Parking lot striping can be referred to as traffic markings. These markings are put in place to enable vehicle owners to see how to park their vehicles in the parking stalls. They also organize the flow of traffic especially one-way traffic in the parking lots. Parking lot striping ensures vehicles are where they should be, makes the parking space neat, and appeals to both tenants and visitors of the building. Therefore, it is important to have traffic markings in the parking lot. 

Besides making good impressions, it is also crucial to have these striping for safety purposes, especially between motorists and pedestrians, acting as a visual message to them. If a sidewalk is marked clearly, it will reduce the chances of collision and avoid confusion. 

It also maximizes space because it is carefully planned; drivers will not have to park their vehicles any way they want because they have to follow how the parking lot is laid out. Additionally, striping offers convenience to people with disabilities who visit the building. Besides, you are required by law to designate a handicapped space.

Effective parking lot striping

For a parking lot striping layout to be effective, it should contain accessible parking spaces, bright and durable line striping for stalls. There should also be arrows indicating the entrances and exits, fire lane areas that are clearly marked, and arrows showing the flow direction in the parking lot. 

All these aspects contribute to how efficient a parking lot is. Normally, this service is done by parking lot striping contractors like Commonwealth paving, who ensure a well-defined layout. Before setting out to do line striping on the parking lot, whether professionally or by yourself, some things need to be considered.

You need to decide the type of paint to use. For line striping, the most commonly used paint today is water-based acrylic paint because of its durability, environmental friendliness, high visibility, and brightness. However, some other types of paint can be used, solvent-based chlorinated rubber and solvent-based alkyd resin paints. 

Inline striping, there are three types of stripes; new layout stripes re-stripes and resurfaced re-stripes. In striping, two coats of paint that are 15 mm thick are required on a new line. After deciding on the right paint, you need to decide on the measurements of the parking stalls.

There are three parking stalls; parallel parking stalls at 90 degrees but parallel to the border with perpendicular lines, straight in parking at 90 degrees, and angled parking either 45 or 60 degrees. A stall should be 9′ by 18′, compact stalls measure 8.5 by 16 feet or 7.5 by 15 feet. Also, stripes and lines should be 4″ wide, and according to the Americans with Disability Act, an accessible parking spot should be at least 8 feet and have an accessible way of at least 5 feet wide. 

These are guidelines that cannot be overlooked; that is why professional help from companies like Commonwealth paving is suitable in such cases to avoid blunders that might end up being costly to the owner.

If you have a commercial, business, medical center, or multi-family property, you know that providing a safe parking lot is an essential part of building maintenance. Not only does this mean making sure potholes and buckled sections of asphalt are repaired, but you also want to have clearly marked, accurate lines so those using your lot can park in an orderly manner.

To help you determine when you need to consider getting your parking lot lines repainted, how much to budget, and what the process entails, we’re sharing a comprehensive guide to parking lot striping. With over 50 years of experience in line striping and paving services, we can share the information you need to make an informed decision about your parking lot maintenance.

Understanding Parking Lot Striping

Having clean, highly-visible parking lot spaces marked out provides safe, orderly parking for customers, employees, and visitors to your location. It also is essential to providing handicap-accessible parking spaces to ensure ADA compliance.

Not only is parking lot line striping important to the functionality of your location, but it also improves the appearance. Clean, clear lines that don’t show signs of wear give the exterior of your business or office a fresh look and show that you care about the maintenance and appearance of your building.