Have you ever noticed how parking lines in a lot can sometimes seem a bit off? Maybe they're not perfectly straight, or the spacing seems uneven. It's a common frustration point that we see in parking lot striping in Tulsa, Broken Arrow among other cities, for drivers and a headache for those responsible for maintaining parking lots. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into the challenges of restriping parking lots, especially when following the work of a previous contractor whose lines weren't quite up to par.
The Domino Effect of Imperfection
Restriping a parking lot might seem like a straightforward task, but it's not without its complexities. When a new contractor takes on the job, they're often faced with the remnants of the previous striping job. If those lines weren't perfectly straight or accurately spaced, it sets the stage for a cascade of issues as we use those existing lines for a reference point.
A poorly maintained parking lot also contributes to poorly striped lines (skinny at some points, fat at others or maybe look a little squiggly), as the equipment that we use is on wheels and similar to trying to write something down while riding in a vehicle on a bumpy road. Some lines will be straight (like the areas where there's no bumps or changes in surface elevation) and others will not. That is one of the many reasons why regular parking lot maintenance is important.
Compounding Errors
Imagine a scenario where the initial striping job was slightly off. Perhaps the lines weren't perfectly parallel or evenly spaced. When it's time for a restripe, the new contractor has to work with these existing lines as reference points. Even with the best intentions and meticulous measurements, it's challenging to achieve perfection when building upon a flawed foundation. This is often the result of opting for a cheaper contractor as they are either inexperienced or just do not simply care about quality control. This is an unfortunate event that occurs in many different businesses, not just parking lot striping or construction. That is why it is important to do some research about the contractor your using and maybe not opt for the cheapest bidder. Most of the time, it ends up costing you more time and more money.
The Visual Discomfort
Parking lots are more than just functional spaces; they're also visual environments. Crooked or uneven lines can give the impression of neglect or poor maintenance, affecting the overall aesthetics of the area. Additionally, for drivers trying to navigate the lot, inaccurate lines can lead to confusion and frustration which can lead to accidents or in some extreme cases, property damage or physical violence from road rage.
Striving for Improvement
So, what can be done to address this issue? One approach is for contractors to invest extra time and effort into communicating with you their best method for fixing the issue and meticulously executing those methods discussed. This might involve using specialized equipment or techniques to ensure the job is done correctly with precision. This method, however, can become costly due to the increased labor necessary to execute those techniques that are necessary to fix the problem.
Another solution could involve strategic redesigns of the parking layout to minimize the reliance on the existing lines. This can be accomplished by removing the existing lines or if you have an asphalt surface, it can be seal coated and re-striped with the proper dimensions and lines that are more straight.
The Importance of Communication
Effective communication between contractors and property managers/owners is also crucial. Property managers/owners should provide as much detail as possible about their expectations for the restriping job, including any concerns about the accuracy of the existing lines. Clear communication can help contractors better understand the scope of the project and allocate resources accordingly.
Conclusion
Restriping a parking lot may seem like a simple task, but it's one that requires careful attention to detail, especially when dealing with the legacy of previous striping work. By acknowledging the challenges and striving for improvement, contractors can work towards creating parking lots that are not only functional but visually appealing and easy to navigate. So, next time you find yourself in a parking lot with slightly crooked lines, remember the complexities behind the scenes and the efforts to overcome them.