ABSTRACT

Parking facilities, including parking lots, free-standing parking structures, and parking facilities integrated into mixed-use facilities, are distinct from residential and commercial buildings in that they are exposed to severe conditions throughout their service lives. Parking facilities will typically deteriorate more rapidly than other types of built structures because of direct exposure to the environment and weather extremes. Even the best designed and constructed parking facilities will require regular maintenance and repairs to achieve their intended service life. Maintenance is intended to minimize premature deterioration of the facilities and benefit the long-term performance. Planning and implementing a maintenance and repair program is vital in achieving the expected service life for a parking facility and maintaining a safe environment for patrons. It is an ongoing process and needs to be budgeted, scheduled, and managed over time, with condition assessments performed by a licensed design professional on a regular basis, and timely performance of the recommended repairs.