Routine Parking Structure Maintenance Can Prevent Long-Term Costs

High-cost structural issues in parking garages often stem from common culprits such as water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, chloride attack from de-icing salts, and the natural aging of materials. These issues can lead to concrete cracking, spalling, rebar corrosion, and ultimately, a compromised structure. The good news is that many of these issues are preventable with consistent care and attention.

Addressing small issues promptly is significantly less expensive than tackling large-scale repairs. A comprehensive preventative maintenance plan should include:

• Invest in Effective Waterproofing and Protective Coatings: Applying high-quality traffic-bearing membranes and protective coatings to the parking surfaces creates a barrier against water, chlorides, and other corrosive agents.
• Regular Cleaning: Removing dirt, debris, and corrosive substances like de-icing salts prevents them from penetrating the concrete and accelerating deterioration. Power washing can be an effective way to remove stubborn residues.
• Crack and Pothole Sealing: Sealing cracks and repairing potholes prevents water and chemicals from infiltrating the concrete layers and reaching the reinforcing steel.
• Drainage System Maintenance: Clogged or damaged drainage systems are a major contributor to water accumulation and subsequent damage. Regularly cleaning catch basins, drains, and pipes ensures water is effectively channeled away from the structure. Proper grading and slope of the parking surface are also critical for effective drainage.

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Innovative Engineering Specializes in Parking Structure Restoration

We help owners with parking structure restoration and reducing costs. 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.

Our engineers are glad to walk your facility and let you know about any conditions that require immediate attention. 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!