Parking Lot Maintenance Terminology You Should Know

A key aspect of commercial property management is maintaining an organized, attractive parking lot. Understanding the key terms associated with parking lot maintenance can help property managers make informed decisions and communicate more effectively with contractors. This post outlines the essential parking lot maintenance terminology you should know.

ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets standards for accessible design to ensure that public spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities. ADA-compliant parking lot striping involves marking a minimum number of accessible parking spaces and curb ramps to satisfy federal regulations.

Asphalt

Asphalt is a common material used for parking lot surfaces due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Companies make the material from a mineral aggregate and a petroleum-based binder. Proper asphalt maintenance involves regular seal coating, crack filling, and resurfacing to extend its lifespan and maintain a smooth surface.

Concrete

Concrete is another popular parking lot material known for its strength and longevity. Companies make it by combining mineral aggregate with a cement binder activated by water. Concrete typically requires less maintenance than asphalt but has a greater upfront cost.

Fire Lane Compliance

Local and state governments have regulations regarding fire lane markings in commercial parking lots. Compliance with fire lane regulations is essential for safety measures, ensuring your property adheres to local fire codes and providing safe emergency vehicle access.

Line Striping

Line striping involves painting lines and symbols on the parking lot’s surface to indicate parking spaces, traffic flow, and pedestrian areas. Clear and well-maintained striping improves your parking lot’s organization and safety, making it easier for drivers and pedestrians to navigate.

Power Washing

Power washing is a method of cleaning pavement that uses extremely hot water and steam to remove dirt, grime, and stains from parking lot surfaces. Parking lot maintenance professionals power wash a parking lot before they complete line striping to ensure the paint adheres to the pavement.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is another pavement cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water, like power washing. However, pressure washing uses unheated water and no steam to remove debris, moss, and other contaminants that can degrade the surface quality over time.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing is the process of applying a new layer of asphalt or concrete over an existing surface to restore its appearance and functionality. It can extend your parking lot’s lifespan and provide a smooth, even surface for line striping without the need for complete replacement.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating refers to the process and material used as a protective layer to shield asphalt and concrete from harsh weather, UV rays, and general wear and tear. Regular sealcoating every two to three years can also extend your parking lot’s lifespan by preventing cracks and surface damage and giving your lot a fresh look.

Understanding parking lot maintenance terminology is key for property managers to communicate with reputable maintenance professionals such as Precise Property Maintenance. We service parking lot repair and preservation in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.