Snow Removal 101 for Parking Structures

Do you maintain a parking structure or parking garage at your facility?

When winter hits, are you truly prepared to take care of the snow and ice buildup?

Before the snow hits, there are some items to add to your to-do list that will make snow clearing easier and will help ensure you avoid costly repairs when the snow finally melts.

1. Don’t use metal or steel snowplow blades in the garage! Use urethane or heavy rubber edges.
2. Only use de-icing agents that are parking garage-friendly! Sodium acetate, potassium acetate, and calcium magnesium acetate are good to use in advance of snowfall. Avoid sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, and ammonium nitrate in a garage as these accelerate corrosion of reinforcing!
3. Don’t store large piles of snow on the roof. Large snow piles get heavy over time and can quickly exceed the live load limits of the structure or garage.
4. In between snowfalls, make it a habit to use snow melt machines or over-the-side dumping to remove large snow piles from the garage.

Visit our website to read the entire list and learn more about parking garage restoration!

IEI Specializes in Parking Garage Restoration

We’ve been helping owners reduce parking garage restoration costs since 1995. Unlike most other building systems that are protected by a conditioned building envelope, parking structures are directly exposed to the elements which results in exponential or accelerated deterioration. Therefore, early and inexpensive parking garage restoration practices produce a ROI much higher than that of other building systems.

Contact us today for a quote.

Protect Your Parking Garage From Heavy Snow

Winter is far from over in the Northeast and Midwest!

Is your parking structure properly prepped for any inclement weather?

Have you noticed in between snow clearings that your parking structure is starting to show spalls or leaks?
Before the snow hits, there are some items to add to your to-do list that will help ensure you avoid costly repairs when the snow finally melts.

Visit our website to read the full article about winter parking garage restoration!

IEI Specializes in Parking Garage Restoration

We’ve been helping owners reduce parking garage restoration costs since 1995. Unlike most other building systems that are protected by a conditioned building envelope, parking structures are directly exposed to the elements which results in exponential or accelerated deterioration. Therefore, early and inexpensive parking garage restoration practices produce a ROI much higher than that of other building systems

Our engineers are glad to walk your facility and let you know of any conditions that require immediate attention and what maintenance activities you can perform now to extend the life of your facility. Since the back of IEI business cards contain a crack gauge, you can easily evaluate any cracks within your structure to determine if it is of concern. Give us a call today!

Preventing EV Fires in Parking Structures

To mitigate the risks associated with EV fires in parking structures, several measures can be implemented:

• Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of charging infrastructure, cables, and connectors to identify and address potential hazards.
• Fire Suppression Systems: Consider installing fire suppression systems specifically designed for EV fires, such as those using inert gases or foam that do not harm batteries.
• Emergency Procedures: Develop and implement emergency procedures for handling EV fires, including evacuation plans and protocols for first responders.
• Ventilation: Improve ventilation in parking structures to facilitate smoke removal and reduce the spread of fire.
• Battery Management Systems: Advancements in battery management systems can help prevent thermal runaway by monitoring battery temperature, state of charge, and other critical parameters.

While EVs offer many advantages, it is essential to address the potential fire hazards associated with their use in parking structures. By taking proactive steps to prevent fires and ensure proper emergency response, we can create safer environments for both EV owners and building occupants. 

Read more on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage!

We’ve been a trusted resource to some of the largest property owners and managers across the United States for over 25 years. 

Our passion is showing real estate professionals how to self-inspect their facilities in order to reduce repair and replacement costs and know when to call in an expert. Our engineers are glad to walk your facility, including parking structure inspection, let you know the condition, what and when repairs or replacement are necessary, and provide reports with construction costs and recommend quality contractors to perform the work. 

Contact us today to get a quote!

Understanding the Risks of EV Fires in Parking Structures

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about a significant shift in the transportation landscape. While EVs offer numerous benefits, such as reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency, they also present unique safety concerns, particularly in enclosed spaces like parking structures. One of the most pressing issues is the risk of fire. This blog post will delve into the factors that contribute to EV fires in parking structures and explore strategies to mitigate these risks.

Unique Fire Risks of EVs

Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are highly energy-dense. While these batteries offer excellent performance, they can also be prone to thermal runaway under certain conditions. If a battery cell becomes damaged or overheated, it can trigger a chain reaction, leading to a rapid increase in temperature and the release of flammable gases. This can result in a fire that is difficult to extinguish and can spread quickly in a confined space like a parking structure.

Read more on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage!

We’ve been a trusted resource to some of the largest property owners and managers across the United States for over 25 years. 

Our passion is showing real estate professionals how to self-inspect their facilities in order to reduce repair and replacement costs and know when to call in an expert. Our engineers are glad to walk your facility, including parking structure inspection, let you know the condition, what and when repairs or replacement are necessary, and provide reports with construction costs and recommend quality contractors to perform the work. 

Contact us today to get a quote!

Preventing Water Intrusion

To protect concrete structures from water intrusion, it is essential to take preventive measures. These may include:

• Proper design and construction: Ensuring that concrete structures are designed and constructed to be water-resistant, with adequate drainage and waterproofing measures.
• Regular inspections: Conducting regular inspections to identify and address any signs of water intrusion.
• Repairing cracks and joints: Promptly repairing any cracks or joints that may allow water to enter the structure.
• Applying water repellent sealers: Applying water repellent penetrating sealers makes the concrete surface hydrophobic which water absorption into the structure. 
• Improving drainage: Ensuring that the surrounding area is well-drained to prevent water from pooling around the foundation.

By understanding the risks posed by water intrusion and taking appropriate preventive measures, building owners and managers can help to protect their concrete structures and ensure their long-term durability.

Hiring engineering professionals to investigate water damage is key. Water intrusion engineers have modern technology like thermal imaging, and equipment to detect excessive moisture or mold spores in the air.

Read more in the latest article on our website!

Investing in a Dry Future

Water intrusion engineering is an investment in the longevity and safety of your building. By proactively addressing water issues, you can save money in the long run, ensure a healthy indoor environment, and extend the lifespan of your valuable property. So, if you suspect water intrusion in your building, don’t wait – contact a qualified structural and waterproofing engineer today.

The Mechanisms of Water Intrusion

Did you know that 40% of all building-related problems are due to water intrusion?

Most structural deterioration in buildings is due to water, and water intrusion accounts for a whopping 70% of construction litigation. 

Concrete is often considered impervious to the elements. However, water intrusion can pose a significant threat to the long-term integrity of concrete structures. Many water intrusion problems are attributable to human error including detailing, specifications, or installation, so it’s important as a building designer to carefully consider the right system for the conditions, compatible materials, the right prep work and surface preparation, and quality materials. 

There are several ways in which water can infiltrate concrete:

• Corrosion: When water and oxygen come into contact with reinforcing steel within concrete, it can cause corrosion. 
• Deterioration: The corrosion biproduct is 5 to 6 times the volume of the parent metal. As the reinforcement expands, it initially cracks then spalls the concrete cover. This coupled with the possible section loss of the reinforcement weakens the concrete structure which can lead to structural failure.
• Freeze-thaw cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing of water within concrete can cause it to deteriorate.

Read more in the latest article on our website!

Investing in a Dry Future

Water intrusion engineering is an investment in the longevity and safety of your building. By proactively addressing water issues, you can save money in the long run, ensure a healthy indoor environment, and extend the lifespan of your valuable property. So, if you suspect water intrusion in your building, don’t wait – contact a qualified structural and waterproofing engineer today.

The Importance of Regular Building Envelope Inspections

Regular building envelope inspections can identify potential problems early on, when they are less costly and complex to address. A thorough inspection should cover:   

• Roof condition: Check for leaks and damage.   
• Wall integrity: Inspect for cracks, water stains, and deterioration of exterior finishes.
• Window and door performance: Assess for air leaks, water infiltration, and operational issues.
• Foundation stability: Look for cracks, water seepage, and soil erosion.

The frequency of inspections depends on factors such as building age, climate, and materials. For older buildings or those in harsh environments, more frequent inspections may be necessary.

Read more on our website!

Don’t Put off a Building Envelope Inspection! Schedule Today

Need a building envelope inspection you can rely on? We use the highest standards to determine the safety of your building. 

Every deficiency noted is analyzed to determine the root cause and severity. Most often this analysis is conducted during the inspection, and later documented.  Severity levels for deficiencies are classified as follows:

• Unsafe condition
• Requires repair/stabilization
• Ordinary maintenance

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after the restoration contractor has started work – which would lead to change orders and damaged reputations. Contact us today!