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Maximizing Efficient Traffic Flow In Your Parking Lot
Posted by: | CommentsEfficient traffic flow in your parking lot is an often ignored factor in the traffic coming into and out of businesses. This is particularly true for businesses located in big cities where parking space is at a premium. While urban villages are a rising trend in shopping, particularly in the US, shoppers still need a place to put their vehicles.
It’s not unlike a movie, where the opening and closing shots count for everything. If your customer’s experience is like a movie, the parking area is both the opening and closing shots of their experience: the first and the last thing they see. Customers who have negative experiences while parking report that they’re much less likely to patronize a business or shopping district because of those experiences.
The current market is competitive and retailers struggle to stand out from the crowd, striving to make the shopping experience uniquely enjoyable to inspire return business and customer loyalty. Neglecting efficient use of parking spaces and systems can be perilous to the continued success of the business.
There are a few simple considerations. For instance, in lots with angled stalls, the lane directions should be logical and natural, especially where the lanes are tight and one way. Entering and exiting the lot should be an easy, obvious operation. Generally, put yourself in the place of the driver who has to navigate and use the lot. Would you get lost here, not knowing how everything works? What about high volume periods? Are there any trouble areas where accidents are likely. Questions like this begin to dredge deeper into the complicated questions around efficient use of park lot traffic flow.
There was a time when the mathematics involved in solving these problems involved doing the work by hand, working with Euler circuits, network diagrams, and other tried and true mathematical tools and models. Several new options for managing efficient traffic flow in parking lots have arisen in recent years with the development of computer programs and other simple methods that allow for maximum efficiency in parking areas.
Design and simulation tools are now available that allow for testing before the asphalt is dry and the lines are painted. This can be well worth the effort since repainting can be very costly. These costs go beyond the labor and materials, both in terms of the time it takes and the inherent inconvenience for customers and employees.
Parking Lot Asphalt Maintenance
Posted by: | CommentsParking lot asphalt maintenance is utilized in a variety of ways because of the durability and simplicity of the construction. Not only is asphalt a cost effect option, but the material is a number one choice amongst owners of parking lots across the globe. Because of the strength of the material, asphalt can withstand heavy weight loads and requires little to no maintenance. Asphalt can hold up for many years.
Even though asphalt can last for long amounts of time, parking lots still need to be inspected and evaluated in order to upkeep the grounds. This can be done with a routine checkup from a parking lot asphalt maintenance company. Some of the common maintenance procedures include patching and repair. Even though asphalt has high durability, there are still vulnerabilities to potholes caused by improperly sealed cracks. As water freezes in between the existing crack, an expansion of the initial damage occurs, making a bigger problem. A pothole is formed when the surrounding pavement falls into the cracks.
The asphalt repair procedure consists of the affected areas being filed with either hot or cold asphalt mix. The temperature of the water used is determined by the season or location. In some cases, the material must be removed or resurfaced. This can be done with a procedure called an ‘overlay’. Before starting the procedure, the entire area has to be cleaned which will level asphalt of low areas. Clients have the option to use Geotextile reinforced resurfacing. This type of resurfacing requires a fabric called, Petromat. This petroleum based fabric will stunt reflective cracking between the surfaces.
As soon as a hot fresh layer of pavement mix is applied and starts the cooling process, the aging cycle begins all over again. There are many factors that cause this such as when oxygen located in water and air mixes with the asphaltic binder of the pavement. From here, a chemical change takes pace. This process is expected in order for the pavement to become hard and solid. However, later down the road the asphaltic binder will reduce the pavement till there is nothing left but a layer of loose stone. Some elements that are proven to be harsh on pavement include; sun, salt, water penetration, cold or hot environment conditions and gas.
These factors mentioned are the reason parking lot asphalt maintenance is so important. Not only will future problems be detected, but there can be huge safety hazards if the right precautions are not taken. Maintenance for parking lots is considered a must in order to uphold the safety and integrity of the entire area.
Parking Lot Asphalt Resurfacing
Posted by: | CommentsParking lot asphalt resurfacing is when a thin layer of asphalt is added onto an existing parking lot’s paved surface. In order to have a paved area resurfaced, the area must be structurally sound and any abnormalities, like soft spots or large cracks, must be repaired prior to the resurfacing. A qualified contractor should thoroughly inspect the paved area to ensure that asphalt resurfacing is the right choice to extending the life of the parking lot.
When a contractor inspects the parking lot, they will look for issues not only with the paved area’s surface, but also look for both sub-base material or drainage issues. Any problems that arise from the inspection will need to be corrected in order to proceed with the parking lot asphalt resurfacing. If the problems are to numerous or the structural integrity of the parking lot has been diminished by either time or poor initial installation, the contractor may advise that the parking lot be completely repaved.. This would include removing the asphalt that is currently paving the parking lot.
If the contractor finds no major problems and decides that a parking lot asphalt resurfacing will be effective, the parking lot will be prepped. The parking lot will first be cleaned and any low spots in the area will be filled and leveled to ensure that the final product will be long lived. Next, the contractor will address any drainage issues that can arise from the additional height that the parking lot asphalt resurfacing project will add to the grade of the existing parking lot.
Every parking lot will have its own unique set of circumstances that can alter the course taken by the contractor. If a parking lot has a sloped entry from a street, the area of the ramp may need to be removed and reworked in order to provide an adequate transition from the parking lot to the street. There are many other factors that can change the amount work required to perform the resurfacing correctly.
Upon completion of the resurfacing project, the parking lot will look like new. To ensure that the parking lot resurfacing continues to look good and last for a long time, it is important to have a proper maintenance plan. A proper maintenance plan will allow the investment of a resurfacing project to last and continue to look good for many years to come.
Asphalt Crack Sealing
Posted by: | CommentsAsphalt Cracks they are slow building and almost unnoticeable process and it sneaks up on you. You don’t wake up one morning, look out your kitchen window at your driveway and say, “Oh my God! My asphalt has huge cracks in it!” Generally, asphalt cracks occur over time and slowly elongate and widen during weather changes such as freezing and thawing or intense periods of heat. A shifting foundation, heavy vehicles or even the roots of trees can also cause asphalt cracks. There is hope, though, and if you’re sitting here reading this, you can learn how to repair these jagged little monsters before they lead to even worse problems.
There are numerous supplies available that can be used to do asphalt crack sealing. Some fillers require special equipment for heating and applying and some are ready to go out of the box or can. Choose what works best for you and your budget, but remember that the important component in asphalt crack sealant is rubberized asphalt emulsion. There are also a few tools you’ll need to begin the process. First of all a chisel and hammer will work really well for chipping away any old sealer or other loose materials around the cracks. A broom or stiff brush is helpful as well for brushing away the materials and cleaning the area.
After acquiring all of the necessary stuff, you’ll need to do one of two things. If it’s still Summer and the days are hot, you’ll need to wait until late Fall or early Winter. If it’s cold out, then go ahead and start fixing the cracks because this is when cracks are at their widest. Now, take your asphalt crack sealing filler (most of them are similar to caulk dispensers) and “caulk” it into the crack. If the crack is wider than a half-inch, you’ll need to use some type of patching compound that you can pour into the crack. Usually, asphalt crack sealing filler is ready to go within 24-hours.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure a long life for your parking lot is to fill cracks and seal it every two years. It’s a lot easier to maintain if you do this and many times will prevent cracks from worsening or better yet, developing in the first place. The best thing about a well-maintained parking lot is that it adds curb appeal and value to your business.
Parking Lot and Americans with Disabilities Act
Posted by: | CommentsYou know all those blue signs and stripes of blue paint that make you park in the area of the parking lot further away from your destination? Those are the result of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA stipulates that a certain number of parking spaces must be provided for individuals with disabilities. It specifies that the parking spaces for disabled individuals must be located with the shortest route from the parking lot to the entrance of the establishment. If the building has multiple entrances, the spaces may be dispersed to be closest to each accessible entrance to the building. Accessible spaces must also be 96 inches wide to allow extra room for maneuvering in and out of the vehicle. And the blue paint is not enough. The Americans with Disabilities Act also requires the placement of signs at accessible parking spaces, placed such that they cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space.
So why do we have the ADA and all these rules it applies to parking lots? It’s to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals and increase the accessibility of things that non-disabled individuals take for granted. It shortens their path from parking lot to store, it tries to ensure that no one parks so close to their vehicle that they cannot get in and out of it, and it makes being out and about safer for these individuals. You’ve had someone park so close to your car that you couldn’t get the door open and climb in, right? Just imagine trying to deal with that situation while in a wheelchair, or using a walker. If you can barely squeeze between your vehicle and the next with an able body, how would someone with an assistive device manage to get into their vehicle? They wouldn’t. That’s why the Americans with Disabilities Act has provisions about parking lots and regulates the size and location of the parking spaces to prevent situations that would be difficult for disabled patrons.
Next time you complain about having to park further away from the store and walk through the rain or snow, remind yourself how healthy you are and how difficult life would be if you were disabled and we didn’t have the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many of us don’t consider how daunting every day tasks can be when a person is disabled.
Parking Lot Striping
Posted by: | CommentsParking lot striping is an often overlooked aspect of business design. Indeed, few people ever stop to consider what a parking lot looks like or how it functions until it becomes a problem. But, despite this lack of ostensible care, a great parking lot provides a fantastic subliminal first impression for any business, and none should overlook this vital part of traffic flow.
There are many things to consider when marking up a parking lot. For instance, for safety, all parking lots should consider containing well demarcated crosswalks, loading-zones, and fire lanes. Further, flow can further be increased by designating areas for mass transit vehicles and by adding stop bars for safety within individual parking spaces.
However, one of the smallest aspects provides one of the biggest impacts on your overall parking lot is the parking lot striping. There are three main ways that efficient and visible parking lot striping contributes to the overall function of a parking lot.
First, it helps you maximize the space that you own. In these days of spiking real estate cost, every square foot you can save offers you the chance to further capitalize on your investment. Further, by effectively managing the space, you can prevent accidents and provide for the maximum number of customers at the same time.
Second, it helps form an efficient flow of traffic. By adequately banking parking slots and providing arrows that direct drivers where they should drive, parking lot striping can control the flow traffic, increasing safety and eliminating gridlock that can be both ugly and time-consuming for your patrons.
Lastly, effective striping lets you designate parking. Whether you need the ADA regulated handicap spaces, a fire lane in case of emergencies, or you want to designate parking for the elderly, expectant mothers, or other VIP’s, by customizing the parking lot striping you can avoid confusion and keep these spots free for the people that they were intended for.
As a special note, as important as parking lot design is, it is also important to help minimize your environmental impact. Parking lot striping can be accomplished using acrylic water-borne paint that has a low toxicity in the surrounding environment. However, your pavement care responsibilities don’t evaporate as the paint dries on your favorite design choice. Instead, proper pavement maintenance and adequate striping upkeep will help you keep your parking lot in tip top condition for years to come.
Parking Lot Repair – What’s The Point?
Posted by: | CommentsParking Lot Repair – Businesses are struggling to cut costs wherever possible and are looking at things to either reduce or eliminate, but parking lot repair should not be considered an optional expenditure. Although companies typically regard landscaping and exterior maintenance as non-revenue generating, the price of failing to keep their property in good repair can indeed be more than a business can bear. Before deciding that funds and efforts should be focused elsewhere, wise business owners and members of management will consider several things in reference to parking lot repairs.
Customers notice simple things such as the present of potholes in the parking lot and unsightly cracks in walkways, and these often lead to a negative perception of a company. Consumers prefer to do business with companies that take pride in their appearance and simple things can make a large difference. A run down property can definitely give individuals the wrong impression about a company and drive potential clients to competitors.
Completely repaving a parking area is much more expensive than simply repairing the existing lot, so it is strongly advised that property owners ensure that they are practicing appropriate maintenance procedures. If parking lot repairs are done frequently and the area is kept in good repair, the chance of having to completely repave a parking lot or make other expensive replacements is much smaller.
Companies must realize that there is a great deal of liability present anytime there are potential hazards on their property. One of the largest expenses that can arise out of parking lot damage is personal injury and property damage lawsuits. While that pothole may not seem to be a huge issue, it will be if it results in a customer falling and suing the company. It is also quite easily for automobiles to become damaged if the parking lot is kept in poor repair, and these damages can amount to significantly high costs.
When considering all the factors, it is obvious that failing to maintain the exterior of any business can result in far more costs than the actual preventative upkeep. There are many different companies that offer a wide variety of different parking lot repairs and upkeep options, so it is not a bad idea to shop around and receive several quotes. Simply put, it is far more expensive to ignore necessary parking lot repairs than it is to bite the bullet and contract with a reputable asphalt company.
Parking Lot Marking
Posted by: | CommentsAsphalt pavement marking is important for people who own parking lots or other ground structures using this material. Most real estate owners of commercial buildings or other businesses will need to use pavement marking at one point. The marking of pavement can include the making of handicap spaces, stalls, arrows and much more. Very rarely will you see a parking lot without marking so users of the space know where to park. In some cases, the owner of the grounds may want to get rid of markings in order to construct a new design or layout of the parking lot or structure. This is made possible by using many different methods.
Some materials used in asphalt pavement markings include thermoplastic. This material is the most widely used agent for markings and have a long lasting life. This material is not only used in parking lots, but on roads as well. The reason this material is preferred over the traditional painting method is because of the durability and superior life shelf. Painted markings tend to last a lot less and are easier to damage. Normal colors that are often used are yellow and white, which are important for defining traffic and controlling the safety of pedestrian walkways. Some signal arrows are also used with turning lanes.
Two basic processes are used to install these markings. An adhesive is used to apply the asphalt to the surface of the pavement. Among professionals, this is referred to as the ‘overlay process’. Some of the easier markings to remove include exiting pavements. To do this, a process called, ‘applicants’ invention’ is used by heating the surface of the roadway. This is where the pavement marking has been initially installed. Infrared heaters are then used in order for the marking material to liquefy. The Infrared heaters in no way shape or form will harm or damage the hydrocarbon constituents which are located within the pavement. Temperatures used can rank as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. At this very moment, the performed pavement marking is then cooled.
Asphalt pavement marking is just as important as the initial process to install it. Sometimes, when other prospects become owners of the parking lot, they may want to customize the look and feel of the grounds in order to meet the needs of their surroundings. Removing or applying pavement markings is not a simple process, but is necessary for the customization of roadways and parking lots.
Asphalt Seal Coating Benefits
Posted by: | CommentsAsphalt Seal Coating – The problem with asphalt pavements is that they do not hold up very well to sunlight and UV radiation. They require frequent repairs and must be replaced on a regular basis.
The first sign of a problem is that the color of the asphalt gradually changes from black to grey. Then the asphalt looses its smoothness and becomes sandy and rough with gravel. As the texture roughens and the gravel becomes worse, grass starts sprouting from the cracks.
Another problem is that when oil and gasoline seep into the asphalt, the material will be become soft.
The good news is that the life of asphalt surfaces can be protected from the effects of oil, salt and UV radiation with a seal coating. The asphalt seal coating benefits are less visible wear and tear on the asphalt and years of smoother driving conditions.
The first step to applying an asphalt seal coating is to clean the surface of all dirt and oil spots. Using a spray or squeegee, two coats of sealer can be applied. In twenty-four hours, the sealer is dry and the asphalt surface is ready. The great and obvious asphalt coat sealing benefit is that it doubles the life of any asphalt surface. A well-maintained asphalt also improves the look and the value of the property.
A popular coating used today is made from a coal tar pitch emulsion. The asphalt coat sealing benefits of using coal tar are many. Coal tar is easy to apply. It is extremely resistant to detergents and water. It maintains flexibility in a variety of temperatures. It protects against scuffing. It can be mixed with sand for increased traction.
A seal coating seals small cracks in the asphalt and prevents them from getting larger. Another asphalts seal coating benefit is that if applied correctly, it can make it easier to clean the pavement because dirt washes away readily from a well-maintained, non-porous surface.
Another asphalt coat sealing benefit is that it waterproofs the surface, thus reducing problems created by rain seepage and melting snow.
An enormous asphalt coat seal benefit is financial. A good coating is extremely inexpensive. The cost of actual repairs and replacements to deteriorated asphalts can be enormous.
Using a seal coating on an asphalt pavement is the most cost-effective way to double its life and maintain a smooth, problem-free surface.
First Blog Post
Posted by: | CommentsWelcome to Asphalt Seal Coating Blog…