Parking Deck Waterproofing

Waterproofing Coating

The design and plan of a parking structure should aim at creating an area which promotes smooth traffic flow, ease of parking and of course, an assurance of safety to the customers/residents. Often, Car Park decks can have apartments, shops or offices under or around them.Leaks and water damage can be very costly to repair and visually, look quite poor with the ingress of salt and efflorescence, which negatively impacts how prospective clients/buyers view the business/residence inside. A parking lot, whether very good or very bad, tends to leave a strong first impression on the customer, which helps either generate business for the property owner, or can be detrimental if in poor condition. A successful waterproofing system is essential for the maintenance and life of any parking structure. In order to visualize this success, the following factors need to be considered;

1.       In order to achieve high-strength and an overall durable parking structure, a low water-to-cement ratio and heat-cured concrete is an appropriate combination when constructing the substrate.

2.       The composition of concrete has the tendency to absorb deleterious chlorides and chemicals which causes serious damage to concrete over time. This happens commonly in areas experiencing ongoing ponding water, where the Car Park substrate does not have positive, unimpeded falls to waste outlets throughout. Positive falls are essential in eliminating ongoing ponding water.

3.       To ensure high-performance, Durotech has available a range of different membrane options, from Sheet Membranes installed underneath, or embedded into the concrete substrate, to liquid applied membranes applied onto the substrate for full vehicular traffic and UV exposure.

4.       Installation of G Channels, Drains/Gutters and Parapet Capping where required are keys for the success of any waterproofing system.

5.       Specifically with liquid systems exposed to vehicular traffic, it is important to note that the coating may be worn down over time (5 – 7 years), particularly in higher resistant areas such as turning circles and ramps. These areas may require periodic re-coats to maintain the warranty. Expansion Joints in the substrate are generally treated separately with an expansion joint membrane and covered with a metal plate or small speed bump, to avoid direct contact with vehicles. Contact Durotech for details about treating expansion joints in Car Parks.