Parking Lot Striping in Athens, GA

Parking lot striping wears out faster than the asphalt under it. Sun, rain and tires fade lines within a few years, and HomeGuide notes that striping typically lasts two to five years before it needs a fresh coat. Around Athens, lots for shops, churches, offices and apartments need clear stalls, readable arrows and fire lanes, and accessible spaces that meet federal standards. Faded lines lead to crooked parking, lost spaces and confused traffic.

Restriping and the ADA

The Department of Justice's guidance is clear that restriping a lot triggers the 2010 ADA Standards for accessible parking. That means the number, size and signage of accessible spaces must be correct when lines are repainted, even if the old layout was not. Key requirements include:

• 1 accessible space for 1 to 25 total spaces, 2 for 26 to 50, 3 for 51 to 75, 4 for 76 to 100
• At least one van-accessible space, and one in six accessible spaces van-accessible in larger lots
• Car spaces at least 96 inches wide with a 60-inch access aisle
• Van spaces 132 inches wide with a 60-inch aisle, or 96 inches with a 96-inch aisle
• Signs mounted with the bottom at least 60 inches above the ground
• Spaces and aisles no steeper than 1:48 in any direction

We count spaces per lot and lay out accessible stalls on the most level ground near the accessible entrance.

New layouts

After a rebuild, overlay or sealcoat, the old lines are gone and the lot can be laid out fresh. That is a chance to fix traffic flow, add stalls or widen tight ones. HomeGuide notes a new layout costs about 20 to 50 percent more than restriping over existing lines because it has to be measured and snapped from scratch.

Markings

• Standard and compact stalls
• Accessible stalls, aisles and symbols
• Directional arrows and stop bars
• Crosswalks, fire lanes and loading zones
• Curb painting
• Stenciled words and numbers

Paint and visibility

Lines are most visible on a dark, uniform surface. That is why many owners pair restriping with a sealcoat: the new black surface makes the white and yellow lines stand out, and the lot looks new. Where a lot is still in good shape, restriping alone over the existing layout is the most economical option.

Scheduling

Paint needs a clean, dry surface. We stripe early in the morning, on weekends or between church services where it helps, and block sections so paint can dry before cars return.