When you own and operate a store, office, or medical practice, having a well-maintained parking lot is essential for the safety of employees and visitors. In addition to working with a top-notch commercial paving contractor to maintain smooth surfaces, you also need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Here are a few accessibility elements you must include in your parking lot. 

How to Ensure Your Parking Lot Is ADA-Compliant
1. Dedicated Parking Spots
Your lot needs to have the right amount of accessible parking spots. The number of spaces required depends on the total number of spots in the lot. As a general rule, you'll need one handicap spot for every 25 regular spaces. 

When a lot has between 500 and 1,000 spaces, 2% of the total number needs to be accessible. Each accessible space has to be 8 feet wide with an 8-foot-wide adjacent aisle. 

2. Pavement Slope
Accessible spaces and their adjacent aisles cannot have a slope in any direction that exceeds 2%. For example, commercial paving contractors can only create 1 inch of vertical change for every 50 inches of horizontal change. Slope measurements should be discussed and prioritized early in the project to avoid pavement resurfacing due to ADA complaints.

3. Business-Specific Additions
While most commercial parking lots need approximately one accessible spot for every 25 spaces, this factor varies for certain businesses. A parking lot for a hospital, medical clinic, rehabilitation center, or physical therapy office needs 20% of all visitor spaces to be accessible. This regulation accounts for the higher number of people who need accessibility features when using these facilities.

4. Appropriate Signage
Painting blue lines for ADA spaces and vertical stripes in adjacent aisles are requirements for commercial parking lots. In addition, you need post signage to adhere to regulations. Signs must include the International Symbol for Accessibility and should be mounted on a pole at least 5 feet off the ground. 


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.

An asphalt driveway provides a strong and dependable surface for vehicle and foot traffic, making your home more accessible and inviting. The surface requires some routine care, especially as the seasons change. Spring is an ideal time for asphalt paving installation, as well as for sealcoating, which is an important part of the maintenance process. Here are some reasons why spring is the best time of year for asphalt work.

Asphalt Installation
During the installation process, asphalt needs to be kept at a high temperature, but not so high that it melts or doesn't set properly. The material is also harder to work with when the temperature is too cool, as there is a greater risk that the material will thicken or even harden before it is laid. 

Spring's moderate, comfortable temperatures allow asphalt paving installers to apply the material evenly over the desired area, which ensures a strong foundation and a smooth and uniform surface. The season's conditions also allow the asphalt to cure properly, an essential step for the material's longevity.

Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a thin, liquid membrane applied to the top of asphalt, where it hardens and provides protection against moisture, oils, and ultraviolet light. It is a crucial step in ensuring the driveway lasts as long as it should and works best when it's applied at least once every three years.

As with the asphalt itself, sealcoat is easier to work with in warmer temperatures, but not so warm that it melts. Spring conditions help the coating set and cure properly for the strongest seal.

Taking care of this step in spring will address any moisture problems or stains that may have resulted from harsh winter weather and de-icing products. It will also help prepare your driveway for spring and summer rains. As an added benefit, your driveway will be sleek, smooth, and damage-free for the warmer season ahead, which increases curb appeal and adds value to your property.


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.