How often should you restripe your commercial parking lot?

​Have you ever pulled into an establishment’s parking lot and suddenly felt like you were driving across the moon? Cracks, potholes, uneven surfaces, and faded or missing pavement markings can lead to an uneasy and confusing parking experience. They can even make new customers less confident about doing business with you since a shabby or poorly striped parking lot doesn’t exactly show care and concern for your visitors.

​Along with maintaining your parking lot’s surface quality to ensure no one has to risk their alignment driving through craters, one of the best ways to keep your commercial parking lot looking sharp is to have it professionally restriped. Freshly painted pavement markings not only improve your curb appeal and give a favorable impression of your business, but they also make your parking lot much safer. They identify where to park and where not to park, where to walk, and where ADA-compliant parking spots are located. 

What Factors Affect How Long Pavement Markings Last?
Many factors determine how long and how well your pavement markings will last. Here in central Minnesota, weather greatly affects how long paint holds up on outdoor surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Our state often has drastic temperature changes (sometimes from one day to the next!). On hot, humid summer days, the sun’s UV rays beat down on the pavement and wear at the paint. And during the winter, freezing precipitation and snow removal (e.g., plowing, salting, and sanding) take a toll on pavement striping. 

The amount of daily traffic driving through your commercial parking lot will also impact how often you’ll need to restripe. More traffic means more wear and tear on the paint, so restriping will be necessary more often. (But on the bright side, if you’ve got a lot of visitors coming and going, that’s usually a good thing for business!)

How well you care for your lot can also affect the longevity of pavement markings. Dirt, debris, and how well the pavement surface is maintained will impact how long your paint holds up. Keeping your commercial parking lot clean and well-maintained can help maximize the life of your striping. 

How Will I Know When It’s Time To Restripe My Parking Lot?
Anytime you resurface or seal coat your commercial parking lot, you will need to restripe it. Maintenance and repairs can cover up pavement markings making your lot confusing and less safe for visitors. So once your parking lot maintenance is complete, you’ll need to hire a professional pavement marking contractor to restripe it. 

Likewise, if your brightly painted lines begin to fade or chip away, it’s also time for restriping. You should walk through your lot a couple of times per year to check the condition. In central Minnesota, it’s a good idea to do this in the spring after the snow has melted to examine the pavement markings and check for missing paint. When the lines look worn and are becoming harder to see, it may be time to have your commercial parking lot restriped. 

When Is the Best Time To Restripe A Parking Lot?
The best time to restripe is when temperatures aren’t extreme. Moderate weather and dry conditions allow the pavement markings to dry properly. It’s often best to schedule your restriping project on a day when your business is closed or after hours when traffic is minimal. Your contractor can help you determine the best day and time to complete the restriping work.

So How Often Will I Need To Restripe My Business's Parking Lot?
A commonly asked question is, “How long does striping last?” The answer really depends on what the owner wants their lot to look like. If the goal is to have bright lines that pop and stand out, you’ll need to restripe more often. Additionally, some businesses, such as malls or grocery stores, have so much traffic that they must restripe their parking lots annually. A good guideline for lots that receive a moderate amount of traffic is to plan for restriping every two to three years to keep things looking great. This is why selecting the right pavement marking contractor is so beneficial when it’s time to restripe your commercial parking lot. 

Experienced pavement marking contractors use high-quality equipment and materials. They can suggest layout improvements that will correct traffic flow problems, ensure your lot is ADA-compliant, and increase safety for both drivers and pedestrians. And most importantly, they will professionally and efficiently restripe your commercial parking lot the first time, so you can get back to running your business.

If you’ve recently resurfaced or repaired your parking lot or you’ve begun to notice missing lines or faded pavement markings, then it’s time to bring back your curb appeal. Central Minnesota business owners can get bold, crisp striping and high-quality work at a great price. Contact Ryan at RTA LLC for a free parking lot restriping quote today.