Can a Parking Lot Striping Contractor Paint in Colder Weather?
Does your parking lot need a striping refresh? Ideally, the best time to hire a parking lot striping contractor is during the spring and summer months when the weather is consistently warm. But what if, for whatever reason, you need parking lot painting service in the fall or winter? Is it possible for a striping contractor in Winchester to complete a project in colder weather? Read on to find out.
Why Do Striping Contractors Prefer Working in Warmer Weather?
It’s not a matter of preference, but rather practicality. Parking lot striping paint dries and cures via evaporation, and that process depends heavily on environmental conditions. When the weather is warm and dry, parking lot striping is relatively easy. Paint will dry relatively quickly, minimizing downtime while mitigating the risk of issues occurring.
However, that’s not the case during the winter season.
How Can Cold-Weather Parking Lot Striping Go Wrong?
Let’s look at what ideal parking lot striping conditions look like. For the best results, the best striping contractor will pay attention to the weather forecast and ensure conditions meet these bare minimums:
•Warm Temperatures: Ideally, your striping contractor will want temperatures of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many parking lot striping paint products will cure in temperatures as low as around 50 degrees. Anything lower, and the paint will not cure. During the winter, your striping contractor in Winchester may encounter issues with frozen paint.
•Low Humidity Levels: Because evaporation slows in high humidity, striping companies prefer relative humidity levels no higher than 50 percent. Because cold air holds less moisture, the amount of water vapor in the air can increase in the winter.
•No Chance of Precipitation: Snow or rain can ruin parking lot painting projects. It can wash away the parking lot striping paint, leaving a huge mess that ruins visibility.
Can the Best Parking Lot Striping Contractor Work in Cold Weather?
Striping companies can provide service in colder weather. However, there are many caveats. Of course, striping companies must keep an eye on the forecast. The best striping contractor in Winchester will schedule service appointments around the weather, choosing days with ideal temperatures and building contingency plans should Mother Nature change course.
Your striping contractor can also use different types of parking lot striping paint. There are many formulas and application techniques available. More premium alternatives to standard paint formulas may have broader environmental requirements, and some even perform well in colder weather.
Consult your striping contractor in Winchester to explore your options and see what’s available to meet your needs.
What Other Considerations Must a Contractor in Winchester Make?
Beyond weather, striping companies must consider the scope of work involved and the overall condition of your pavement. Because parking lot striping is often the last piece of the asphalt maintenance puzzle, you need to account for additional work your parking lot may need. For example, your asphalt may need repairs or sealcoating. If that’s the case, your pavement will need more time before any parking lot striping paint is applied.
With repair curing times, you’ll have a much narrower window to complete striping before the worst of winter arrives.
The same applies to larger projects that you need completed in sections. If your business requires logistically sensitive work, such as painting different portions of your parking lot separately to avoid closing down the entire structure, there are greater challenges involved.
Quality Striping & Sealing is Winchester’s best parking lot striping company, offering over three decades of experience. We serve property owners and managers throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, offering services like sealcoating, repairs, crack filling, parking lot maintenance, and more. Quality and reliable customer service are our top priorities, and we work hard to develop solutions that meet your needs, even during the colder months.
Call Quality Striping & Sealing today at (833)966-SEAL (7325), email angela@chocolate-flamingo-780933.hostingersite.com, or use our online form to reach out, learn more, and get your free quote.
