Buildings require
constant check-ups and maintenance, but a parking structure in particular needs
constant attention and scheduled maintenance. Whether it’s a private or
commercial parking structure, it is often subjected to harsh conditions and the
structure is regularly tested by heavy traffic and different types of vehicles.
Also, a parking structure is subjected to changing weather and temperature,
unless you are operating an enclosed facility. Because of these challenges,
parking facility managers should incorporate maintenance and repair program
that can protect and secure this investment for a long period of time. A
recommended approach here is to come up with routine maintenance program that
focuses on different aspects of the parking structure from floor to the
ceiling. A complete maintenance program often involves concrete repairs,
protective coating and crack and joint sealing.
Concrete flooring repairs
A parking structure
accommodates heavy traffic of vehicles on a regular basis, thus it’s expected
the concrete flooring is one of those parts that suffer first. Concrete will
start to crack of delaminate from below, thus resulting to damaged and loose
concrete. To repair the delaminated concrete, you’ll need to identify first the
area. Usually, the repair area should extend by at least 3 in, and should be
chipped put by at least ¾ in. The concrete edges can be saw-cut, making sure
that the reinforcing bars are not damaged. If there are exposed steel and
concrete surfaces, then these should be cleaned, with the reinforcing bars
painted and properly coated. Once the coat has formed and cured, the concrete
opening can be repaired using a commercial patching material or crack repair
resin.
Joint and crack sealing
Cracks will normally
show in foundation, walls and flooring and it’s critical that these openings
should be addressed immediately to avoid the intrusion of chlorides and
moisture. Parking managers should be pro-active
in maintenance, regularly checking out the flooring, walls and foundation for
cracks. Crack size isn't an issue since all cracks are problematic and can compromise
the structural integrity of the parking area. When cracks are noted, managers
can personally attend to these by using appropriate crack repair resins like Flexomeric
FLEXTUBE-110 Crack Repair Resin. Also, foundation crack repair kits from
Flexomeric are also available as a complete solution for foundation and wall
cracks.
Protective coat for repaired flooring
Once the cracks have
been covered or injected with resin, a recommended next step is to apply a
protective coating to prevent future damages or at least slow down future
deterioration. Commercial waterproof coating is available, and this is often
applied to the concrete deck surface in multiple coats. Expect to pay a premium
for protective coat, but this can be helpful in restoring and protecting the
concrete flooring against water intrusion and abrasion.
Other protective
sealants and solutions are available, and the choice may depend on the budget and
condition of the parking structure. Whatever the specific approaches or
products use, it’s best to put the condition and structural integrity of the
parking structure first on list.