Linemarkers South East Queensland are experts at applying line markings on roads and carparks and have given approval for our team to republish their maintenance recommendations for our readers. We hope you find it as informative and helpful as we did.
These are their recommendations here:
All linemarking that is designated to pedestrian traffic and pedestrian walkways shall have grit applied to meet P5 standard slip rating. (Pedestrian Crossings)
Lines over 100mm require non slip treatment.
Painting of kerbs are yellow to highlight trip hazard and should contain non slip grit.
Linemarking should be cleaned at 3-month intervals when in a dusty environment.
Road traffic lines should be maintained according to trafficable use. E.g. Main Entrance and Exit areas may need to be done every 12 months.
We recommend carparking lines to be painted every 2 years – Maximum 4 years.
Linemarking dimensions should be as per specified in QLD MUTCD.
Lay out should be to consider easy flow of traffic, both foot traffic and motor traffic and ease to congestion as simple as possible.
Road Marking Paint pavement products are typically maintenance free when coated in areas exposed to normal climatic weather events and traffic
General sweeping of debris using bristle broom or mechanical sweeper and/or hosing down with clean water can be routinely performed to freshen the appearance of Road marking Paint Product.
Some specific environmental contamination may require additional maintenance particularly when products are applied to sheltered area;
– Dirt contamination
– Mould growth due to tree/plant contamination
– Food and drink contamination
– Specific contamination Fruit bat droppings Bird and wildlife contamination Oil/grease marks.
Dirt Contamination
The level of dirt contamination from windblown or water carried sources will vary depending on the site position and surrounding environment. Linemarkers South East Qld recommend that any localised dirt contamination be swept or washed off. In situations where windblown dirt/dust is an ongoing problem, then regular washing down of the surface on a regular basis is recommended. A good hosing down, using a normal garden hose spray, of the surface on a 3 monthly basis will enhance the appearance of the surface. Using a good quality industrial detergent diluted with clean water and broomed over a wet surface, will improve the effectiveness of the hosing down of the surface. If severe contamination occurs, i.e. mud flows onto the surface, then higher pressure washing, using an industrial “water blaster” may be needed. Adequate pressure levels should be used – the use of high pressures or jetted streams applied close(less than 50mm) from the surface, should be avoided to prevent localized damage to the surface and substrate.
Mould Growth & Tree/Plant Contamination
It is recommended the overhanging trees be controlled to prevent excessive contamination of the surface if possible. Some plants/tree in particular will cause staining and unsightly contamination. Careful use of diluted solutions of industrial grade detergents (Shell Teepol Gold, BP Comprox 24, Ampol Industrial Detergent) to remove resinous contamination, may be necessary. Always thoroughly wet down the surface before applying any detergent solutions, and wash off the solutions before they have a chance to dry out on the surface. Use of chlorine containing cleaning products is not recommended.
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Food/Drink Contamination
Washing of surface as soon as possible is recommended. If staining has occurred, then the same cleaning methods suggested for mould/plant contamination is recommended. Solvent based products, solvent thinners or similar products are not to be used on the surface as they can permanently damage the road marking products. Scoring type products such as Ajax powder/liquid or similar are not recommended for use.
Specific contamination Fruit Bat Droppings
These can cause degradation of the surface appearance. They should be removed by mechanically scrapping or by water blasting. In severe cases they may cause blistering and peeling, not only of the pavement product but also of the asphalt base to a depth of 3-6mm.
Bird/Wildlife Contamination
This can usually be removed with a weak detergent solution, a stiff bristle brush and plenty of tap water.
Rubber scuff marks (tyres or shoes)
When black scuff marks are put onto the surface by rubber scrapping then they can often be removed with a detergent solution and a stiff bristle brush. Some rubber scuff marks can be quite difficult to remove when they are fresh, weathering will usually allow their removal some time later. Scuff marks will be more noticeable and prevalent with newly coated surfaces.
Chewing Gum Contamination
It is very difficult to remove gum from the coated surfaces. Mechanical scraping can remove some of the material but a permanent mark is likely to remain permanently.
Grease/Oil Stains
Detergent solutions are the recommended method of removal. It may require several applications to remove grease and oil contamination. Thoroughly wash down the surface after the application of the detergent solution.
Linemarkers South East Queensland is only too happy to provide you with expert advice on the maintenance of your carpark. Feel free to call their office on 07 3277 2448 or use their contact form.
Learn more about their full range of services by visiting their website here: https://www.linemarkers.com.au/
