Parking lot striping is about creating noticeable traffic markings on pavements to keep traffic well-organized and easy to follow. These markings will boost user experience and increase safety. Parking lots without markings see more accidents and tend to confuse pedestrians.
Clear parking lot markings are also a part of business compliance, and you will be liable for any damage or injury arising from poorly marked lots. While many people rely on contractors for parking lot striping, you may opt to do it yourself. Below are some parking lot striping tips to help you get great results and get your dimensions right.
Consider Your Parking Lot Stripping Layout
There is no standard way of marking your parking lot. All you need is to make the best possible use of your space and consider traffic flow. For example, you want to include 90-degree, 60-degree, and 45-degree spots for one-way or parallel-parking spots.
Use The Right Paint
You need specific paint for marking asphalt. These paints are water-based acrylics, the most popular, solvent-based chlorinated rubber paints, and solvent-based alkyl resin paints. Oil and solvent-based paints last longer than water-based paints and work best in cold environments. However, they are costlier and bad for the environment. Generally, you want to ask for parking lot or road-marking paint, designed specifically for your project.
What Are The Right Dimensions For Parking Lot Stripping?
In the United States, slot sizes are usually 9’ by 18’, while compact slots measure 7.5-8.5’ by 15-16’. Therefore, the lines should be 4 inches wide and 15mm thick.
Clean The Surface Adequately
Road marking paint is usually highly adhesive, but you want to clean the lot before striping. You do not need to remove any old lines, but if any dirt is caught between the old line and the fresh paint, the fresh lines will deteriorate quickly. A quick sweep and removal of mold, vegetation and other debris are all that is needed. Avoid getting the area wet while cleaning.
Fire Lanes
Some zoning laws require parking lots to have a fire lane zone in front of buildings. The phrase ‘Fire Lane’ should be stenciled into the pavement and marked designated area.
Consider The ADA Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all parking lots have visible markings at the right dimensions for disability parking spots. These markings include white and blue asphalt striping plus metallic handicap signs for each disability parking spot. For each 25 regular parking spots, there should be one disability parking spot. These spots should also be at least 8’ across with at least 5’of clearance. However, consider checking the ADA website to ensure the disability parking slots requirements in your state.
Conclusion
Your parking lot markings help make it more accessible and welcoming, which is critical for commercial properties. With the tips above, your parking lot will look much better and professionally done.
