Parking lot stripes are important for not only the safety of your patrons and customers, but for the organization of your parking area. The appearance of your parking lot is a reflection of your business, so it is important to maintain it accordingly. Here are some key signs that it may be time to stripe your parking lot soon:
1- Faded Lines
Faded lines are going to happen regardless of what you do to prevent it from happening. The lines in your parking lot are constantly being driven on top of, as well as being in the elements of harsh weather conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With so much happening to it on a constant continuous basis, it’s no wonder that the lines begin to fade and become less visible not only to those in vehicles, but those walking in the lot, as well. And when the lines fade it not only looks bad, but it can also be dangerous to your patrons.
2- Poor Previous Striping Jobs
If you have had your lot striped multiple times throughout the years, and they aren’t consistently in the same spots, then it might be time to correct it by paving with new asphalt and striping. Doing so will help prevent confusion of where parking spaces and lanes begin and end. Lines need to make it clear to patrons and vendors where safety areas and cautionary areas are located in parking lots, and around buildings. Crosswalks and other paths for walking patrons need to be clear and visible to cars driving, as well. Also, any cautionary lines such as loading and unloading zones, “Do Not Enter” signs or fire lines, should also be clearly visible, too.
3- To Be in Accordance
There are laws in place to how wide and how large a parking stall needs to be, and certain distances for handicaps spots, walking areas, and other designated areas. These laws will defer from state to state, depending on requirements. This is in order to keep up to standards for the state safety laws and the American Disability Act laws in accordance to a business. Not keeping these striping requirements can result in fines if they are not fixed.
4- How Often?
It is a good idea to evaluate the condition of the lines in your parking lot after the cold, wet months are over. With snow removal and salt treatments for ice, the lines can become scraped, eroded and faded. The hot summer months are also creating wear on the stripes, but not to the extent that the cold wet months can do. It is a good idea to evaluate your parking lot in the spring time. With heavier traffic and weather, having striping done once a year may be necessary. Some lots can go from about 18 months to 2 years ,depending on traffic and conditions.
Remember, your parking lot is the first area that a patron will see when coming to your business. It’s so much more than just keeping a nice outward appearance. The lines in your parking lot and around your business should be clear and visible for the safety of those who patron and work there. If a parking lot is confusing and disorganized, chances are less people are going to want to patron your business, or you are more likely to have an incident on your property.
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