Line markings are prevalent on roads and highways but also can be found in school playgrounds, sports centres, car parks, bridges and even factory workshop floors for example…
They are often used to denote boundaries – such as centre markings, chevrons, and double yellow lines on roads and highways; and layouts for sports activities such as tennis – but are also common as directional markers in car parks and factories, and as symbols (to denote disabled parking for example).
At some point in time, it may be necessary to remove these markings.
This could simply be because the boundaries have changed, the area is to be re-purposed or indeed the substrate below the markings has, or is beginning, to fail and needs to be worked upon. The line markings themselves may just be in need of replacement.
SPE Contracting has many years experience in the removal of line markings used within a multitude of industries on both asphalt and concrete surfaces.
We have a proven track record of removing many forms of line marking whilst preserving the underlying substrate as much as possible.
Two main methods are utilised in the removal of line markings, and these have a dependence upon the line marking material to be removed and the underlying substrate…
Captive Shot Blasting is preferred when the structure of the substrate underneath needs to be preserved as much as possible. This is especially true on softer asphalt surfaces found on roads and highways. It is also preferred when line marking and symbols cover large areas.
For particularly thick line markings, it may be preferred to use surface planing (other wise known as scarifying or milling) as a technique. This is more aggressive than shot blasting, utilising rotary cutters to leave a clean rough textured finish. This more aggressive resulting profile can however have an advantage if a temporary anti-skid surface is a desired outcome.
There are 4 main types of marking materials used throughout the UK on roads, in car parks, warehouses & factories as well as playgrounds, sports areas, bridges, walkways and pedestrianised areas:
Thermoplastic – also containing plasticisers, fillers and glass beads for increased reflectivity. Now available in more colours other than yellow and white this technique has been in use since the 1950’s and accounts for the vast majority of the UK’s road and highway markings.
MMA (Cold Plastic) – A highly durable substance that isn’t affected by heat or cold. It is primarily used for very high traffic areas like roundabouts and junction boxes.
Preformed Thermoplastic – coming in pre cut designs and applied by heating with a blow torch, this highly durable material is often used to apply bike lane markings, directional arrows etc.
Paint – still a versatile and commonly used method of marking for loading bays, disabled ares etc. Ideal where a large area is to be filled with colour…
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