Five Simple Ways to Maintain Your Parking Deck
Posted Nov 28, 2021 by Dave Scaturro
Parking garages and decks experience some of the most strenuous abuses of any substrate, resulting in a quick aging process even when careful safety measures are observed. For parking structures that are accessible to the public, wear and tear can be even more substantial. Fast or incautious driving can cause skid marks and fender benders, further eroding the quality of the parking deck.
Ensuring your parking deck is well kept, not only reduces the cost of building maintenance, but also contributes to a higher level of safety. Of all the things that could go wrong in a parking facility, a recordable OSHA incident is one of the most significant. It could result in thousands of dollars in liabilities.
With the right maintenance practices, parking decks can sustain long periods of excellent performance. Below are some of the ways you can expand the lifespan of your parking deck:
1. Start Maintenance Routines with Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a necessary first step as it quickly removes the basic surface contamination that hasn’t yet set into the deck. It is recommended that pressure washing be performed at least twice annually to meet industry maintenance standards. In general, early spring and early fall are the ideal times to conduct pressure washing. Pressure washing should always be performed after hours or during closures to reduce the risk of accidents caused by a slick parking deck.
2. Inspect Your Facility’s Drains Once a Week
Few things can damage your parking deck as quickly or as extensively as a clogged drain. Clogs can be such a problem that it’s essential to inspect each of your drains weekly. Drains sit at the lowest part of your parking area and water that collects there can be trapped for days if it doesn’t drain properly. Corrosive run-off can damage the metal drains, surrounding concrete, and the coating system.
3. Perform Full Visual Coating Inspections Once a Month
Coating adhesion issues are easier to resolve when detected early on. It’s vital to take action right away if coatings begin to peel. Moisture can become trapped under the affected area, causing the peeling to spread very rapidly. No matter what coating system you use, there will be clear visual indicators of any adhesion problem. Corners and entryways should receive special attention.
4. Consider a New Epoxy Floor System
Concrete alone may not stand up to the heavy, constant use demanded by a parking structure. Polished concrete is more durable, but not suitable for many vehicles due to the risk of slipping tires. Epoxy flooring can greatly extend the service life of your underlying concrete slab while improving its performance qualities. A range of elements can be mixed in to give the flooring proper grip qualities, too.
5. Follow Your Maintenance Manual
If your parking deck has been coated recently, you probably received a warranty. Along with your warranty comes a maintenance manual with specific instructions on maintaining your coating. Following those guidelines not only raises the longevity of your coatings but keeps your coverage intact in case you need service in the future. If you have an older deck or did not receive warranty information, proactive maintenance is even more critical.
Contract Out Your Deck Cleaning
As a rule of thumb, it’s only possible to power wash about 15,000 square feet per day. If you have a big parking garage of 150,000 square feet, you’ll easily tie up your maintenance staff for ten days, not to mention the cost of equipment rental. Alpine Painting & Sandblasting can bring all the necessary tools for the job and get it done fast. With four or five pressure washing machines, we can complete the entire job in just a few days.
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When you consistently integrate these tips into your documented maintenance plan, you’ll ensure your parking deck operates for years without major issues and you’ll secure significant savings by keeping coatings intact longer.