If a business has just installed a new commercial parking lot, or if their existing parking lot needs a round of maintenance, commercial parking lot striping is an essential last step in the process. In pavement terms, striping refers to the markings that are applied to the pavement surface. For commercial parking lots, that includes:
- Parking spaces
- Traffic direction arrows
- ADA markings (symbols of accessibility)
- Access aisles
- Fire lanes
These markings are essential for efficiency and safety reasons, as they bring order to a new or recently maintained parking lot. Parking lot striping is also required for compliance reasons, as per state and federal regulations.
When Are Commercial Parking Lot Striping Services Required in Houston?
Commercial parking lots must be striped before they can receive traffic. In general, property owners schedule striping services in one of two situations:
A new commercial parking lot was just installed
An existing commercial parking lot just received maintenance
Some types of commercial parking lot maintenance require striping once the job is done. Crack and pothole repairs are usually confined to small parts of the pavement and may not necessitate new striping. However, extensive surface treatments like an overlay or asphalt milling will remove any existing markings, which must be replaced once the job is done.
In both cases, the goal is the same: Establish clear, vibrant markings that motorists and pedestrians can understand at a glance.
Why is it Important for Commercial Property Owners to Invest in Parking Lot Striping?
Striping is a mandatory element of parking lot installation and maintenance. Quality striping also provides property owners with several benefits, including:
Better traffic control and efficiency
Houston’s commercial properties receive a lot of motorist traffic, and quality striping ensures that traffic flows efficiently through the parking lot. Parking spaces and traffic flow arrows ensure high traffic volumes do not cause congestion on the property and interfere with the business’s operations.
Better safety and liability protection
Organized parking and traffic flow also improves safety, as it ensures vehicle and pedestrian traffic are separated. If an accident occurs in your parking lot, you may be held liable if it is due to faded or worn striping.
Compliance with state and federal regulations
Commercial property owners in Houston are required to comply with federal ADA standards and with state-level regulations defined in Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) guidance. Under both, commercial property owners must maintain clear parking lot striping that meets ADA accessibility standards (marking accessible parking spaces appropriately, installing signage, providing access aisles, etc.). Failure to adhere to ADA or TAS standards exposes property owners to severe financial penalties and potential lawsuits.
Better curb appeal
Vibrant, high-contrast striping improves the parking lot’s overall appearance, making it look new and well-maintained. This can boost the property’s overall curb appeal and encourage people to visit the business.
Parking lot striping services are cost effective for the benefits they offer, along with a significant ROI that makes the investment worth it.
What Does the Commercial Parking Lot Striping Process Entail?
Compared to most other parking lot installation and maintenance processes, striping is a straightforward job that can be quickly accomplished. Specifically, it consists of the following steps:
Cleaning
First, the parking lot must be cleaned, preferably power swept. Any dust or debris will interfere with how the striping adheres to the pavement, so it must be as clean as possible.
Layout and planning
The pavement team will plan out the striping, placing markings where they need to go, according to ADA and TAS standards. This is another reason why it is important to work with an experienced pavement team, as they have better knowledge of accessibility laws.
Stenciling and painting
Once the striping is planned out, your pavement team will then stripe the parking lot using either a walk-behind or ride-on applicator. Stencils will be used for accessibility markings, as these must adhere to tight standards.
Curing
Once the striping is placed, it will take an hour or two before it’s ready for light vehicle traffic. A full 24 hours will be necessary for full curing and for heavier commercial traffic.
If done right, the new parking lot striping should last at least a year, but may be viable for up to five years, depending on several factors. In Houston, heavy commercial traffic, intense sun and severe rains may reduce this timeline significantly, so it is important for property owners to regularly inspect their parking lot’s condition.
Who Can Provide Commercial Parking Lot Striping Services?
Pavement contractors typically offer striping services along with parking lot construction or maintenance. If you are in the market for striping services, pick a contractor who has experience with concrete and asphalt construction. In Houston, many parking lots are built from concrete, which requires a different type of striping paint. If your property features asphalt and concrete, and if both need to be striped, you will need a contractor that has experience with both materials.
If your striping services will be needed following commercial parking lot construction, choose a contractor who has experience in site preparation services. Proper site preparation ensures your new parking lot is built on a stable, properly graded base that will effectively drain and bear vehicle weight.
By partnering with a full-service pavement team, you will save money and time by working with a single company. You will also maximize the quality and value of any parking lot installation or striping services you invest in.
Commercial Parking Lot Striping in Houston: FAQs
What markings does a commercial parking lot need?
A commercial parking lot typically needs parking spaces, traffic direction arrows, ADA markings, access aisles and fire lanes. These markings bring order to the lot and help your property comply with federal ADA standards and Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS).
How long does new parking lot striping take to dry?
Fresh striping is usually ready for light vehicle traffic within an hour or two. Allow a full 24 hours for the striping to fully cure before heavier commercial traffic uses the lot.
How long does commercial parking lot striping last in Houston?
Properly applied striping should last at least a year and may last up to five years. Heavy commercial traffic, intense sun and severe rain in Houston can shorten that timeline, so inspect your parking lot regularly.
Do I need new striping after parking lot repairs?
It depends on the repair. Crack and pothole repairs are usually confined to small areas and may not require new striping. An overlay or asphalt milling removes the existing markings, so the lot must be restriped once that work is done.
Does a concrete parking lot need different striping paint than asphalt?
Yes. Concrete parking lots require a different type of striping paint than asphalt. If your property has both asphalt and concrete pavement, choose a contractor with experience striping both materials.
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