Triflex multi-storey car park check

As a general rule, the chance of damage is higher in uncovered parking areas as a result of their exposed location. In this case, it is recommended to carry out an inspection at regular intervals. For example, the parking area should be checked in spring to see whether any frost damage occurred during the winter. The parking area should then be made winter-proof again in the autumn – i.e it should be cleaned and checked to see whether there is any risk of damage as a result of the particular weather conditions during the winter months.

If spalling is found on the surface or on the kerbs, an expert should be consulted to carry out a closer inspection of the damage. Even small cracks and loose areas on concrete, asphalt or an old coating should not be taken lightly.

Action is usually required in the case of large cracks such as the one shown here.

The test also involves looking upwards – more precisely, at the underside of the parking deck, as that’s where the first signs of damage or moisture in the construction are usually found. If there are moisture damages and efflorescence here, this is not a good sign. If there is scaling as well, it’s time to consult an expert.

A fully functioning drainage system is essential for the protection of the entire structure.

Standing water around a gully indicates an incorrect assembly situation with insufficient slope. A particularly critical sign; if the connection joints between the drainage components and the roadway are not properly sealed or do not have a friction-locked bond with the drainage body, then leaks cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, at least one drainage point should be lower than the surface so that the drainage of water can be guaranteed. It goes without saying that the installed drainage components must also meet the necessary requirements on a permanent basis.

Experts recommend that the surfaces should ideally have a gradient of 2% (towards the drainage) in order to ensure adequate drainage of both rain water and condensation introduced by vehicles.

There should be no puddle formation on the parking deck even when it is raining. If there is still standing water on the parking areas even after the rain has stopped, the cause of this should be investigated as quickly as possible as otherwise the risk of moisture damage will increase significantly. The following point in the multi-storey car park check explains the other possible reasons for puddle formation aside from the insufficient slope mentioned above.

One reason for puddle formation could be that the water drainage system is not free from foliage. The water drainage system should be inspected at regular intervals – in autumn in particular. If puddle formation still occurs even after removal of the foliage, a specialist company should be consulted to carry out a closer inspection of the problem.

In parking areas with gutter drainage, the parking area should be regularly inspected to see whether the water is draining off unhindered or if it is building up in the gutter. If so, this can often be rectified by simply cleaning the gutter to remove any autumn foliage, for example.

Tip: Placing a foliage catchment basket or grid directly in front of the drain insert will make it easier to carry out regular cleaning of the drain. A downpipe cleaning valve will also help.

Ramps, spiral ramps and driveways are subject to particularly heavy traffic, meaning that their kerbs, joints and details are at particular risk. Signs of wear are more common as a result of the increased mechanical stress, and can lead to increased abrasion and ruts. An overloaded surfacing solution with increasingly smooth surfaces will also have an impaired slip-resistance, which constitutes an increasing risk to driver safety. Penetrating moisture, contaminants and spalling concrete can also cause significant damage to the fabric of the building here.

Joints in particular should be inspected at regular intervals. After all, this is where the initial leaks often occur before going on to affect the surface itself. So watch out: Are any initial cracks already visible? Is there a gab between the joint and the surface?

Particular attention should be given to the junctions between the surface and the supports and walls, which usually take the form of silicone joints. The junction between the surface and rising components should have a completely waterproof seal and must not have any cracks or gaps.

Particularly vulnerable points are often the junctions between different components such as precast concrete parts like beams and supports, but also between different materials such as between concrete structures or steel structures. These junctions should be inspected with particular care in order to check whether there are any damp spots or any of the aforementioned efflorescence.

Parking areas have often been previously sealed with a coating. This coating should not end directly on rising components but should also be applied on the junction, extending upwards by a few centimetres. An expert should be consulted if initial damage to this coating is detected. Otherwise, there is the risk of moisture penetration as seen in this example. In a worst-case scenario, moisture could penetrate into the structure and cause parts of the structure to spall, thereby exposing the reinforcement.

If the coating or the underside is already damaged to the extent that parts of the substructure (particularly metal parts) are visible, as in these two examples, an expert should be consulted immediately. Concrete repairs are then essential, as otherwise the load-bearing capability of the building component will be at risk.

Cavities under the surface should be seen as initial warnings, and can quickly turn into potholes. These can initially be identified acoustically by tapping the ground with a plastic hammer. Alternatively, a normal hammer can be used instead. In this case, however, tapping should be performed with particular caution so as not to damage the surface.

These should be inspected for two reasons. Of course, it goes without saying that they will need to be securely anchored so that there is no crash risk. The junctions to the ground are of particular importance. If there is a coating on the ground, this coating should extend a few centimetres upwards from the ground onto the railings.

If rust is detected on the railings, crash barriers or guard rails, this is not a good sign as it indicates a risk of surface damage.

Insufficient skid and slip-resistance, poor traffic markings and unclear direction signs can lead to accidents. A clearly marked parking bay with a durable, slip-resistant surface is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the building and its users. High-performance systems retain their appearance and slip-resistant properties for a long time, and contribute to minimising accidents while also improving safety and making navigation easier for all users.

Triflex can help to create a safe and efficient parking environment.

If there are damp spots, spalling plaster or mould in the indoor areas, i.e. on the walls connecting to the multi-storey car park, the cause should be investigated immediately, as these issues pose health hazards as well as a risk of damage to the building fabric. Indoor damp is not always due to defects or damage in the multi-storey car park. However, if this is in fact the case, this indicates a more serious problem that will need to be rectified immediately.

As nice as green spaces are in cities, there should not be any uncontrolled vegetation growth. Plants growing out of cracks or moss formation on the ground are usually signs that something isn’t right. And this should never be allowed to continue until small trees start to appear.