Parking structures serve as vital touchpoints for buildings, making it crucial to prioritize a positive customer experience within these facilities to safeguard generated revenue. Effective maintenance plays a key role in achieving this goal. Due to their location and constant use, parkades are susceptible to harsh environmental exposure, road chemicals, and daily wear. Moisture penetration poses a significant challenge, leading to damage and corrosion caused by alkalis, salts, and acids. Protecting parking structures from such issues is essential to prevent deterioration and ensure the longevity of these assets.
The key to proactively combating the challenges mentioned above lies in the utilization of a comprehensive system of products specifically designed to work in harmony. Among these solutions, liquid-applied high-performance traffic membranes play a pivotal role. This article will provide an insightful overview of situations that should be limited or avoided altogether, along with essential periodic maintenance procedures to follow.
Precautions:
To mitigate the impact of high heat exposure, implementing certain measures is crucial. Posting signage to limit speed, reminding drivers to avoid spinning their tires, ensuring the visibility of cigarette disposal receptacles, and prohibiting the use of metal chains on vehicle wheels during snow seasons are highly recommended practices. These precautions not only help protect the integrity of the traffic membranes but also contribute to the overall safety and preservation of the parking structure. By following these guidelines, the risk of heat-related damage can be minimized, extending the lifespan and performance of the traffic membranes.
Inspections:
It is recommended that physical inspections occur a minimum of twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Inspections allow potential issues to be identified and corrected before damage occurs. When performing an annual physical inspection, several points should be noted if observed:
- Concrete spalling
- Coating or Concrete delamination
- Clogged or damaged drains
- Cracks
- Water leaks
- Excessive wear of the traffic membrane
Snow and ice removal:
Snow and ice removal pose potential challenges for parking structures, including increased weight loads and structural damage. When dealing with heavy snow and ice, it is crucial to remove them to prevent damage. However, it’s important to use appropriate snow removal procedures to avoid damaging the traffic membrane.
To prevent damage to the traffic membrane, it is important to avoid using metal blades during snow removal. Instead, plows and buckets should be equipped with rubber blades.
Cleaning:
When using a ride-on scrubber/sweeper for mechanical cleaning of parking structures, it is important to follow certain precautions to avoid damage to the traffic membrane. It is recommended to use standard brushes with medium bristles made of polypropylene or polyester. Abrasive impregnated pads or metal bristles should be avoided as they can cause harm to the traffic membrane systems. It is advisable to refer to the operating manual of the scrubber-sweeper and conduct a test cleaning on a small section of the deck to ensure effective cleaning without compromising the traffic coating.
While traffic membranes are resistant to de-icing salts, it is still advisable to rinse the deck with clean water at the end of each winter season to remove any residual salts and maintain the membrane’s longevity.
By implementing a thorough preventative and maintenance plan that considers the factors mentioned in this article, the service life of a traffic membrane system can be significantly extended. A proactive approach to maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate into costly problems. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs can prevent further damage and deterioration, ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of the traffic membrane system.
Additionally, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and recoating, as well as using appropriate cleaning equipment and techniques, is crucial. This helps preserve the integrity of the traffic membrane system and ensures its continued effectiveness in protecting the underlying structure.
