Parking Garage Maintenance Training Guide

Parking garages are subject to unique environmental and structural stressors. By participating in regular, proactive maintenance, you can ensure your structure is safe and avoid costly repairs. Continue reading our parking garage maintenance training guide to learn how you can remain compliant.

The first part of our parking garage maintenance training guide covers general practices that should be included in any program. These parking garage maintenance training essentials will help you develop and implement a plan that keeps your garage safe and functional in the long run. 

Planning & Documentation 

Proper planning and documentation are crucial for any parking garage maintenance program. Location, climate, traffic volume, and seasonal changes all play a role in the frequency of inspections, cleaning, and maintenance tasks. 

For example, an annual deep clean may suffice in drier regions, whereas more frequent, semi-annual cleaning is recommended in humid areas. Additionally, it’s important to create a recording procedure to log maintenance activity throughout the week, month, and year-over-year. 

Accessibility & Compliance 

To ensure safety and efficiency, it’s recommended that all parking structures undergo a pre-service risk assessment. During this assessment, a parking garage maintenance training specialist will identify potential hazards and block off necessary areas. 

While documenting cleaning procedures is important for record-keeping and clear communication, it is also necessary for compliance. Maintaining ADA compliance can be accomplished by regularly reviewing and updating signage, ramps, curb cuts, and parking spaces. Remember, failure to provide equal access for all users can result in legal action and fines.

Due to their unique stressors, every parking garage maintenance training guide requires a specialized approach. Below, we’ve broken down key components that parking garage maintenance programs typically should include.

Structural Integrity

The structural integrity of your parking garage consists of its overall performance and reliability. Simply put, it means your garage can operate to its full potential without putting people at risk. The following parking garage maintenance tasks help you confirm your garage remains healthy and secure year-round. 

• Concrete inspection and repair. Regularly inspect for cracks, spalling (concrete flaking), and delamination. Address issues promptly to prevent water infiltration, which can corrode reinforcing steel (rebar).
• Waterproofing and sealing. Apply sealants and waterproofing membranes to protect concrete from water and chemical damage. Focus on areas exposed to de-icing salts and other corrosive substances.
• Reinforcement inspection. Check for exposed or corroded rebar. Repair or replace damaged rebar to maintain structural strength.
• Post-tension cable inspection. If your garage uses post-tension cables, specialized inspections are required to ensure the cables are not corroded.

Safety & Operational Efficiency

Similar to structural integrity, it’s imperative that your parking garage is safe and operates efficiently for all who use it. Below, we’ve listed parking garage maintenance tasks that will aid your team in keeping your structure running smoothly.

• Lighting maintenance. Ensure adequate lighting for safety and security. Replace burned-out bulbs and maintain lighting fixtures.
• Signage and markings. Maintain clear and visible signage and pavement markings for traffic flow and safety, and replace faded or damaged markings.
• Elevator and stairwell maintenance. Regularly inspect and maintain elevators and stairwells for safety and accessibility. 
• Security systems. Maintain security cameras, access control systems, and other security measures.
• Entrance and exit systems. Maintain gates, ticket dispensers, and other entrance/exit systems for smooth traffic flow.

Environmental Protection

Sustainability and green building practices are becoming increasingly important in all types of structures. For concrete parking garages in particular, the parking garage maintenance tasks below will ensure your structure adheres to all environmental rules and guidelines. 

• Drainage system maintenance. Regularly clean and inspect drains to prevent water buildup, which can lead to structural damage, and ensure proper slope and drainage flow.
• Cleaning and debris removal. Regularly pressure wash to remove dirt, oil, and de-icing salts. Remove debris that can clog drains or contribute to concrete deterioration as well.
• Ventilation. Ensure proper ventilation to remove vehicle exhaust and prevent the buildup of harmful gases.

Specialized Considerations

As we mentioned before, there are some special considerations you need to remember when creating a parking garage maintenance program. The following parking garage maintenance tasks should be implemented for structures exposed to changing weather conditions and heavy traffic. 

• De-icing chemical management. Use de-icing chemicals that minimize damage to concrete and rebar. Implement strategies to prevent excessive salt accumulation.
• Traffic coatings. Apply traffic coatings to high-wear areas to protect the concrete surface.

Developing a successful parking garage maintenance schedule can seem daunting at first, fortunately, we’re here to help. In the final section of our parking garage maintenance training guide, we’ve outlined a general schedule you can use to ensure your structure remains compliant and running smoothly. 

Daily/Weekly 

The following parking garage maintenance tasks consist of general cleaning and debris removal and should be completed on a regular basis:

• Sweeping and removing debris from parking surfaces (including trash, leaves, and other materials).
• Pressure washing or hydro-cleaning to remove oil, grease, and other stains. 
• Checking and clearing drains to prevent water buildup and potential flooding. 

Bi-weekly/Monthly

Some maintenance tasks don’t need to be implemented every day. The following are parking garage maintenance practices you should prioritize every month or bi-weekly: 

• Checking for floor deterioration, water leaks, cracks, rust, and other damages.
• Inspecting protective concrete, rebar, and floor coatings.
• Checking for drainage issues and ensuring proper drainage functionality.
• Inspecting ventilation systems and carbon monoxide detection systems.
• Checking for cracks, potholes, faded markings, and other signs of damage.
• Conducting professional structural assessments to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
• Addressing any identified issues promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.
• Applying sealants to protect against water infiltration. 

Seasonal

While some locations don’t need to worry about these considerations, if your structure is exposed to changing seasons or harsh weather conditions, we recommend implementing the following parking garage maintenance tasks as temperatures change: 

• Winter: implement snow and ice removal procedures, including sanding and salting, to ensure safe and accessible parking.
• Spring: perform thorough cleaning and power washing to remove winter-related debris and chemicals.
• Summer: ensure proper drainage and address any issues related to heat and sun exposure. 
• Fall: clean up fallen leaves and other debris to prevent blockages and potential hazards. 

As Needed

It’s always important to keep certain parking garage maintenance tasks in the back of your mind, even if they don’t require a concrete schedule. As you go through your daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance schedules, keep an eye out for the following tasks:

• Repair or replace burnt-out bulbs or dim lights to ensure adequate lighting for safety and security. 
• Repair or replace damaged or outdated signage to ensure safety and smooth operation.
• Repair or replace entrance and exit gates to promote smooth traffic flow and security. 
• Implement security measures (such as surveillance cameras and well-lit areas) to deter potential criminal activity. 

Ready to implement a parking garage maintenance program that’s right for you? See how our specialists can help your team today.