Getting a Handle on Parking Structure Management and Upkeep

Keep your parking garage customers on level ground

Even if you’re not at ground level, you and your customers deserve to be standing (or driving) on level ground. Taking a proactive approach to parking deck maintenance can increase the longevity of your structure, keep your cash flow stable, and your customers happy. So, when was the last time you had your parking garage evaluated?

The Importance of Parking Structure Maintenance

While your concrete structure may seem invincible, wear and tear can erode the integrity of construction over time, leading to cracks, potholes, overall corrosion, and even more serious structural damage. As with all large-scale pavement and concrete assets, routine preventative maintenance is the key to longevity and structural integrity. This type of maintenance can help you avoid unnecessary damage and unforeseen costs, prolong the functionality of your garage over an extended period, and stretch those maintenance dollars in the long run.

What Preventative Measures Should You Be Taking, Exactly?

Continuous everyday use and everything that comes with it—water penetration, UV rays, oil and gas spills, and more—can quickly deteriorate a parking garage, putting you at risk for liability. While the protective measures of even one of the below maintenance services can be invaluable to your parking structure, we recommend a combination of strategies to maximize effectiveness and durability:

Basic Upkeep

• Patching potholes: Small potholes can quickly become large problems if not addressed promptly.
• Sealing unsightly cracks: Prevents water infiltration and further structural damage.
• Striping: Ensures clear and safe navigation for drivers.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing prevents water penetration and rebar erosion, helping to avoid major structural damage over time. This measure is crucial for multi-level parking structures where water can seep into lower levels, causing extensive damage.

Deck Coating

Deck coating protects against the hazards of continuous use, including freeze/thaw cycles and vehicular and pedestrian traffic. A quality deck coating can extend the life of your parking structure by several years.

Traffic Coatings

Designed to protect areas directly exposed to the elements, traffic coatings protect from road salt, water penetration, UV rays, and other repercussions of exposure. These coatings are essential for maintaining a safe and durable surface.

Epoxy

Epoxy protects concrete surfaces from hot tires, gas, and oil leaks, and general wear and tear while also enhancing appearance. This type of coating is particularly effective in high-traffic areas where damage is more likely to occur.

Moisture Barriers

A pre-construction preventative measure that places a thin plastic membrane below a concrete structure. This barrier prevents water vapor from infiltrating the concrete slab, which can lead to long-term damage.

Larger Structural Projects for Parking Structure Upkeep

Sometimes parking structure management includes heftier structural projects or new builds. These large-scale projects require more hands-on management than routine maintenance. Here are a few examples of some larger project undertakings for your parking structure upkeep:

Wall & Column Repairs

Cracks, spalling, chipping, and erosion on concrete surfaces indicate deterioration. We assess the level of damage to determine the method of repair required. Regular inspections can help identify these issues before they become major problems.

Post Tension Repairs

Post-tension repairs are required to restore strength and integrity to the structure. Visible signs that a structure needs post-tension repairs include broken tendons coming out of the structure, excessive deflection, cracking that runs parallel to the post-tension strands, and diagonal shear cracks in beams and joists.

Deck Repairs

Deck repairs are needed when the cast surface of the concrete is compromised. Typically, the damaged section is removed, and concrete is reapplied into the void. This process ensures that the structural integrity of the deck is maintained.

Making Your Parking Structure Last

To ensure the longevity of your parking structure, consider the following tips:

Regular Inspections

Conduct regular inspections to identify potential issues early. This proactive approach allows for timely repairs, preventing small problems from becoming major structural concerns.

Scheduled Maintenance

Develop a scheduled maintenance plan that includes all necessary preventative measures. Regularly scheduled maintenance helps extend the life of your parking structure and keeps it in optimal condition.

Use Quality Materials

Invest in high-quality materials for repairs and maintenance. Using superior materials can significantly enhance the durability and longevity of your parking structure.

Professional Services

Engage professional services for all major repairs and maintenance tasks. Experts in the field can provide the best solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your parking structure remains safe and functional for years to come.

Rose Paving Can Help

If it’s been over three years since you’ve performed a full maintenance overhaul on your parking structure, it’s been too long. With over 50 years of experience in the field, our team of experts will assist you in taking a proactive approach to maintaining your parking structure with services spanning everything from basic preventative measures like waterproofing and deck coating to structural fixes on columns, joints, tension repairs, and more. Contact Rose Paving today for a free estimate on your project.

Contact Rose Paving to ensure your parking structure stands the test of time and continues to serve your customers safely and efficiently.