By Peter Mamola, PE, ECS Mid-Atlantic
Adequate maintenance of parking garages during the winter season demands a careful and thorough approach for the safety of people accessing the garage and the life expectancy of the structure. Engaging with a structural engineer to conduct yearly or sometimes semiannual inspections is a low-cost, efficient way to reduce and potentially prevent major and expensive repairs.
For example, extreme temperature fluctuations lead to the expansion and contraction of the garage structure as it goes through freeze and thaw cycles, potentially causing cracks, spalls, surface delamination, or other deterioration of the building materials. Structural engineers are qualified to identify and recommend repairs. When these minor issues are identified early, repairs are lower cost, less extensive, and result in minimal disruption for garage users.
In addition to annual inspections, regular maintenance can help ensure user safety in winter and support the longevity of the parking structure.
Snow and Ice Removal
Utilize snowplows for efficient snow removal and apply concrete-friendly de-icing salts to prevent the formation of icy surfaces. Options such as calcium magnesium acetate or sodium acetate are preferred over traditional salts to minimize the corrosive effects salts have on concrete and steel. Routine inspections can assess the effectiveness of existing snow removal plans, helping property managers identify areas for improvement.
Cleaning
Steel corrosion is an unintended result of road salts to melt snow and ice. Even steel embedded in concrete (reinforcing steel) is susceptible to corrosion when salted regularly. Routine inspections should include checks for corrosion on exposed steel and concrete surfaces. Regularly cleaning garage floors and drainage systems is essential to remove salt residues, reducing the potential for corrosion and prolonging the lifespan of the structure.
Drainage
Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water accumulation and ice formation. Clearing drains of debris ensures that melted, salty snow has a clear path to flow away, reducing the time water accumulation and salts have to damage garage surfaces.
Lighting
Adequate lighting is imperative to ensure safety during dark, winter months. Routine inspection of lighting fixtures can identify issues such as burnt-out bulbs or malfunctioning components. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting for cost savings and improved visibility throughout the garage.
Effective Communication
Communicating regularly with garage users is a preventive measure that can contribute to a smoother winter-maintenance process. Consistently providing updates on maintenance schedules, potential closures and safety guidelines can manage user expectations and reduce the likelihood of accidents within the parking facility.
By conducting structural inspections, cleaning surfaces of snow and ice, ensuring the drains and drainage systems remain unobstructed, ensuring the structure is properly lit and communicating with garage users collectively contribute to a safe, functional and resilient parking environment during the challenging months of winter.
Peter Mamola, PE is a facilities project manager at ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC.