Top 5 Common Yard Marking Problems & How to Solve Them

Yard markings can be used for a mixture of things, firstly, the safety of people is the top priority, but then there are also lean efficiencies. Work zones and things like flow management are all important things to consider when reviewing your yard or workspace outdoors.

Yard markings can be a cost-effective way of implementing solutions for the above, but Facility Yards can be a challenging environment, with a mixture of situations such as surface condition, surface type, and not enough time given to apply lines, with hard and heavy mechanical handling equipment in use.

These are just some of the things to consider when implementing yard markings.

So, what are the top five common problems with yard markings and what is the best way to overcome these? See below, in no particular order:

Yard Markings Are Not Visible

Typically, the yard space of most industries is an area where a lot of dirt and grime is present, so within several weeks or even days, line markings can appear completely invisible and hard to see which has a major impact on things like safety.

When surface preparation is done, the line marking is applied, it is essentially a new surface, then immediately the adjacent surface dirt and grime is transferred directly onto it with wheeled/foot traffic.

Ways to overcome this are to ensure a full cure is being given before being trafficked, or to look at alternative paint solutions where the surface finish is less likely to attract dirt.

The higher the gloss level, the less likely it is to pick up dirt, however, slip resistance can be low and is sometimes not acceptable for an outdoor environment.

Yard Markings Are Not Lasting

Typically yard markings can be very busy areas with a lot of mechanical handling equipment, heavy industrial traffic and a lot of ‘point load’ stress, this can wear on any surface markings, especially if traditional thermoplastic products have been used. It is important that before the application of the product, the level of durability expectations are covered by the asset owner.

Solutions to overcome this are already out there in the market, in terms of hard-wearing products, but there are a lot of ways to improve the durability of what’s currently used, including more in-depth preparation, mechanical surface preparation, and application of primer before the final topcoat of product. 

It is crucial in these environments that the application is made on a sound, dust and contaminant-free, dry surface as well as making sure the correct primer is used before the topcoat.

Giving time & space for contractors when you need to continue the use of the area often results in just accepting a continual paint application on a quarterly cycle, for example.

Operational Hassle for Facility Managers

A common problem in the yard area is that this working hub of the facility requires it to be available at all working hours, especially in large site scenarios where access can only be given during small hours at the weekend or night work.

It’s simply too much hassle for facility managers to have markings being done as well as vehicle movement – it leads to markings not lasting, paint being tracked and it also leads to reduced output for the facility.

Solutions around this start with frank discussions early in the design stage to ensure the correct product and application method is chosen to suit the application ‘window’.

Various products on the market have faster curing times, there are also products on the market that have no curing requirement, like primers for example.

An alternative to this can be a simple solution such as well-managed projects where large applications are broken down and well-managed by the facility manager.

Yard Markings Do Not look Neat

Similar to point one already discussed, some products once installed can look unpleasing to the eye, especially when refreshing existing markings.

This is also common where the product is prematurely failing due to lack of preparation, primer, or the incorrect product is used.

Solutions to avoid this situation, are things like better surface preparation – it’s good practice to remove any existing marking before refreshment unless the line is consistent and sound.

Another way to improve finish quality is for it to be applied by airless technology, as opposed to manual screed application.

The use of stencils rather than the skill set by the applicator gives consistent quality, especially when refreshing markings.

The use of masking tape to create crisp edges and ensure the product is cured before opening to traffic.

Yard Markings Are Being Ignored

When markings become commonplace, they can’t be seen clearly and workers or pedestrians are less likely to adhere to or abide by them, immediately becoming a safety hazard risk.

There are many solutions to improve the impact of safety measures –  the list below are just some and are in no particular order:

• Use contrasting colours on your site markings
• Introduction of safety barrier segregation
• Illuminated projected safety signage
• A regular marking audit

Traditionally over the years, there has been a one-product-fits-all approach, now with the advancement of paint technology, application machinery and years of experience, advice is freely available – we would recommend reviewing products currently used and your environment together ahead of any upcoming yard marking project.

This can be somewhat daunting but easily overcome by way of a simple conversation over the phone, or you can arrange an online meeting.  Click here to fill in your details to talk about your up-and-coming projects or call us on +44 800 055 4737 to speak to a WSS Advisor.

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