What Is Road Striping?

An advantage thermoplastic paint has over other materials is that it can be used immediately. There is no need to shut down traffic lanes to wait for the paint to dry. Now that you know what’s used to stripe roads. How long does thermoplastic striping last? This striping lasts as long as three years even in heavy traffic areas. Most other materials last only about a year before they need to be re-striped.

Striping a road or parking lot takes a lot of skill to keep lines straight and the right width and length that meets state and local ordinances. When you want skilled professionals for road striping service in Waco and Temple, TX, you can always count on eSquared Asphalt Maintenance. We offer a full range of paving services including striping roads, parking lots, and other paved areas. Find out what we can do for you by calling 254-716-8685.

How long are the stripes on the road?

No matter where you go in the U.S., road striping will always be the same length. All dashed lines on every street, rural road, and highway used to separate traffic lanes or indicate where it’s OK to pass in the U.S. is 10 feet. The empty space in-between is 30 feet. How wide are road stripes? White stripes lines that separate lanes are 6 inches wide, while double yellow lines vary between 5 and 6 inches wide. Widths will also vary based on lane type. Lane markings will also vary from country to country.

Why are road lines white?

Road striping in the U.S. is either white or yellow. The striping indicates various driving situations. White stripes indicate traffic is traveling your direction. Solid white lines indicate you must stay in your own lane, while divided lines show you can pass. Yellow lines generally show the separation between opposing lanes of traffic. These colors are chosen for visibility, especially at night. 

Road striping equipment

There are all kinds of equipment used for road striping. You need equipment like thermoplastic melting kettles to melt the paint materials used on the road. Depending on what type of job you are doing, the stripes can be applied using hand liners or ride-on liners. Small spaces like parking lots often require professionals to strip the lot by hand. All equipment has to be used precisely and has to be well-calibrated to keep the stripes straight and of the right length and width. eSquared Asphalt Maintenance always uses the best material and latest, updated equipment and technology in its striping services.

Road striping removal

Whether you’re striping a road or a parking lot or other type of paving, the old striping will need to be removed. There are generally three types of removal methods used to take off striping.  

• Scarifying: With this method, a machine with a rotating wheel of metal blades is used to scrape away the striping. The disadvantage of this method is that it leaves a rough finish even though it is efficient. 
• Disc grinding: Disc grinding is a lengthy but efficient stripe removal method. The rotating disc that is used for this method often contains diamonds, which will leave a smooth finish over almost any surface. Because of the smooth finish, this method is ideal for parking lots.  
• Water blasting: With this method, machines are used to blast amounts of high-pressured water against the striping. Of the methods, it’s efficient and not time-consuming. It also does minimal damage to the pavement, weather-permitting.

While all these methods are something that can be used for DIY parking lot maintenance. While you can do this yourself, a professional like those at eSquared Asphalt Maintenance will ensure that the job is done right and your striping is precise and straight.