When you visit a business, whether it be an office, a retail store, or even a government building, what do you see first? The parking lot. This seemingly small aspect of a business makes a large impression on visitors. After all, a perfectly striped parking lot looks a lot better than a faded, pothole-ridden, confusing mess of an asphalt surface. Here’s everything you need to know about the underrated art of parking lot striping.
What is Parking Lot Striping?
Pavement striping is the act of painting lines and symbols onto a roadway or a parking lot to tell drivers where to go and what to do.
How is Parking Lot Striping Done?
While it’s possible to stripe a surface by hand, most professional companies use striping machinery to get the job done fast. Some common machines used by striping contractors are:
1. Laser Guides
Laser guides help to make every line perfectly straight and proportionate – something that’s nearly impossible with hand painting.
2. Spray Shields
While laser guides are very effective, they’re not immune to wind. A stream of paint could easily be interrupted by a sudden wind gust. Spray shields surround and protect the paint stream from the wind and other elements.
3. Reflective Bead Dispensers
Reflective beads are a helpful addition to parking lots, as they help drivers navigate that surface at night. This machine can be added onto the laser guide to manually place the reflective beads onto the pavement as the lines are striped.
Keeping Your Parking Lot Up to Code
Parking lot striping is more than white and yellow lines – there are other factors of striping that keep parking lots up to code. ADA compliance is a huge factor when it comes to marking a parking lot. There must be a certain number of handicap accessible parking spaces in your lot. As the general rule goes, there must be 1 accessible parking space for every 25 general parking spaces. Accessible parking spaces must be significantly larger than general spaces to have room for wheelchairs. Professional parking lot stripers are up to date and trained to follow these regulations, therefore keeping your parking lot up to code.
Benefits of Parking Lot Striping
1. Increases Efficiency
Without proper lines and signage, it can be difficult for drivers and pedestrians to understand where to walk or park. With a properly laid-out parking lot, customers will be able to enter, park, and exit a parking lot with ease, reducing confusion.
2. Eliminates Compliance Lawsuits
As stated above, keeping your parking lot up to code is crucial. Getting your parking lot striped and re-striped as needed allows the able and disabled to have equal access to parking and navigating through the parking lot. Without proper striping and signage, your business could be fined, or even sued by an individual who is not receiving compliance.
3. Boosts Curb Appeal
Nothing says professionalism like a beautifully striped parking lot. Chipping, fading, or warped lines can give an unattractive look. For this reason, it’s very important to invest in regular maintenance of your parking lot. Curb appeal drives customers to your business and leaves a lasting impression.
For professional parking lot striping service, call Wright Construction today. Your visitors will notice the difference – and you'll gain a better visual reputation.
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