Did you know line striping can save your business money while boosting your brand? Most importantly, though, having highly visible lines painted throughout your commercial parking lot can save lives!
A commercial parking area should be welcoming, safe, and designed for efficiency, for the employees, clientele, and delivery drivers. Line marking has been shown to help reduce the risk of liability claims while preventing criminal acts.
This article will uncover the importance of having properly applied line markings and how you can start increasing sales while reducing accidents today.
The Importance of Parking Lot Line Striping
Line striping is much more than applying white, yellow, or blue paint across sections of a commercial lot. It is intended to give order to a space for efficient traffic flow, designate parking, and provide a safe means for the public to access your business.
Aside from preventing chaos, line markings, and any specialty markings, provide an aesthetically pleasing environment to customers and employees alike. Without designated lines, a business could lose existing and new customers as no one wants to enter an unorganized place. The outside of the business needs to draw people to discover the wonders inside. Below are some of the benefits of parking lot line striping.
Creates a Safe Environment
Parking lot line striping first and foremost is an important safety measure for any commercial or industrial business. The lines designate proper parking spaces to prevent collisions and provide a safe area (crosswalk) for foot traffic. Along with outlining the parking spaces, line marking is used to designate spaces closest to the business for those with disability permits.
Prevents Vehicular Accidents
With line markings and painted arrows strategically placed throughout the parking lot, collisions between vehicles and/or with pedestrians is greatly reduced. Depending on the allotted space within the lot, a business may control the traffic flow with side-by-side or separate entrances/exits.
Maximizes Parking Spaces
Keeping building fire codes in mind, a business can use line markings in the parking lot to maximize the amount of available vehicle spaces. Drivers learn to park within lines thereby keeping with the controlled parking allocations. These same markings help to direct the flow of traffic within the parking lanes, preventing traffic jams.
Provides Curb Appeal
Take note of any business’s parking lot next time you drive through the city. Anything pop out? A parking lot with bright, clear, and distinguishing line markings on a smooth blacktop surface can stand out more than any road sign. Well-kept line markings also boost curb appeal by making the statement that the business gives priority to the safety and comfort of its customers and employees.
Helps You Comply with AODA Regulations
One of the more serious aspects of line markings is the compliance with local by-laws and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Every person has the right to access a business which includes having proper parking accommodations. These parking spaces are to be line marked with highly visible paint.
Things to Focus on When Striping Your Parking Lot
Parking lot line marking can be done year-round within the right weather conditions. In the colder months, line marking should be planned for a day when there is no forecasted precipitation, and the temperatures are above 0 degrees Celsius for at least 24 hours. The surface of the parking also will need to be prepped by clearing of dirt and debris and repairing any asphalt damage.
Once the parking lot is prepared for line marking, there are several things to keep in mind before, during, and after the paint application.
Equipment Used
Creating lines or repainting parking lines takes time, effort, and the right type of equipment. The appropriate type of paint needs to be applied with commercial equipment such as a walker or a truck mounted system.
Paint Quality
The type of paint used depends on the geographical location of the business. With the extreme temperatures of our winters and summers here in Ontario, only the top-quality traffic paint from reputable companies will survive the elements. Investing in practical paint can save money in the long run as you won’t need to restripe your parking lot as often.
AODA Requirements
It is crucial the AODA requirements, and those by-laws of the local municipality, are met with any line marking project. The precise measurement of space between he lines, proximately to the building, and other parking spaces must follow the guidelines and regulations.
Use Of Reflective Lines
Specialized reflective paint can be used in parking lots where businesses are open to the public after dark. It can also be used in delivery areas and loading docks. In Ontario, this also takes into consideration winter nights where dusk begins at 4:30 p.m. Nighttime reflective line markings can be a financial boost as well as a customer comfort. Plus, these lines not only act as a beacon for easy parking but work as a safety measure for both drivers and foot traffic.
Downtime at Your Business
Managing line marking projects in a parking lot of a thriving business needs to be done on off hours or with little disruption to the service of customers. For some cases, you may need to plan ahead if you will be painting sections of the lot where the business operates 24 hours a day.
Choose Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. for Your Line Striping Projects
Keep the safety of your employees and customers top priority by having the team at Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. properly outline your parking lot with highly visible line markings. Our services can be scheduled to accommodate your business hours. Contact us today to learn more about our line marking.