking lot look complete, it ensures traffic flows safely through your property. We’ve put together this quick line striping guide to help you determine what line striping is, what types of lines your parking lot should have, how often you should do it, and a few tips to hiring a line striping contractor.
What is line striping?
Parking lot striping is often referred to as the pavement traffic markings. These markings are in place to organize traffic flow, clearly mark parking stalls, and give driver’s directions as to where they can and cannot park.
Types of Parking Lot Lines
- Parking Stall Lines: These lines define where vehicles traffic should park. Parking stalls are essential to ensure vehicles do not park randomly. White paint is typically used to define parking spaces and they can be done at an angle or straight.
- Arrows: Directional arrows are used to tell traffic which direction to drive in order to reach parking spaces or even the exit. Arrows are typically painted in white to lead traffic to their destination.
- Crosswalk: Used to escort pedestrian traffic safely across parking lots and roadways, crosswalks are essential for any parking lot. While not required, crosswalks will keep customers and employees safe as they move from their car to the building. Crosswalks are typically marked with white paint and signage to properly warn drivers of the high foot traffic area.
- ADA Compliant Spaces: Reserved for persons with disabilities, ADA guidelines should always be followed for these specific parking spaces. For example, these spaces must connect the shortest accessible route to the building entrance. Further details for requirements, standards, and guidelines can be found on the ADA website. please visit the ADA website. These spaces are marked in blue paint and sometimes require specific signage. Again, please reference the ADA website for exact requirements.
- Fire Lane: Marked on the pavement to reserve space for fire and rescue services, this lane will be near any building and runs the length of it. Fire lanes should be clear of traffic and parking at all times in case of emergency. Yellow paint is typically used with the text typically reads “Fire Lane – No Parking” and sometimes signs are included to further define the space.
- No Parking Areas: Spaces on the property where vehicle traffic is prohibited is marked as such. These areas are typically designated by a square with diagonal lines painted inside. “No Parking” can also be painted to emphasize the no parking rule.
- Curves: Curves can be a nuisance for vehicles and pedestrians alike when they are not properly marked. These areas are often painted yellow to properly warn traffic of the step up.
How often should lines be painted?
Every parking lot is different in how often the lines should be painted. Vehicle traffic and weather can affect how quickly the paint will wear. Typically every 18 to 24 months, your parking lot will need to be restriped. Additionally, if you have your asphalt sealccoated, you will want to have stripes painted as they will be covered with the new protective coatings.
Hiring A Professional Line Striper
Parking lot striping is typically performed by professional line striping contractors. They will know exactly what types of lines your parking lot requires, how to best layout the space for efficient traffic flow, and what paint is best to use. Water-based acrylic traffic paints are the most common type of line striping paints used today.
When hiring a line striping company, be sure to ask about their experience and ensure they are licensed and insured. Additionally, asking for references and reading online reviews can help you make an educated decision and to see their work first hand.
If you are located in the greater Charlotte area and in need of a professional to paint the lines on your parking lot, contact Toste Construction. Our team is experienced and professionally trained on all things for asphalt pavement. Call our office to schedule your FREE estimate today!
Toste Construction specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.