Chemical deicers and snow plows are common in winter to eliminate hazardous ice and snow from parking decks and structures. While deicers are doing their job melting away snow and ice, some may actually be corroding the parking structure’s concrete and reinforcing steel, and some snow removal techniques may actually be doing more damage than good. Western Specialty Contractors, experts in parking garage restoration and maintenance, offers several tips for protecting parking structures and how to minimize unnecessary damage during the winter months, and keep drivers safe.
Snow Removal Tips
- Clearly mark expansion joints in a way that will be visible to the equipment operator when the deck is covered with snow.
- Establish a snow removal pattern so that the plow blade approaches expansion joints, control joints and tee to tee joints at an angle no greater than 75 degrees.
- Equip snow plow blades and bucket loaders with shoes or rubber guards that prevent direct contact with the deck surface.
- Do not pile snow on the deck surface. Piles of snow can exceed the rated load capacity and cause cracking in the concrete deck surface.
Deicing/Salting Tips
Using chemical deicers to control ice and snow buildup is common. However, these chemicals can have a negative effect on concrete and reinforcing steel and you should only use them sparingly. There are several different types of deicers on the market that you can use, however, only we only recommend those approved by the American Concrete Institute.
Sodium Chloride – (road salt, table salt)
This is the most common salt deicer. It has little effect on concrete, but promotes corrosion in reinforcing steel and other metals. Use of this type of deicer is NOT recommended.
Calcium Chloride
This is a major ingredient in most commercial deicers. It has little effect on concrete, but promotes corrosion in reinforcing steel and other metals. Use of this type of deicer is NOT recommended.
Ammonium Nitrate or Ammonium Sulfate
Use of this deicer will lead to serious concrete deterioration due to its direct chemical attack on reinforcing steel. Use of this type of deicer is NOT recommended.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
The effects of this deicer are similar to salt, but it requires more time to melt ice. It has no adverse effects on concrete or steel reinforcement. If you require a deicer, recommendations call for a CMA.
It is important to minimize the amount of deicing chemical applied during the first two years of the concrete installation. During this time, the concrete has an increased permeability which can allow the deicing chemicals to migrate into the concrete more rapidly. As concrete ages and cures, it will become less permeable and chemicals will not penetrate as easily.
It is important to remember that using deicing chemicals in general goes against most recommendations. The safest way to remove ice and snow is to use a plow. You can also use sand to increase tire traction on the deck. However, be sure to protect the drainage system when washing down the deck after its use.
About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects and also property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures and sports stadiums. Western has its headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. It also has 30 branch offices nationwide. Additionally, it employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, you can also visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.
