Pavement marking effectiveness is based mostly on the durability and the visibility of the markings. Durability is usually tracked by the simple amount of material remaining on the pavement surface over time, but can be more scientifically tracked by measuring the bond strength of the material to the surface. Visibility issues relate mostly to the brightness and reflective nature of the material. Glass beads mixed into the pavement marking traffic grade paint can add to the visibility by greatly increasing the material’s reflective characteristics.
Here are some of the primary issues that relate to pavement marking:
Fading
Line fading and Parking lot deterioration |
Faded pavement markings and parking stall lines make these important traffic control devices invisible to customers, tenants and other motorists, leading to potentially dangerous outcomes. Arrows, stop bars, and other traffic control markings ensure the proper flow of traffic and optimize customer flow in and out of parking lots. Fire lanes, curbing and no parking zones ensure that vehicles will not be parked in important areas and potentially block emergency response vehicles. Furthermore, faded parking lines lead to insufficient use of parking lot space, and to less customer and tenant parking, including ADA accessible parking space.
To learn about Fading repairs,  click here.
Pavement Markings on Fresh Sealcoat
Although thermoplastic paint is the ideal type of pavement marking, on sealcoated surfaces water-based or latex-based paints are far more economically feasible and bond well with sealcoated surface. Traffic grade paints, either water-based or latex-based, may not be applied until the sealcoat has properly cured.
This curing can take as little as a few hours depending on sun exposure, humidity, traffic conditions and other variables. If sufficient curing time is not allowed for the sealcoat, traffic grade paint will being to “bleed” and become discolored. Furthermore, excess traffic on fresh sealcoat will also “scar” the pavement markings with tacky sealcoat that has come onto vehicle tires and is tracked onto fresh pavement markings. All of these potential issues can be avoided by allowing sealcoat proper dry times before applying pavement markings.
ADA Specifications & Accessible Parking
Americans with Disabilities Act Specifications |
The specifications outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding parking and pavement markings, although different in many states and municipalities, require one accessible parking space per 25 parking spaces or stalls; with at least one van accessible parking stall for parking up to 400 stalls. These spaces must be accompanied by the international symbol of accessibility in the 8' or 96” parking stall and signage with the same international symbol.
The layout for van-accessible parking spaces is shown at right. The stall must be 8' or 96” with 8' or 96” access aisle immediately adjacent to the stall, with the same signage and “Van Accessible” demarcation.
Complying with ADA specifications, both nationally and with state and municipal regulations, not only ensures avoiding fines and other penalties but caters to all types of customers, tenants and other potential visitors and guests.
If you are experiencing Pavement Marking Issues, ask for a Free Pavement Analysis from U.S. Paving & U.S. Sealcoat and put our 20+ years of professional experience to work for you. |
