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Striping Questions
At Smith Striping, we understand that you may have questions about our services, from our commitment to quality workmanship, to the quality of our materials, to our upfront pricing policies. We are here to provide you with clear and informative answers that help you feel confident in choosing us for your striping needs.
How long does it take to stripe a parking lot?
There are many variables that contribute to the amount of time it takes to stripe a parking lot. A re-stripe of an existing parking lot takes the least amount of time providing the old lines are still relatively visible. A new parking lot takes a considerable amount of time to measure, mark and layout the pattern on the pavement prior to the actual striping. Weather effects when a job can be scheduled; the pavement must be clean, dry, and free of loose materials and the ground temperature above 50F for proper application. The number of parking stalls and any additional markings (Fire Lane, crosswalks, arrows, stenciling, etc.) add to the time. We can provide you with an estimate upon request.
How long does the striping last?
The amount of traffic in the parking lot and the presence of sand or dirt effects the useful life of the paint. The quality of the paint directly impacts the life of the striping. A typical expectation is five years before a lot needs to be re-striped. We’ve striped lots with low traffic usage that have gone over eight years. Selecting the right materials for your parking lot is crucial for ensuring its long-term durability and ease of maintenance. Opting for sturdy materials that can withstand heavy traffic and the Texas heat are essential in prolonging the lifespan of the parking lot.
What kind of paint is used?
All paint consists of solids suspended in a liquid. There are water-based, oil-based, and solvent based paints. Homeowners are familiar with interior and exterior House Paint that can be either water or oil based. The properties of the solids that can dissolve in water or oil or solvents are very different. Some parking lot striping companies use a water-based Traffic Paint and typically disclose that they will stay bright and clean for two to three years. They also take four to five hours to dry before traffic can return to the parking lot. Our solvent based paint lasts five years and takes less than fifteen minutes to dry.
What does it cost to stripe a parking lot?
Our price is based upon the number of linear feet of paint applied and whether it is a re-stripe or a new parking lot that needs to be laid out before striping. We use the top-of-the-line solvent based paint which costs more to start but is ultimately more cost effective because it will last much longer than water-based paint. The complexity of a new parking lot layout adds to the cost; angled and radiused parking stalls require more time and effort to measure and mark. Color changes add time and cost to the job. Contact us for a free estimate.
What about Handicap Parking?
The number, size, and location of Handicap parking stalls are set by Code. The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Texas Accessibility Standards spell out the requirements. Usually, an architect or engineer will provide a drawing for the initial layout of a parking lot but the standards have evolved over time and a re-stripe of a parking lot is an opportunity to bring a lot up to current requirements. In brief, one ADA stall is required for each 25 parking stalls and one Van Accessible stall is required for every six ADA stalls. The signage, striping and stenciling are outlined in the codes.
Do I have to close my business during the striping?
The short answer is no. We will block off a portion of the parking lot (up to one half) and complete all the striping before moving to the next portion. There will always be some part of the lot open for your business.
A SAMPLING OF OUR STRIPING PROJECTS
