Outdoor building maintenance may slow down through the winter, but your parking garage can use some attention this fall to keep it performing at its best. Preparing for winter starts with identifying any issues and making sure that all repairs are addressed before the cold weather and snow hit.

Along with seasonal preventative maintenance, there are several signs that your parking garage needs attention, so here are some of the issues to look for, maintenance to take care of, and the ways that the integrity of your parking garage can be compromised:

• Check your drains for leaves, dirt, and debris from all low-lying areas and drains to prevent standing water, which can crack pipes, accelerate concrete corrosion, and water infiltration during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. Fall rain can be a regular occurrence so stay on top of making sure it drains throughout the season.
• Conduct a thorough review of your parking lot for existing cracks in the concrete deck, ramps, walls, and expansion joints. Fix these areas with sealants or epoxy injections to keep the moisture out.
• If there are any potholes, make any necessary repairs before they become larger, get covered in snow, or grow more dangerous through the winter.
• With darker days, ensure that the lighting in your parking lot is functional, replacing lights where necessary and adjusting timers for efficiency and safety through the winter.
• This is a good time to check on any waterproofing coatings. Identify any flaking, blistering, or chipping, and repair damaged areas to protect the underlying rebar from rust and spalling.
• Before winter arrives and you start to apply salt or de-icers, thoroughly power wash the parking lot’s surface to eliminate any already accumulated oil, dirt, and debris from the summer months.
• If lines are faded or signage is missing, repaint or fix signs before visibility lessens.
• Plan ahead and communicate with snow removal contractors to decide on the start date, frequency, process, and storage ahead of winter.

Your parking garage is a reflection of your business, so ensure that it remains functional, safe, and aesthetic as you prepare your property for winter.