Having insufficient or incorrect signage in your parking lot may leave you liable should an accident occur on your property, but you may also face fines or closure of your business if your signage does not meet local, state, and federal codes or regulations. The Americans with Disabilities Act is one such federal regulation that requires strict compliance. Many cities and states also have codes pertaining to parking lot layout, design, and striping. A professional, reputable contractor can help you protect yourself by ensuring that your parking lot has the right signage.
Why Good Parking Lot Signage Can Protect You From Potential Liability
What Is Signage?
Signage can refer to placard signs that are mounted on poles or affixed to walls. In addition, road markings that are painted on the pavement, curbs, or sidewalks are often considered signage.
What Types of Signage Are Needed for a Parking Lot?
A well-designed parking lot layout will utilize enough pertinent signage, both placard type and roadway applied, to inform and guide drivers and pedestrians along their path and safely to their destinations. The well-designed parking lot should also include parking lot striping to maximize parking spaces as well as increase customer convenience and safety. If speed bumps are present, attention should be drawn to them by using signage to give advance warning or made highly visible by painting them with a bright, reflective paint. Properly marked speed bumps will warn drivers of the potential for vehicle damage if their speed is not reduced as well as warn pedestrians of a potential trip hazard. Bollards and posts should also be painted to warn drivers of their presence.
How Do I Know If I Have Good Parking Lot Signage?
An experienced and professional asphalt company will have the knowledge that is required to properly equip your parking lot with the necessary signage to ensure you are following all codes and regulations. Choose your asphalt company carefully by researching them. Check their references for overall customer satisfaction. Contact the Better Business Bureau in your area for any complaints that the asphalt company may have received.
How Do I Maintain My Signage?
Because rules and regulations concerning signage are constantly changing, a parking lot owner should stay informed of these changes and update their signage as necessary. Contact your asphalt contractor at least annually for any changes that may impact your parking lot design or signage.
Whether placard type or pavement painted, signage will wear and fade over time. Periodic maintenance will be required to keep the parking lot signage intact and legible. Sign maintenance should be a regular part of your existing asphalt maintenance program. Your asphalt’s need for periodic sealcoating applications will necessitate restriping and repainting asphalt pavement markings. Therefore, have your asphalt contractor evaluate your parking lot design and make any improvements to striping and pavement markings whenever sealcoating is performed.
If You Have Questions, Greeson Has the Answers
MH Greeson is a leading paving company specializing in the maintenance of parking lots, tennis courts, and other asphalt pavements belonging to customers in Atlanta, Marietta, and North Georgia. Our services include the installation of parking lot signs, bollards, and car stops, asphalt sealcoating, parking lot striping and pavement marking, and asphalt crack and pothole repair. We are known for our exceptional workmanship as well as for our integrity and professionalism. You can obtain a free quote by calling 770-335-2983 or completing the online request form.
