Tips to Preserve Your Commercial Parking Garage

Commercial parking garages and garages offer a safe and secure place for patrons to park their vehicles and use the facilities associated with the garage. However, many commercial parking garages have been neglected and taken for granted by building managers and consequently don’t get the proper maintenance it needs. This leads to the deterioration of parking garages. Yet, their use is essential to modern businesses. According to the Injury Claim Coach, non-residential parking facilities are used by 175 million people every day, and each use represents a potential risk that could lead to injuries or premature wear and tear on the structure. If one would just take the time to look at the conditions of their garages and properly maintain them, commercial parking garages will continue to serve the people that use them daily. This article will explore a few tips to restore and preserve the integrity of parking garages.

1. Check Structures Around the Commercial Parking Garage Doors for Water Spots

Water spots in commercial parking garages or near commercial parking garage doors are signs of leaking and water damage in the garage. It means that water from rain, ice, or snow has seeped through the concrete and corroded it. This can expose the rebar underneath which can cause damage to vehicles parked in the garage if they park too close, On top of that, the rebar can also rust and contribute to the spalling of the concrete. Additionally. water spots and spills can cause patrons to slip and fall in the garage making it a fire hazard for anyone using it. 

2. Inspect and Clean All Water Drains, Spouts

Along with severe weather conditions, water spots can also appear because of drainage leaks from pipes and spouts. Facility managers should make it a priority to inspect and maintain the drainage system in their commercial parking garages. Waterproofing the parking garage, by adding a waterproof membrane, for example, will lengthen the lifespan of the facility since there will be less water leaking into the concrete and on the garage floor itself. That also includes inspecting and cleaning all water drains and spouts, especially those nearest to areas prone to buildups, such as those closest to trash receptacles on a different garage or garage floors. 

3. Properly Repair Concrete Spalling on Walls and Expansion Joints

As sturdy as concrete can be, it’s not enough just to apply it in a commercial parking garage. Concrete structures must be maintained appropriately to upkeep the stability of the parking garage. Water spots and leaky drains can lead to exposed rebar, and concrete spalling. This is not only a sign of poor garage maintenance but also a danger to every single person who uses the facility. Spalling on concrete can be fixed by regularly applying corrosion inhibitors. They will help prevent water, salts, and oxygen from entering concrete, thereby preserving it for longer. 

4. Reapply Sealants and Coatings as Needed

While permanent sealants help maintain the upkeep of certain structures, especially concrete, they will become less and less effective due to weather conditions and age. Ensure to regularly apply concrete sealants to maintain its upkeep, enabling it to service the garage for longer. Sealants can be either liquid or powdered based depending on the scale and specifics of the repair or restoration. If using temporary sealants, it’s important to reapply these sealants and coatings routinely to make sure that the concrete’s strength isn’t compromised. 

5. Get Help With Regular, Routine Inspections and Maintenance Programs

Everyone is busy, from the building managers to the security guards ensuring the safety of the commercial parking garage, and the general maintenance staff member. On top of that, they are not well equipped with the know how to maintain a commercial parking garage. Fortunately, commercial building service providers are available for hire. Service providers specialize in a particular field of expertise. They will eliminate the guesswork out of repairs and maintenance by conducting routine inspections and providing a status report of the structure. If it requires maintenance or repair, service providers will provide a wide array of solutions that can fix the problem.

Preserve Your Commercial Parking Garage With The JOBS Group

Commercial parking garages should be given the proper care as many people depend on its structural integrity to safely park their vehicles. An expert should do proper garage maintenance and repair. Luckily, The JOBS Group makes it easy connect building managers with the right service providers. Click here to learn more.