Imagup General Magazine 2024
A parking lot is one of the most valued amenities with a high amount of usage by people around the world. Most businesses thrive partly on the services that are provided by parking lots. This fundamental amenity makes it easy for workers, customers, business persons, and other individuals to park their vehicles conveniently while they work, shop, conduct various transactions, study, and enjoy other activities.
One way you can improve the growth of your business is to provide vehicular access to your clients. Without a parking lot, it will be difficult for customers to access your business. If you do not have one, it is not so complicated to design a new parking lot with the help of a professional contractor.
We have laid out some procedural steps that will guide you towards designing the ideal parking lot for your office, convenience store, school, or other services you provide.
Identify The Goals Your Lot Is Designed To Achieve
One of the major factors that affect the design of your parking lot is the purpose it serves. Whether you choose to provide a retail parking spot for bustling customers shopping during the weekend or heavy-duty shipments from shipping companies, the dimension and layout will be greatly influenced by these factors.
Parking Space Size
This factor is dependent on the type of business or activity that will be conducted. A University parking lot is bigger in size than that of a restaurant.
Depth Of The Pavement
The depth of the pavement is relative to the weight your parking lot is made to carry. If the parking area is designed solely for heavy-duty vehicles, the pavement will be thicker to accommodate the projected weight.
Parking Lot Angles
The aim of your parking lot determines how your parking slots are aligned. If you have an area with a high turnover, it would be ideal to go for angles of 45 to 60 degrees. An example of this application can be seen in several convenience store parking lots. You can use an angle of 90 degrees in the parking lot design of your office.
Take Into Consideration The Size And Space
Based on your location, parking lot dimension standards differ from one city to another. Other aspects include the industry and building type. You can determine the area of land that needs coverage based on these points:
- Number of spaces required
- Parking slot size
- Accessibility requirements
- Extra space usage
Your Parking Layout Must Promote The Flow Of Traffic
When designing your parking lot, take into consideration the amount of traffic generated in the area and how the parking lot should promote traffic direction. Hence, your parking lot would need the right amount of space to create a secured and optimized system. Additionally, you should consider pedestrian traffic.
The following areas should be factored in: traffic signage, space efficiency, asphalt markings, and concrete parking barriers.
Parking Lot Security Features
An ideal parking lot is designed to provide a functional drainage system, access ramps, good quality lighting. In terms of drainage, the parking lot pavement should be designed in a way that promotes the flow of water to the main drainage underground outlet. Avoid designs that would pool in the water on your lot.
Ramps should be installed to provide easy mobility for pedestrians. Ramps intended to link pavements to elevated sidewalks should be constructed into the design of the perimeter curb.
The essence of proper lighting can not be overstated. Your parking lot should provide a quality vision for a convenient commute from the parking lot to the highway and vice-versa.
Ways You Can Maintain A Safe Parking Lot
Having a beautiful and safe parking lot is beneficial to your business; it reflects a positive image of your firm, enhances curb appeal, and keeps customers and residents safe. Having an ideal parking lot is not just enough, you need to know how to maintain its structure and functionality. Here are some of the ways to leave your parking lot looking clean and operational.
Cleaning
The appearance of your parking lot can be affected by unwanted items like dirt, leaves, and rocks. Additionally, such materials can pose certain hazards to vehicle owners and pedestrians. Having a neat parking lot increases the safety of individuals and gets rid of pooling and drainage problems.
Seal Coating
Seal coating involves the use of coal-tar or asphalt emulsifier on an asphalt surface. The sole purpose of this coating is to seal all tiny cracks and holes that are less than one-eighth inches wide and shields the asphalt from moisture, sun damage, and spillages, like gas, oil, and antifreeze. Seal coating augments the appearance of your parking lot by restoring its colour. To get the best look from your driveway, ensure that you apply this coating every three years.
Fix Cracks
Torrential downpour creates cracks on an asphalt surface over time. They mar the appearance of your once, beautiful-looking parking lot and create several safety hazards for visitors, customers, and residents. If you have a parking environment filled with cracks between one-eighth and one inch wide, you can fill them up with a mixed portion of asphalt and rubber. This option is less expensive and easy to implement.
Drainage Maintenance
Drainage systems help divert the flow of water from your parking lot to roadside drains; this ensures that your lot doesn’t pool in water that will damage the asphalt. Over a period of time, stagnated water seeps into the ground, resulting in cracks. However, by installing and maintaining good drainage, you can properly manage the appearance and functionality of your parking lot and increase its lifespan.
Optimum Lighting System
To keep your parking lot safe, you need to ensure the full functionality of your lighting system. You may have to get new bulbs when the old ones are gone. Having a poor lit parking lot creates increasing risks to pedestrians and vehicle owners. Additionally, such an area can be exposed to theft. To avoid these problems, you need to keep your environment adequately illuminated.
With the help of a professional construction company, you can achieve these factors and much more. If you would like to get in touch with an experienced parking lot contractor, visit www.generalcontractor.com.
