Parking garages are essential structures for commercial properties and HOAs, but they are often exposed to harsh conditions that can lead to wear and tear. To ensure your parking garage lasts as long as possible, it’s crucial to invest in regular maintenance and follow best practices for durability and longevity.

1. Proper Drainage and Flooring
   To prolong the lifespan of your parking garage, it’s essential to ensure proper drainage and flooring. The minimum floor slope for positive drainage should be 1.5%, but ideally, 2% is recommended to reduce the stress on prestressed strands or post-tensioned tendons. Additionally, using air entrainment, calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor, penetrating silane sealer, and micro silica fume in the concrete mix design can enhance durability and resistance to harsh elements.
2. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
   Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preserving the lifespan of your parking garage. This includes removing harmful elements, touching up galvanized coating on exposed steel connections, and repairing failed joint seals and sealants. These practices prevent corrosion and damage, ensuring the structure remains safe and functional for years to come.
3. Design for Durability
   When designing a parking garage, it’s essential to select a qualified design team and contractor with expertise in concrete construction. Choosing a designer that focuses on thoroughness and attention to detail can yield tighter bid results and reduce the chance of surprises during construction. Additionally, designing for durability without the need for a surface-applied traffic coating is recommended, as traffic coatings can be an excellent option for extending the life of an existing garage that lacks the above best practices.
4. Regular Inspections and Repairs
   Regular inspections of your parking garage’s coating system, drains, and exposed steel connections can help identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Coating adhesion issues, clogged drains, and corroded steel connections should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the structure remains safe and functional.
5. Consider an Epoxy Floor System
   Concrete alone may not be sufficient for the heavy demands of a parking structure. An epoxy floor system can greatly extend the service life of the underlying concrete slab while improving its performance qualities. Epoxy flooring can also be mixed with elements that provide proper grip qualities, making it a suitable choice for parking garages.
6. Proactive Maintenance Practices
   Implementing proactive maintenance practices, such as pressure washing, coating inspections, and drain inspections, can help extend the lifespan of your parking garage. These practices not only reduce the cost of building maintenance but also contribute to a higher level of safety for your personnel and the public.

By following these tips and investing in regular maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your parking garage and ensure it remains a safe and functional structure for years to come.