Why should parking lots be re-striped when paint begins to fade?
Parking lot striping/markings help ensure an organized flow of traffic in the parking lot. The bright lines marking out parking spaces, arrows for entrances and exits, directional flow indicators, fire lanes, and handicap line-markings guide drivers and pedestrians for smooth traffic flow.
Unfortunately, line-markings aren’t permanent. Although the paint used is incredibly durable, even the best markings fade and lose visibility over time due to traffic and the elements.
4 Reasons Regular Parking Lot Re-striping is Vital
Re-striping, whenever the markings wear out, can help reverse the effects of fading. Regular re-striping, every 24-36 months, in line with industry best practices, is also beneficial in the following ways:
Reduce incidents and liabilities
The biggest problem with faded traffic markings or markings that aren’t visible (perhaps you just applied a fresh seal coat that’s blocking the markings) is the increased risk of preventable accidents and injuries.
When drivers using the parking lot can’t clearly see the parking lot markings, they are left to use their judgment when navigating the lot. This is very dangerous and could easily result in collisions and other accidents.
Parking lot re-striping restores visibility and the traffic organization. It directs pedestrians and reminds drivers that there are rules to follow. The result is better traffic flow and a reduced risk of lawsuits and fines.
Compliance with ADA requirements
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) has a few guidelines for parking lot striping. On parking lot re-striping specifically, a statement from the ADA website reads, “when a state, local government or business re-stripes the parking spaces in its parking lot or parking structure, it must do so per the requirements set out in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.”
The Act also states that re-striping gives commercial facilities a chance to “remove barriers to access in existing parking lots.” In other words, it encourages regular re-striping to further increase access for people with disabilities.
If a disabled person feels discriminated against, they can file a lawsuit. Also, if the lack of clear striping causes injury, you’re in trouble.
Compliance with fire codes
Fire codes require a designated fire lane in case of a fire emergency. The codes are mostly established at the state level. For instance, in Florida, fire lane requirements are established under the Florida Fire Prevention Code 6th Edition, NFPA, 1 – 2015 Edition.
Any commercial property who fails to mark or maintain designated fire lane markings is guilty of an infraction. The maximum penalty for failing to mark a designated fire lane is $150.00, with each day during which the unlawful act occurs constituting a new violation.
You’re also obligated to maintain the fire lanes on your property at your own expense, as often as deemed necessary, to clearly identify the designated area.
Improved appearance and customer satisfaction
Finally, you should also consider regular parking lot re-striping to boost the property’s aesthetic appeal and increase customer satisfaction. That facial uplift is critical, whether it’s a commercial property, HOA, condo, or apartment building.
Specifically, for commercial properties, a faded parking lot with less-than-visible traffic markings looks disorganized and unprofessional. It sends the message that the property managers don’t care about customer safety or making a positive impression.
On the other hand, regular parking lot re-striping portrays the property in a positive light. It shows that the managers and owners care about the safety and general satisfaction of their customers.
Contact ACPLM for Parking Lot Re-Striping in Tampa Bay and Orlando
If it’s been more than two years since you re-striped your parking lot, or even if you re-striped recently, but the paint is already fading, perhaps due to bad weather, it’s time to re-strip. Contact ACPLM today for parking lot re-striping in Tampa. Our team has over 50 years of experience repairing and maintaining parking lots in Tampa Bay and Orlando, Florida. We have the skills and resources necessary to re-strip your parking lot and ensure the safety of your customers and tenants.
