User-friendly, welcoming and safe car parking facilities are a key factor in the success of a commercial venue or retail development. Who else has said to themselves, ‘I won’t go there…the parking is always a nightmare’.
Multi-storey car parks (MSCPs) are unique buildings with a range of specific challenges that can differ between levels, from the basement to roof-top decks.
MSCP’s are built using varying methods of construction around the world, but no matter where you are cost most often than not is the primary consideration behind all purchase and specification decisions. This inevitably leads to suitable protective measures being sacrificed as materials designed to withstand the unique pressures of MSCPs are discarded in favour of cheaper alternatives without thinking of the long term considerations.
MSCPs are subject to cyclical loading and unloading, seasonal weather conditions and thermal cycling as well as structural movement. Protective coating materials designed for installation onto the concrete substrate therefore must exhibit sufficient durability, flexibility and elasticity to endure these unique service conditions.
In addition to this, water, chemical contaminants, high concentrations of exhaust fume gases and even dirt brought into the structure from vehicles or exposed areas of the car park can lead to degradation of the surface and even the structure’s supporting steel.
With this in mind, suitable protective measures at material specification and construction stage are paramount in ensuring a facility that is fit for purpose as well as safe and welcoming for visitors. Crack-bridging, UV-stable and wear resistant decking systems are the most effective solution in these environments with specialist systems required for damp basement decks, heavily trafficked intermediate decks and exposed top decks.
Fast-cure systems are also available should a car park need to remain operational or a fast return to service is required.
For builders and owners looking to control costs, this type of approach adheres to the principles of lifecycle costing and can help to save you money in the long-term.
For more information on the correct specification of suitable deck coating materials in MSCPs, download our whitepaper entitled ‘Total Parking Solutions from Lowest or Basement Levels to Roof Top Decks’.
