Ensuring Durability for Car Par Structures
When specifying a protective coating material for car park decks, the primary concern is its service life and durability. This is because car park operators consider the financial implications and costs associated with potential closures of the car park for maintenance, re-waterproofing, or refurbishment work. The effective implementation of accurately designed systems that cater to the current and potential service requirements of the area can help in prolonging the structure's durability.
Here are some key considerations for ensuring durability in multi-storey car park structures through protective car park decking solutions:
1. Thermal variations
Often fully exposed to the environment, car parks are subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, extreme sunlight, and UV exposure. The presence of these factors can have an adverse effect on the integrity of the structure, generating dynamic pressures that may result in premature cracking of the underlying concrete and the possibility of structural failure. Resin-based deck coating can act as a protective coating in these circumstances.
2. Structural movement
Car parks are designed to accommodate a maximum number of vehicles, which requires them to have large clear spans and a minimal amount of supporting columns. However, this construction style can cause the structure to be vulnerable to flexing and movement when it experiences cyclical traffic flow. To mitigate the potential harm of dynamic loading, flexible, crack-bridging polyurethane-based deck coating systems are used. These systems move in tandem with the structure, thus avoiding any permanent harm to either the building or its surface.
3. UV Radiation
The most vulnerable part of a parking structure is its top deck. The harmful impact of UV rays on the uncovered top deck can lead to damage, discoloration, and premature aging of the protective coatings used in car parks. This makes it one of the primary reasons for deterioration. To meet these requirements in the challenging environment found at the top deck of the parking structure, a heavy-duty polyurethane material is recommended. This material is twice as thick as what is typically used for internal decks and provides the necessary durability and elasticity.
4. Chemical exposure
Car park structures are exposed to aggressive chemical and pollutants such as automotive fluids. Polyurethane resin-based deck coatings with high resistance can be used to prevent premature corrosion by creating a safeguarding layer that separates the impurities from the underlying surface.
Car parks, unlike other structures, require deck coating systems that have been proven to protect buildings from the wear and tear caused by multi-vehicular traffic. These unique conditions make it crucial to use only the most reliable and effective coating systems. Lastly, regular maintenance and upkeep are also crucial for ensuring the long-term durability of the structure.
Consider Deckshield car park decking waterproofing systems to prevent long lasting damage. Deckshield complies with BS EN 1504-2, which is a British and European Standard regarding ‘Surface Protection Systems for Concrete Surfaces’, covering the basics of concrete repair and structural strengthening. Deckshield’s durability, hard wearing and long-lasting characteristics protect the deck from damage, impact wear, and structural movement.
