Is your parking structure prepared for winter and year-round durability?
Proper parking structure maintenance is essential to prevent costly damage, extend service life, and ensure safety throughout the seasons.
Parking garages face constant exposure to weather, traffic, and harsh deicing chemicals that accelerate deterioration. A proactive, comprehensive maintenance program is the best defense against expensive repairs, structural failures, and operational disruptions.
Core Elements of Parking Structure Maintenance
- Surface Integrity and Waterproofing
Regularly inspect parking decks for surface wear, cracking, and delamination. Patch distressed areas with compatible materials and maintain protective coatings or waterproof membranes designed for heavy traffic and exposure. Advanced waterproofing technologies such as liquid-applied membranes and cementitious coatings have become industry standards for sustained protection. - Expansion Joints and Sealants
These essential components accommodate structural movement and prevent water intrusion. Scheduled replacement and sealing maintain flexibility and stop moisture penetration. - Drainage Systems
Blocked or damaged drains cause standing water, leading to corrosion and concrete degradation. Clean and inspect drainage systems regularly to keep water flowing efficiently. - Structural Support Inspections
Routine assessments of columns, beams, and load-bearing walls are critical. Early detection of rebar corrosion, cracks, or deflections prevents major safety hazards and costly repairs. - Lighting and Signage
While non-structural, well-maintained lighting and clear signage improve user safety and navigation. Replace burned-out bulbs and damaged signs promptly. - Budgeting
Budget by estimating planned maintenance costs and allocating 10–15% extra for unexpected repairs, such as weather damage or mechanical failures.
In addition to parking structure maintenance and winter-proofing, general building maintenance and preparedness is necessary to avoid weather-related disasters in the winter.
Emergency Preparedness and Tenant Communication
Neglecting emergency preparedness can be costly. Develop a detailed Emergency Preparedness Plan widely communicated to all tenants and owners, especially before winter. This should include measures to protect plumbing lines with insulation or heat tape, ensuring heating systems function properly, and assigning on-call property managers and service providers for 24/7 availability during winter emergencies. Maintain a current emergency contact list and secure tenant space keys for swift responses.
System Checks and Winterization
- Heating and Cooling Systems: Test heating and cooling systems, replace filters with high-efficiency types, and consider UV sanitizers to improve air quality inside structures.
- Emergency Generators: Regularly service and test generators, maintaining adequate fuel with periodic fuel quality assessments.
- Landscape Sprinklers: Completely shut off and drain irrigation systems to prevent freeze damage.
Structural and Surface Inspections
Visually inspect roofs, flashing, gutters, doors, and windows to spot damage before winter storms. Check for loose flashing, debris, and ensure drainage systems are clear to avoid water pooling that accelerates freeze-thaw damage.
Snow and Ice Management
Have service providers on-call to remove snow and ice promptly (ideally overnight) to keep parking areas safe by morning. Use concrete-safe ice melt products like Calcium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride rather than corrosive rock salt. Make sure equipment such as shovels and snow blowers are serviced and ready along with appropriate winter clothing for workers.
Expert Parking Structure Maintenance and Inspection
We’re proud to offer over 25 years of experience helping property owners and managers safeguard their parking structures through expert inspections and maintenance advice.
Our structural engineers walk your facility, identify conditions that require immediate or future attention, and provide actionable reports with cost estimates and trusted contractor recommendations.
Developing and following a thorough parking structure maintenance plan minimizes safety risks, protects your investment, and keeps your facility operational and inviting year-round. Contact IEI today to schedule your inspection and learn how to optimize your maintenance program. For a free download of our winter preparedness checklist, please click here.