5 Tips for Safer Parking Garages

Safe and well-maintained parking garages are essential to any commercial or residential complex. They provide a convenient place for vehicles and protect the property and its occupants from hazards and accidents. A safer garage can also help attract and retain tenants or customers and improve the overall perception of the property. Here are five tips to ensure a safer parking garage.

1 – Traffic Coatings & Waterproofing Garages

A properly sealed and coated parking deck will protect the concrete from damage caused by water, salt, and other chemicals. Traffic coatings and waterproofing are essential for maintaining a parking deck’s structural integrity and appearance. These coatings provide a barrier between the concrete and the elements, protecting the deck from damage over time. One of the main benefits of traffic coatings is that they can help to reduce the wear and tear on the concrete surface caused by vehicles and foot traffic. Water can seep into the concrete and cause damage over time, leading to cracking, spalling, and other structural issues. In addition to protecting the concrete, traffic coatings and waterproofing can also improve the overall appearance of a parking deck. 

2 – General Cleaning for Parking Garages

Regular cleaning of the parking deck is essential for maintaining a safe environment. Sweeping, blowing, or power washing the deck will remove dirt, debris, and accumulations of gravel that could cause slips and falls. 

Removing salt from the deck after the winter is also essential to prevent further concrete corrosion. Removing these salts is necessary to maintain the deck’s structural integrity and prevent hazards such as cracking and spalling.

3 – Parking Garage Structural Inspections & Repairs

Regular inspections of the parking garage’s structure are crucial for identifying and addressing potential safety hazards. These inspections should include checking for cracks, leaks, and other signs of damage that could lead to collapse or other structural failures. 

During an inspection, we look for signs of damage and other issues that could compromise the structure’s integrity. Leakage is a critical sign to look for during inspections, as water infiltration can deteriorate the steel reinforcement as well as the concrete. Inspections should also include checking for any signs of corrosion, which can weaken the steel reinforcement in the concrete and lead to structural failure. Corrosion can occur due to exposure to water, salt, and other chemicals and can be identified by the presence of rust on steel elements and spalling of the concrete. 

Repairs for some of the issues mentioned above may include restoring concrete, patching cracks, sealing leaks, replacing corroded steel reinforcement, and other measures to ensure the structural integrity of the parking garage.

4- Timely Maintenance for Parking Garages

Regularly scheduled maintenance helps to ensure that the garage is in good working order and that any potential hazards are identified and addressed as soon as possible. This includes routine checks of the lighting, fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and all equipment and machinery. Addressing any issues that arise as soon as possible can help to prevent hazards and ensure safe operation of the parking garage. 

5 – Parking Garage Signage & Security Cameras 

Clear signage and security cameras can deter crime and provide security for those using the parking garage. This can include signs indicating the location of emergency exits and security cameras that provide real-time monitoring of the garage. Ensuring these measures can help deter crime, provide a sense of security for those using the garage, and can also be used to identify and respond swiftly to any incidents that occur.

Make Sure Your Parking Garage is as Safe as Can Be

By following these tips, parking garage owners and managers can ensure their garages are safe and well-maintained environments. Maintaining the safety and structural integrity of parking garages is vital for both the protection of vehicles and the well-being of those who use them. Regular inspections and repairs, coupled with proper maintenance and cleaning, can help ensure that parking garages remain safe and functional for years to come.

South Shore Construction is a commercial construction company specializing in structural restoration and waterproofing of building facades and parking structures. We have served New Jersey and the surrounding Tri-State Area since 1981. 

If you are in need of concrete restoration services and maintenance services for your parking garage, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a proposal.