Open vs. Closed Parking Garages: Which Do You Need?

Are you familiar with the difference between open and closed parking garages? If you’re constructing a new parking garage or updating your current structure, it’s important to identify which type of garage you own. Keep reading to learn more about open versus closed parking garages and which system your business needs.

What Is an Open Parking Garage?

A parking garage must meet several standards set by the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) to qualify as an “open” parking garage. Section 406.5.2 defines open parking garages as structures with uniformly distributed openings on two or more exterior sides. Additionally, these openings must span at least 20 percent of the total perimeter of the wall’s area on each tier of the garage. These openings must be 40 percent of the perimeter of the length of each tier. If a garage meets all these requirements, the building code assumes it is an open garage.

What Is a Closed Parking Garage?

What happens when a parking garage fails to meet the criteria for an open garage above? If a garage doesn’t comply with any of the factors listed in this section of the 2015 IBC, it is considered a closed parking garage. Closed garages offer less natural ventilation than open garages, which is one of the biggest reasons businesses must measure these openings and other building aspects.

Which Does Your Business Need?

An officially dubbed “open” parking garage means your structure is naturally ventilated through its various openings. If your parking garage doesn’t meet these qualifications and is considered “enclosed,” you’ll need to provide mechanical ventilation. Adding features to your garage is nothing new if you already utilize mechanical features, such as three-car lifts and other automation. You may need exhaust fans and carbon monoxide detectors to secure each floor of the structure. Modern stack parking technology and three-car lifts can reduce the emissions you must ventilate. This technology will promote a safer garage.

Now that you know more about open and closed parking garages, you can determine which model yours falls into and any updates your structure needs. Whether you have an open or closed parking structure, you can reduce your carbon footprint and reliance on your ventilation system with mechanical parking technology. Learn about 3-car lifts and other models at Harding Steel!