If it’s been a long time since your parking structure’s last inspection, you could be unaware of integrity issues, structural problems, or other accessibility requirements. Fortunately, there are several different ways to assess the condition of your parking structure. Learn the techniques building experts use to assess your parking structure and its safety.
Complete Visual Evaluations
A visual evaluation is one of the most efficient ways to assess your parking structure’s condition. With the right training and knowledge of what to look for, an engineering expert can provide crucial information with an inspection checklist. For example, these professionals are trained to look for cracks, corrosion, deterioration, displacement, and condensation in places you may not have thought to look. This is why it’s important to have a professional’s guidance when completing visual evaluations.
Material Sampling and Testing
Thorough documentation of parking facilities is important to help monitor and preserve the condition of your structure. However, if there isn’t as much documentation present for a structure, material sampling can tell you more about its condition. The type of testing and sampling can vary depending on your parking structure’s material. For example, precast concrete garages may have different readings and tests than steel-framed garages and other types of building materials. If your facility uses car storage platforms, experts may test these metals and other materials for corrosion and other damage.
Integrity Based on Type of Structure
You can also learn more about the condition of your parking structure by understanding its building materials. Construction materials behave differently based on wear and tear, weather conditions, age, and other factors. For example, some cast-in-place concrete garages may experience more issues from freeze-thawing during winter and be more susceptible to cracking due to their makeup.
Alternatively, steel-framed garages can have unique structural issues over time, such as rust and corrosion from condensation. Even the most modern garages with car storage platforms and other technology can experience wear and tear. This is why it’s crucial to understand the unique issues that could impact your garage based on its building materials.
Remember these ways to assess the condition of your parking structure as you maintain your facility this year. You can also upgrade your parking structure by adding car storage platforms and automated technology. Browse our selection of automated parking systems at Harding Steel to modernize your business and parking facility.