5 Common Mistakes in Parking Lot Striping That Could Cost Businesses More Money
5 Common Mistakes in Parking Lot Striping That Could Cost Businesses More Money
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A properly maintained parking lot is a crucial aspect of any business property. From enhancing curb appeal to ensuring compliance with ADA regulations, well-marked parking spaces and clear traffic markings make a significant difference in safety, efficiency, and overall customer experience. However, many business owners unknowingly make costly mistakes when it comes to parking lot striping and maintenance.
Whether in Hattiesburg, MS, or surrounding areas like Petal, Purvis, Collins, and Sumrall, avoiding these common mistakes can save businesses money and help maintain a professional appearance. This article highlights five common parking lot striping mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Failing to Meet ADA Compliance
One of the most frequent and costly mistakes businesses make is not ensuring their parking lot is ADA-compliant. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all businesses to have clearly marked handicap-accessible parking spaces that meet specific size and signage requirements.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
❌ Fines & Lawsuits – The ADA can issue fines up to $75,000 for the first violation and $150,000 for subsequent offenses (ADA.gov).
❌ Customer Inaccessibility – Customers with disabilities may avoid businesses that lack properly marked accessible parking spaces.
❌ Re-striping Costs – Non-compliant lots must be repainted to meet regulations, adding unexpected expenses.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✔ Ensure one ADA-compliant space per 25 parking spaces.
✔ Handicap spaces must be 8 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle.
✔ Van-accessible spaces should be 11 feet wide with proper signage.
✔ Bright blue pavement markings must be used to highlight ADA spaces.
Mistake #2: Using Low-Quality Paint That Fades Quickly
Many businesses opt for cheap paint to save money, only to find it fades quickly due to high traffic and weather conditions in Hattiesburg, MS, and surrounding areas.
Why This Mistake is Costly:
❌ Frequent Restriping Needed – Low-quality paint fades within months, requiring regular touch-ups.
❌ Unsafe Parking Conditions – Faded lines lead to confusing parking situations, increasing the risk of accidents.
❌ Unprofessional Appearance – Worn-out striping makes a property look neglected.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✔ Use high-quality, weather-resistant traffic paint (e.g., thermoplastic or epoxy-based paint).
✔ Sealcoat the parking lot every 2-3 years to protect the pavement and markings.
✔ Hire professional striping contractors who use durable, long-lasting materials.
🔗 Learn more about durable parking lot paints: Pavement Interactive
Mistake #3: Poor Parking Lot Layout and Design
A poorly designed parking lot layout can lead to wasted space, traffic congestion, and frustrated customers. Without proper planning, businesses may not be maximizing their available parking area.
Common Layout Issues:
❌ Inefficient Parking Angles – 90° spaces maximize capacity, while angled parking improves ease of use.
❌ Lack of Directional Arrows – Confusing traffic flow increases congestion.
❌ No Fire Lanes or Loading Zones – Can result in code violations and safety hazards.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✔ Work with professional layout designers to maximize parking space efficiency.
✔ Incorporate clear directional markings to prevent traffic bottlenecks.
✔ Designate specific areas for loading zones, fire lanes, and accessible spaces.
🔗 Learn more about effective parking lot layouts: Asphalt Institute
Mistake #4: Neglecting Routine Parking Lot Maintenance
Parking lot striping isn’t a one-time job. Over time, fading paint, cracks, and potholes develop, leading to safety hazards and a decline in property value.
Why This Mistake is Costly:
❌ Increased Liability Risks – Poorly maintained parking lots can result in accidents, leaving businesses liable.
❌ Expensive Repairs – Minor cracks turn into potholes, leading to costly resurfacing.
❌ Negative Customer Experience – A neglected parking lot makes a business look unprofessional.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✔ Restripe every 1-2 years to maintain visibility.
✔ Pressure wash the lot to remove debris and oil stains.
✔ Fix cracks and potholes before they worsen.
Mistake #5: Not Hiring Professional Parking Lot Striping Services
Some businesses try to cut costs by hiring unlicensed contractors or attempting DIY striping, only to end up with poor-quality results.
Why This Mistake is Costly:
❌ Messy, Uneven Lines – Lack of proper equipment leads to crooked, uneven markings.
❌ Incorrect Paint Selection – Using the wrong paint type results in peeling, flaking, and rapid fading.
❌ Legal Issues – Unprofessional striping may not meet ADA or local zoning regulations.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
✔ Hire licensed, experienced striping professionals like Striping Bros.
✔ Ask for references and check their past work.
✔ Ensure they use high-quality materials and proper striping techniques.
Parking Lot Striping in Hattiesburg, MS & Surrounding Cities
Businesses in Hattiesburg, MS, and surrounding cities rely on professional striping services to maintain safe and compliant parking lots. Striping Bros provides expert parking lot striping, restriping, layout design, and industrial floor markings throughout:
📍 Hattiesburg
📍 Petal
📍 Purvis
📍 Sumrall
📍 Collins
📍 Oak Grove
📍 Columbia
📍 Wiggins
💡 Tip: A properly striped parking lot improves business reputation, increases property value, and reduces safety risks.
📞 Contact Striping Bros for professional parking lot striping services in Hattiesburg!
🌐 Visit: www.stripingbros.com
🔗 Get a Free Estimate Today! Click Here
