Parking structure repair and maintenance can be a large undertaking due to the massive square footage of many parking lots and multi-level garages. In this blog post, we will break down the options for fixing concrete cracks in parking structures and simplify their repair steps.
Settling and shrinkage cracks occur naturally as part of concrete aging and can be exacerbated by the vehicular traffic of parking structures. If not treated properly, these cracks can migrate through the concrete and the waterproofing membranes overtop. Ongoing maintenance can minimize cracks and prevent them from growing into a larger issue like water infiltration and leaks to the surfaces below.
Concrete cracks are common in parking garages but are generally not a cause for concern. Here are some of the reasons you might find cracks in your concrete:
As part of ongoing maintenance, you should conduct regular walk-throughs of your parking garage, ideally once every season, and check for any areas of concerns, such as blisters in the coating, concrete degradation, and horizontal or vertical cracks. If you suspect there may be a structural issue, immediately consult with a structural engineer for a thorough review and remediation plan.
Once you’ve determined the affected areas, the facility manager should plan for the repair. If the damage is extensive and widespread, it would be helpful to also bring in a contractor and representative from a building materials manufacturer to discuss. Timing is critical in parking decks, as you may need to block off certain areas and reroute traffic to other areas while the repair method, typically a waterproofing coating or sealant, cures.
If you are in a time and/or budget crunch, a simple sealant treatment will offer a short-term repair. For this method, first rout out cracks ¼ inch wide by ¼ inch deep with a grinder or blade. Clean the surface with a broom and blow with a blower. Apply an approved polyurethane sealant, such as Tremco’s Dymonic 100, into the routed crack and properly tool. Allow to fully cure. For details on this application, read our blog post “How to Apply Sealant: The 3 Basic Steps.”
Below are three other methods of repairing concrete cracks for long-lasting waterproofing protection, which vary depending on the condition of the parking deck.
If no coating exists, first rout out cracks ¼ inch wide by ¼ inch deep with a grinder or a crack chasing blade. Clean the surface with a broom and then a blower. Apply an approved polyurethane sealant, such as Tremco’s Dymonic 100, into the routed crack and properly tool. Allow to fully cure. For additional waterproofing, you should also install a traffic coating system across the deck. For this, consult with a coatings manufacturer and apply the membranes according to their application instructions before resuming pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Click here for more information on PMMA and PUMA Coatings.
Cracks in concrete are inevitable over time, but proper review of your parking garage and ongoing maintenance can ensure that cracks do not grow more severe and compromise the integrity of your structure. Repairs will vary depending on your deck’s condition so don’t hesitate to reach out to a building materials manufacturer or structural engineer with any questions about proper remediation steps.