Parking structures play a vital role in our cities by providing a secure place for visitors to park their vehicles and access nearby offices and housing. However, parking garages face environmental challenges such as moisture, expansion and contraction, carbonation, and daily wear and tear. Additionally, vehicles entering the structure create dynamic loads and leave behind debris, including oil and water. In winter, salt and de-icers can cause further damage.
All parking structures, including Double Tee Precast, Conventional, and Post-Tensioned, can deteriorate over time. It’s important to identify the signs that indicate your parking garage is in need of rehabilitation to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.
Water puddles:
Spotting water puddles or standing water in your parking garage is a clear indication of drainage issues. When water doesn’t drain properly, it can wreak havoc on the structure over time.
Water leakage:
When water starts to leak through joints or concrete cracks in your parking garage, it’s a clear sign that there’s a problem that needs attention. Ignoring water leakage can lead to more significant issues and compromise the structural integrity of your building. It’s crucial to take action and address the problem promptly. By seeking professional repair and maintenance services, you can identify the root cause of the water leakage and implement effective solutions to keep your garage in excellent condition. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen – prioritize the maintenance of your parking garage to avoid costly repairs and ensure its long-term durability.
Cracking and Spalling:
The presence of cracks and spalling in your parking garage’s concrete surfaces should not be overlooked. Concrete cracks can manifest in various forms, each indicating different underlying causes. Cracks can allow water and moisture to penetrate the concrete, leading to further deterioration and weakening of the structure.
To learn more about the different types of concrete cracks, visit our website: Types of Concrete Cracks. Understanding the nature of cracks is crucial for effective concrete repair and maintenance. Our comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights into the various types of cracks that can occur in concrete structures.
Deteriorated Surface Coatings:
The surface coatings of the parking garage, including paint, sealants, and protective coatings, can deteriorate over time due to exposure to chemicals, and heavy traffic. Peeling, or worn-out coatings not only affect the aesthetics but can also contribute to further deterioration of the underlying concrete.
To discover key practices for maintaining parkade traffic membranes and ensuring their longevity, visit our website: Preserving Longevity: Maintaining Parkade Traffic Membranes. Proper maintenance of parkade traffic membranes is essential for preventing damage and extending their lifespan. Our informative guide will provide you with valuable insights and best practices to keep your parkade traffic membranes in optimal condition
Exposed reinforcing steel or rebar.
When reinforcing steel or rebar is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to moisture and environmental elements. If you notice visible rust or corrosion on the exposed steel, it indicates a deterioration of the protective concrete cover. Rusting and corrosion can weaken the steel, compromising the structural integrity of the parking garage.
Structural Instability:
Any signs of structural instability, such as sagging or bowing columns, beams, or slabs, should be taken seriously. These issues can compromise the overall structural integrity of the parking garage, posing a significant safety risk to users.
White mineral efflorescence hanging from cracks in the slab soffit (ceiling):
This efflorescence is caused by the migration of mineral salts through the concrete and indicates moisture infiltration and potential structural issues. It can be visually observed as a white, powdery substance hanging from the cracks in the ceiling.This sign is particularly concerning as it suggests that water has penetrated the concrete and is causing chemical reactions with the minerals inside. If left unaddressed, this can lead to further deterioration of the concrete, compromising the structural integrity of the parking garage.
Expansion joint failure:
Expansion joints that fail can allow water to seep through and harm the reinforcing steel and T-to-T connector plates. It’s much easier to fix expansion joint problems than to deal with the complications caused by corroded connector plates and reinforcing steel. Detecting expansion joint issues early on and making repairs promptly can prove to be beneficial in the long term. Double Tee Precast structures typically experience wear at T-to-T joints, expansion joint failures, and flange connection deterioration.
Stains:
Inspect the roof beams and search for rust-colored stains on the concrete. If you are able to spot these stains, it is a serious warning sign. The presence of rust stains indicates that water has infiltrated the structural steel, which is detrimental to the stability of your building and the concrete.
Poor Lighting and Inadequate Signage:
Inadequate lighting and signage in a parking garage can create safety hazards for users. Insufficient lighting can make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to navigate the facility, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Likewise, outdated, or missing signage can cause confusion and inconvenience.
Professional parkade restoration company can help identify the root causes, repair the concrete, and implement preventive measures to mitigate further damage. If you notice any of these signs in your parking garage, it’s important to take immediate action.
Other helpful resources:
Sika Canada, Starpatch concrete, Kryton, Mapei, W.R. Meadows are some of manufacturers of concrete and waterproofing systems. Please refer to their website for detailed information on their products and solutions for concrete repair and waterproofing.
Building Codes and Standards – Explore the official website of the Government of British Columbia for comprehensive information on building codes and standards in the construction industry.
CCA Publications and Resources: Explore a wide range of publications, guides, and resources offered by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) to enhance your knowledge and expertise in the construction industry.
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI): The ICRI is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the concrete repair and restoration industry. Visit their website to access resources, training programs, and technical information related to concrete restoration.
