Ally Striping Blog

Common Striping Mistakes DFW Property Managers Should Avoid

For property managers across Dallas-Fort Worth, keeping parking lots safe and compliant isn’t just a task—it’s a legal and safety obligation. Unfortunately, many lots fail due to avoidable striping errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them.


1. Using Low-Quality Paint Cheap paint might save money upfront, but it quickly fades under the Texas sun and heavy traffic. Choose premium traffic paint designed to withstand weather, wear, and constant use.

2. Ignoring ADA and Local Codes Accessible parking spaces must follow strict layout, signage, and marking rules. Missing or improperly marked ADA stalls can lead to steep fines and lawsuits. Ensure stall widths, access aisles, and signage meet federal ADA and Texas state regulations.

3. Skipping Proper Surface Prep Paint won’t adhere to dirty or oily pavement. Before striping, thoroughly clean and prepare the surface for durable, long-lasting results.

4. Incorrect Layout and Spacing Improper stall sizes or angles create confusion, traffic problems, and even accidents. Use correct measurements—9x18 feet for standard stalls is a solid benchmark—and always mark with chalk before painting.

5. Neglecting Ongoing Maintenance Striping isn’t a one-and-done job. Even high-quality markings fade over time. Schedule routine inspections to repaint lines, refresh ADA logos, and ensure all signage is upright and visible.


Cover All Key Areas Your striping plan should include:

  • Fire lanes clearly marked and unobstructed
  • ADA-accessible stalls and signage
  • Directional arrows and pedestrian crosswalks
  • No parking zones and curb highlights

Conclusion Striping mistakes can cost you—through fines, safety risks, and reduced curb appeal. For DFW property managers, the solution is simple: stay informed, use quality materials, and maintain a consistent striping schedule. It keeps your lot looking professional and compliant.


Ready for a fast striping review? Contact a trusted DFW striping expert today for a no-obligation property assessment.

Interesting fact:

  • Nearly 60% of parking-lot collisions involve vehicles reversing out of spaces
  • About 15% of accidents in parking lots involve pedestrians—often because crosswalks and lanes aren’t clearly marked

Question to Reflect On:
With more than half of crashes linked to backing up, and pedestrians at risk, what would be the human—and financial—cost if your striping plan missed critical safety zones?


August 1, 2025
Lewisville, TX – At Lakepointe Crossing, a high-traffic retail hub anchored by national brands like Spec’s , Academy Sports + Outdoors , Conn’s HomePlus , and Northern Tool & Equipment , first impressions happen before shoppers even step inside. If your parking lot stripes are faded, crooked, or unclear, customers notice—and it can hurt their experience before it even begins. The Problem: Faded Striping, Faded Impressions Years of Texas sun, heavy traffic, and everyday wear left the stripes at Lakepointe Crossing worn out and hard to see. That meant: Confusing traffic flow Disorganized parking Increased risk for fender-benders and liability issues A poor first impression for tenants and customers alike For a center of this caliber, that’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a business risk. The Solution: Full Re-Striping for a Clean, Professional Finish We tackled the entire parking lot, restoring order and safety with fresh, sharp lines. Our team re-striped every space, arrow, and fire lane marking, ensuring maximum visibility, ADA compliance, and smooth traffic movement. The result: a safer, cleaner, more professional parking lot that matches the quality of the national retailers it serves. Why Striping Matters (More Than You Think) Neglecting your lot’s striping can cost you: Safety hazards lead to liability Poor traffic flow frustrates visitors Wasted space means fewer customers parked and shopping Bad impressions weaken your property’s value Fresh striping sends the opposite message: that you take care of your property—and by extension, your tenants and their customers. Lewisville Commercial Property Owners: Don’t Let Your Lot Be the Weak Link Your parking lot is the welcome mat for your property. Faded lines say “we stopped paying attention.” Whether you manage a retail plaza, shopping center, or office complex, we’ll make your property look well maintained from the moment customers drive in. Don’t wait for complaints—refresh your stripes now. From single storefronts to major retail centers, we’ll make your property look dialed-in and well cared for, starting from the curb.
August 1, 2025
Rockwall, TX – For a high-traffic retail and restaurant center like The Plaza at Rockwall, spotless sidewalks aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. Shoppers may admire your storefront displays, but if the concrete beneath their feet is stained, dull, or grimy, it can overshadow the entire experience. Over time, even the busiest and most polished plazas can show their wear. That’s exactly what was happening here—until we stepped in to give The Plaza a complete walkway refresh. The Problem: Sidewalks That Had Seen Better Days From the main entrances to the lesser-seen tenant exits, years of foot traffic, rain runoff, and Texas’ unpredictable weather left the sidewalks marked with dark stains and discoloration. This buildup didn’t just look bad—it made the property feel worn down and even posed a potential slip hazard. The Plaza needed more than a quick rinse. It needed a deep, professional clean. The Solution: Hot Water, High Standards, and a Whole Lot of Clean We tackled the challenge with a hot water surface cleaning process, heating water to 180 degrees to break down layers of dirt and restore the concrete’s natural brightness. From busy storefront walkways to back-of-house exits, we applied a consistent, high-quality finish across every section of the plaza. In areas with stubborn discoloration, we used a soft wash technique—an eco-friendly, low-pressure process that lifts stains without damaging the concrete. The result? Clean, safe, and welcoming sidewalks that instantly elevated the property’s curb appeal. Why This Work Matters for The Plaza—and Every Retail Property Clean sidewalks are more than maintenance—they’re part of the customer experience. Before a shopper steps into a store or a diner sits down for a meal, they’re already forming an impression of the property. Fresh, well-kept walkways tell visitors the space is cared for. They also help reduce wear and tear, limit liabilities, and protect the property owner’s investment. After all, no one wants to sip a latte next to dingy, stained concrete. Proudly Serving Rockwall's Commercial Properties At the end of the day, we’re not just power washing surfaces—we’re helping businesses put their best foot forward. Today, The Plaza at Rockwall’s sidewalks match the same polished, inviting look as the retailers and restaurants that call it home. Want your property to shine from the sidewalk up? We specialize in retail, restaurant, and commercial plaza cleaning across Texas. Let us help you restore curb appeal without lifting a finger.
August 1, 2025
Southlake, TX – A fresh, spotless facade can make a shopping center feel brand new. At the Shops of Southlake, a premier retail destination in the heart of Southlake, years of weather and wear had taken a toll on the cast stone caps crowning the building. Discoloration and surface stains dulled the vibrant look, leaving the property appearing tired and dated. That’s where we stepped in. The Problem: Faded First Impressions The cast stone caps—those architectural accents that add style and dimension—were marred by unsightly discoloration. Years of rainwater runoff, air pollutants, and the relentless Texas sun had stripped away their crisp appearance. For a shopping center built on aesthetics and curb appeal, this wasn’t just a cosmetic flaw—it was a brand concern. The Solution: Power Washing That Packs a Punch Our team tackled the discoloration using professional-grade power washing , customized for delicate cast stone. With the right balance of water pressure, cleaning solution, and technique, we safely restored the stone’s original color without surface damage. The change was immediate—and striking. Our before-and-after photos tell the story: what seemed like permanent staining was no match for the right tools and expertise. The refreshed cast stone now stands out against the facade, instantly revitalizing the entire property without reconstruction or repainting. Why It Matters Power washing goes beyond surface cleaning—it helps protect property value and strengthen first impressions. In Southlake’s competitive retail environment, a polished exterior can draw more foot traffic, enhance tenant satisfaction, and sustain the high-end image shoppers expect. It’s also a cost-effective upgrade , delivering maximum impact with minimal disruption. Serving Southlake with Pride We’re proud to have helped revitalize the Shops of Southlake and to show how something as simple as restoring cast stone can breathe new life into a commercial space. From shopping centers to office parks and mixed-use developments, we’re here to protect and elevate what matters most—your property’s image. Need a power washing service that goes beyond basic? Let’s talk about how we can bring new life to your property—one clean surface at a time.
August 1, 2025
In the fast-paced commercial hubs of Dallas-Fort Worth, fire lane striping isn’t just about appearances—it’s a critical safety measure and a legal requirement. Whether you manage a strip mall in Arlington or a retail center in Plano, properly marked fire lanes ensure emergency vehicles can access your property without delay, reducing risk for tenants, customers, and your business. Understanding Fire Lane Basics A fire lane is a dedicated space for fire trucks and emergency responders to quickly reach buildings during an emergency. Texas regulations require these lanes to be at least 20 feet wide, painted with red curbs or pavement, and clearly marked with the words “FIRE LANE – NO PARKING” in white. These markings must appear every 50 feet to remain compliant. DFW Area Regulations Dallas and surrounding cities strictly enforce fire lane codes to protect public safety. In addition to curb paint, vertical “Fire Lane – No Parking” signs must be posted at intervals—usually every 25 to 50 feet. Failure to comply can result in citations, fines, or even temporary closure of your business until corrections are made. Why Compliance Matters Fire lane striping isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about ensuring fast, unobstructed access for emergency responders. In the event of a fire or medical emergency, clearly marked lanes can save seconds—and lives. For property owners, it also minimizes liability and reinforces your commitment to safety for customers and tenants. Best Practices for Fire Lane Maintenance To stay compliant and avoid costly setbacks: Repaint fa ded lines and curbs annually or as needed. Use high-durability, reflective traffic paint. Keep signage upright, visible, and correctly placed. Partner with a trusted local expert like Ally Striping, who knows DFW fire codes and works directly with fire departments to ensure compliance. Final Thoughts n DFW’s competitive retail market, safety and compliance aren’t optional—they’re smart business decisions. Ensuring your shopping center meets fire lane requirements safeguards people, protects your reputation, and prevents costly disruptions. Need a compliance check? Contact Ally Striping today for a free fire lane evaluation.
May 15, 2024
Over time, parking lot lines, fire lanes, and road markings fade away. This leads to poor visibility, confusion for drivers, and a worn-out look for your property. Even worse, it can put you at risk of violating safety, ADA, and fire code regulations—issues that demand professional restriping to avoid costly problems. We handle the headaches of faded, unsafe, or non-compliant markings. Our services include parking lot striping, warehouse floor marking, ADA compliance striping, fire lane striping, compliance consultations, power washing, signage installation, wheel stop installations, cleaning, maintenance, and custom project solutions—everything needed to restore safety, organization, and curb appeal to your property.  Project Overview Ally Striping was brought in to correct compliance concerns and improve visitor experience at Frisco Main Event. The project included careful planning and precise execution—restriping fire lanes, parking lanes, handicap spaces, and other markings across the large lot. Our skilled team used high-durability paint built to withstand heavy traffic, ensuring lasting visibility and protection against premature fading. The Importance of Professional Road Striping Neglecting proper striping risks more than a messy appearance—it can compromise safety, confuse drivers, and lead to costly violations. Professional striping ensures clear lane guidance, reduces accident risk, and keeps traffic flowing smoothly. For businesses like Main Event, accurate striping not only keeps operations compliant, but also maximizes parking efficiency and improves the customer experience. Benefits for Frisco Main Event With the updated layout, traffic now flows more efficiently, congestion is reduced, and safety is visibly improved. The newly marked fire lanes meet city safety codes, while high-visibility handicap spaces enhance accessibility—showing a strong commitment to inclusivity. Management and visitors alike have praised the improved navigation and the safer, cleaner feel of the property. Why Choose Ally Striping When regulations, safety, and appearance are on the line, you can’t afford mistakes. Ally Striping is known for precision work, reliable service, and results that last. With years of expertise in commercial striping projects, we deliver professional solutions that solve compliance issues and restore confidence in your property’s safety. Conclusion The Frisco Main Event project proves Ally Striping’s ability to tackle complex striping needs with accuracy and care. If your lot or property markings are faded, unclear, or out of compliance, Ally Striping is the trusted choice for lasting, professional results in Frisco, Dallas, and the Fort Worth Metroplex. Is your commercial space due for a safety and compliance upgrade? Contact Ally Striping today to bring your property back to code—and back to looking its best.