M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Owners, Developers & Managers — December 2023 — 9A
www.marej.com
O wners , D evelopers & M anagers
By Peter Mamola, PE, ECS Mid-Atlantic Proper winter parking garage maintenance controls costs and prevents long-term disruption
A dequate maintenance of parking garages dur- ing the winter season
calcium magnesium acetate or sodium acetate are preferred over traditional salts to mini- mize the corrosive effects salts have on concrete and steel. Routine inspections can assess the effectiveness of existing snow removal plans, helping property managers identify areas for improvement. Cleaning Steel corrosion is an unin- tended result of road salts to melt snow and ice. Even steel embedded in concrete (reinforc- ing steel) is susceptible to cor- rosion when salted regularly. Routine inspections should include checks for corrosion
on exposed steel and concrete surfaces. Regularly cleaning garage floors and drainage sys - tems is essential to remove salt residues, reducing the potential for corrosion and prolonging the lifespan of the structure. Drainage Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water accumulation and ice formation. Clearing drains of debris ensures that melted, salty snow has a clear path to flow away, reducing the time water accumulation and salts have to damage garage surfaces. Lighting Adequate lighting is impera-
tive to ensure safety during dark, winter months. Routine inspection of lighting fixtures can identify issues such as burnt-out bulbs or malfunction- ing components. Consider up- grading to energy-efficient LED lighting for cost savings and improved visibility throughout the garage. Effective communication Communicating regularly with garage users is a pre- ventive measure that can contribute to a smoother win- ter-maintenance process. Con- sistently providing updates on maintenance schedules, potential closures and safety
guidelines can manage user expectations and reduce the likelihood of accidents within the parking facility. By conducting structural inspections, cleaning surfaces of snow and ice, ensuring the drains and drainage systems remain unobstructed, ensur- ing the structure is properly lit and communicating with garage users collectively con- tribute to a safe, functional and resilient parking environ- ment during the challenging months of winter. Peter Mamola, PE is facili- ties project manager at ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC. MAREJ
demands a careful and thorough ap- proach for the safety of peo- ple accessing the garage and the life expectancy of the struc- ture. Engag-
Peter Mamola
ing with a structural engineer to conduct yearly or sometimes semiannual inspections is a low-cost, efficient way to reduce and potentially prevent major and expensive repairs. For example, extreme tem- perature fluctuations lead to the expansion and contraction of the garage structure as it goes through freeze and thaw cycles, potentially causing cracks, spalls, surface delami- nation or other deterioration of the building materials. Struc- tural engineers are qualified to identify and recommend re- pairs. When these minor issues are identified early, repairs are lower cost, less extensive and result in minimal disruption for garage users. In addition to annual inspec- tions, regular maintenance can help ensure user safety in win- ter and support the longevity of the parking structure. Snow and Ice Removal Utilize snowplows for effi- cient snow removal and apply concrete-friendly de-icing salts to prevent the formation of icy surfaces. Options such as Enterprise Community Dev. closes on Magnolia Gardens BALTIMORE, MD — En- terprise Community De- velopment, Inc. has closed on financing for Magnolia Gardens, the first non-age restricted 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development to be built in Charles County. Once com- plete, Magnolia Gardens will feature 72 new apartments in La Plata and will repre - sent the first development in Charles County for Enterprise Community Development. Architecture by Design is the project architect; Harkins Builders serves as the gen- eral contractor; and Lorenzi, Dodds & Gunnill is the civil engineer. MAREJ
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