Increasing traffic is a critical goal for most retail business owners and shopping center managers. However, it is often easier said than done and requires creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages potential customers to take time out of their day to shop.
There are many ways to tempt customers to stop and spend their money, but one is often overlooked – creating attractive, easy-to-navigate parking lots and sidewalks. These concrete and asphalt surfaces guide customers from the road to the front door and provide the first opportunity to make their shopping experience seamless.
Repairing and Repaving Concrete Surfaces Improves Curb Appeal and Safety
Cracked, faded, and stained concrete suggests negligence and a lack of care. Conversely, freshly paved parking areas and sidewalks create a stellar first impression and signal professionalism.
Along with improving curb appeal, properly maintained parking lots and sidewalks eliminate hazards like potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces. These hazards lead to vehicle damage and falls that put a business at risk. By eliminating them, the business can greatly reduce their exposure to liability and improve customer satisfaction.
Repaving also provides the opportunity to upgrade drainage solutions to prevent pooling water. Proper drainage can significantly improve the lifespan of a concrete or asphalt surface and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Parking Lot Striping Improves Navigation and Safety
Parking lot striping plays a crucial role in promoting smooth navigation and improving the safety of a property. Clearly defined lines effectively direct both cars and pedestrians to safe places for them to travel – and eliminates ambiguity that can lead to accidents.
Proper striping also allows a business to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA]. These markings identify the accessible parking spaces and walkways that are required to comply with ADA standards and demonstrate a commitment to a safe, inclusive shopping experience. On the other hand, a lack of proper striping can lead to fines and accidents that deter customers and hamper profitability.
Bollards and Barriers Improve Pedestrian and Building Safety
Bollards create a physical barrier between vehicles and pedestrians to reduce the risk of accidents that could lead to injury, legal liability, and bad press for a business. These safety features also reduce the risk of vehicles colliding with the building – either intentionally or unintentionally. In this way, bollards improve the security of a building and protect the business from ram-raiding and other security threats.
Businesses with existing bollards can further improve curb appeal and safety of their establishments with fresh paint. Repainting these vital safety features makes them more visible to cars and pedestrians – further enhancing their effectiveness. Additionally, freshly painted bollards provide a professional appearance that improves the overall appeal of building exteriors.
Bollards come in a variety of styles and materials. These modern solutions can improve the visual appeal of a property while improving safety and security.
Improve Accessibility to Drive More Traffic and Comply with Regulations
Professional concrete services also include the installation of ramps, widening of walkways, and painting of designated accessible parking spaces. These features help businesses welcome individuals with disabilities, seniors, families with strollers, and anyone with mobility challenges.
By improving the accessibility of a property, companies can comply with ADA regulations and avoid lawsuits. They can also improve traffic to their business by making it accessible to all people.
Keep Concrete Surfaces Clean and Safe with Regular Maintenance
Expert installation sets the stage for long-lasting concrete, but professional maintenance of these surfaces is the key to realizing their full longevity. Businesses should partner with an experienced commercial maintenance company to regularly clean and repair their concrete to prolong its useful life and aesthetic appeal.
Regular pressure washing removes environmental contaminants like algae and mold that make these surfaces slippery for pedestrians. In this way, regular cleaning works alongside concrete repairs to improve easy navigation and prevent costly slip and fall cases. Additionally, pressure washing prolongs the useful life of concrete surfaces by removing contaminants that can degrade concrete over time.
Proper maintenance also means completing small repairs as they are identified, like sealing cracks and filling in potholes. These repairs prevent the issues from spreading and undermining the integrity of the entire concrete surface. Therefore, regular repairs also help to prolong the lifespan of concrete and reduce future expenses.
Contracting different companies to install, repair, and clean concrete surfaces is time consuming – especially for managers with multiple properties. Fortunately, the right commercial maintenance partner can handle all these tasks with a single relationship.
Refresh Your Parking Area with Professional Concrete Services from Terra CPS
At Terra Commercial Property Services, we offer all the concrete services that retail businesses need to welcome customers and improve traffic flow. Our concrete specialists can repair and repave parking lots, restripe, improve drainage, repave sidewalks, and install bollards.
Concrete is just a part of our comprehensive commercial property services. We also offer regular pressure washing to keep parking lots clean and fresh along with other services including fencing and painting.
To learn more about our services and schedule a no-cost consultation, contact us today.