Parking decks see millions of car trips each year. Parking decks endure heavy vehicle loads, large tire traffic patterns, and extreme weather conditions. Whether it’s grease stains, brake pad dust, rain showers, UV rays, freeze/thaw cycles; the floor system of a parking deck needs to withstand some of the roughest conditions around. Selecting the appropriate flooring for a parking deck goes beyond aesthetics. Safety, performance and life cycle costs are key concerns that dictate the emerging trends in parking deck flooring. Here we review important factors to consider when choosing a parking deck flooring as well as which flooring options perform best.

Why Parking Deck Coatings Matter

Parking deck flooring provides a protective surface between vehicles and the concrete substrate of the parking deck. Concrete subjected to vehicle traffic will eventually crack, absorb water, and corrode embedded reinforcement without protection. Proper deck coatings eliminates these issues reducing expensive repairs and prolonging service life. Moreover, quality flooring provides better traction, keeps water out of the deck, prolongs the service life of the parking deck and maintains a clean professional appearance.

Key Factors to Consider

Consider the following when selecting a flooring system:

• Traffic: Will your parking deck experience high traffic? You’ll need flooring that can withstand heavy traffic and loads.

• Slip Resistance: You’ll want a flooring that offers slip resistance for vehicles and pedestrians, especially if your deck is prone to wet or icy conditions.

• Weather Conditions: If your parking deck is outdoors, it will be exposed to the elements year-round. Make sure the flooring you choose can stand up to UV rays, heat/cold, rain, snow and freeze/thaw.

• Waterproofing: Flooring should also help prevent water intrusion, which can cause damage to the concrete and higher maintenance costs over time.

• Maintenance: Different systems have different maintenance schedules. Some may require annual recoating while others may have longer life cycles.

Popular Parking Deck Coatings

Epoxy Coatings

Advantages: Epoxy floors are commonly used for parking decks due to their seamless finish and durability.

They provide excellent resistance to oil, gasoline, and road salts.

Disadvantages: Epoxy surfaces can be slippery when wet.

Also, epoxy will experience movement with extreme heat and cold fluctuations unless additives/topcoats are used.

Polyurethane Systems

Polyurethane flooring systems are known for their flexibility and impact resistance. This flexibility allows them to handle thermal movement and minor concrete cracking more effectively than epoxy alone. Polyurethane is often used in combination with epoxy primers to create a robust, multi-layer system ideal for outdoor parking decks.

MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) Coatings

Advantages: Polyurethane floors excel in flexibility and impact resistance.

Slippage resistance can also be added through additives in the polyurethane itself. Polyurethane coatings can flex with thermal movement and concrete cracking better than epoxy finishes alone.

Disadvantages: Typically polyurethane is used with an epoxy primer creating a multicomponent flooring system.

Traffic Deck Coating Systems

Advantages: Traffic deck coatings are made for parking decks/ramps.

Traffic deck coatings are usually multi-layer systems consisting of waterproofing membranes, flexible coatings, and slip-resistant aggregates. In addition, they can provide the best overall protection from water intrusion, UV damage, and wear.

They’re typically the longest-lasting systems.

Disadvantages: With newer technology these systems can be installed in less time than traditional epoxy systems.

Parking Deck Flooring: Indoor vs Outdoor Decks

Parking decks come in all shapes and sizes. Indoor decks may call for flooring that meets stringent appearance requirements and stands up well to chemicals used indoors. Outdoor decks need excellent waterproofing characteristics and ultraviolet stability. Make sure the system you choose is designed for the environment your parking deck will face.

Up-Front Costs vs. Lifetime Value

Cutting corners on flooring materials will often lead to more frequent repairs or even complete replacement of the parking deck floor. Choosing a flooring system that delivers the performance and durability you need will pay dividends in maintenance savings, reduced down-time, and preservation of your investment.

Hire Professional Parking Deck Coating Specialists

It doesn’t matter how great of a flooring system you select if it isn’t installed properly. No one wants to take chances with the safety of a parking deck. Make sure you hire professionals that know how to properly prepare your surface and apply the product according to the manufacturers specifications. Reputable contractors, or parking deck coating specialists will ensure your finished floor meets your safety and building code requirements as well. They should be able to guide you towards the right system for your needs based on your budget, traffic patterns, and climate.

Weighing Your Options

You should now have a good idea of what to consider when selecting the right flooring for your parking deck. As with any important decision there are many options to consider. Take the time to evaluate what your parking deck or parking garage will be used for, and compare how each flooring system can meet your needs. With the right information you can select a flooring system that will protect your parking deck for years to come. If you’re looking for a reputable local Utah company, consider Elite Concrete Coatings. We take the quality of our work seriously and make sure our customers are completely satisfied. For more information or to request a free quote, give us a call today at (801) 946-0929. You can also fill out our online form. We look forward to exceeding your parking needs!