Can A Parking Lot Striping Contractor Paint In the Winter?
Visible parking lot striping is a must-have for your property. When lines become less visible, safety, traffic efficiency, and code compliance will suffer. Striping companies always recommend getting service during the busy season, which lasts from early spring to fall. But what if you need service later in the year? In this blog, you'll learn about some of the challenges your parking lot striping contractor will face when providing service in colder weather, and understand whether or not cold-weather parking lot painting is possible.
How Does the Weather Affect Parking Lot Striping Contractor Service?
The weather directly affects how parking lot striping paint dries and cures. Formulas vary, and the way they bond to your pavement depends on the product and striping application techniques utilized. However, most standard parking lot striping paints rely on effective evaporation. The moisture content in the paint evaporates, allowing the pigments to bond to your asphalt.
Therein lies the problem! In colder weather, evaporation slows down significantly. Once the temperature drops below a certain point, evaporation and curing stop altogether. Instead, the paint may freeze in place or leave a mess when contractors attempt to stripe or restripe parking lot surfaces.
What conditions are best for parking lot striping? Here's what striping companies prefer:
- Warm Temperatures: Striping companies in Pennsylvania typically want to see temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many formulas will cure without issue at temperatures as low as 50 degrees. Anything lower, and the product will struggle to cure and bond.
- Low Humidity: High humidity levels can interfere with the evaporation process. Therefore, contractors will want humidity levels below 50 percent before attempting to restripe parking lot surfaces. Relative humidity can increase in colder weather, which can pose problems for parking lot striping.
- No Rain or Snow: Any precipitation can wash away paint before it has a chance to bond. Most formulas need at least 24 hours of cure time before they can accept heavy traffic, so the forecast must be clear during and after application.
Can an Experienced Parking Lot Striping Contractor Still Provide Service in the Fall or Winter?
Contractors can stripe or restripe parking lot surfaces in colder weather, but they must be extra careful about choosing when to complete a job. Because conditions continue to worsen from fall to winter, it's best to contact striping companies as early as possible.
The best striping companies in Pennsylvania will be mindful of the forecast, choose service dates with favorable weather, and build contingency plans in case conditions change.
You can also explore other parking lot striping paint formulas and techniques. Your contractor may offer premium formulas that perform well in cooler conditions. They may also suggest using striping techniques that aren't as weather-sensitive as standard paints. Consult your contractor and see what's available based on your needs and budget.
What Other Considerations Must Striping Companies in Pennsylvania Make Before Taking on a Project?
Before parking lot striping can occur, you must complete other repair and maintenance tasks. Parking lot striping is the last step of the maintenance process. Therefore, striping companies will consider the condition of your asphalt before proceeding with service. If your parking lot needs additional work, they'll need to take those timelines into account.
Repairs need time to cure, and scheduling parking lot painting service late into the winter season could be impossible once you factor in repairs, sealcoating, and other services.
Logistically sensitive projects can also be challenging. There are already fewer opportunities to stripe or restripe parking lot surfaces in the fall and winter. If you need to complete a striping project in sections to minimize disruptions, your contractor will face greater challenges.
NWS House Washing And Asphalt Seal Coating is here to develop solutions to all your paving maintenance and striping needs. We offer services like sealcoating, asphalt repair, crack filling, power washing, and parking lot striping. We're committed to exceeding your expectations while providing customer service you can trust. Even in the cooler months, we offer timely care and solutions that count.
At NWS House Washing And Asphalt Seal Coating, we're proud to offer military and senior discounts, along with free quotes. Get yours today by calling
(570) 539-7728, emailing nws@usa.com, or submitting your information via our
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