Oftentimes we ask ourselves this question after a few hours of food and shopping and we are back at the multi-storey car park trying to locate our cars. When we leave our cars, especially in public spaces, we don’t really give it much thought even though car parks are an essential part of everyday living.

Take a moment to think about this question differently. This time, not just about locating your car but think about the car park itself. This should pose further questions such as: Is it safe? Is it secure? Is it clearly marked? Because though car parks might look like solid stable constructions, they are quite vulnerable due to several issues – not just the scuff, footfall and whatever else they encounter - but bigger challenges such as UV exposure, cracked deck surfaces, slip resistance and tyre squeal.

There are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account for multi-storey car parks, but thanks to the tried-and-tested solutions in their specialist car park decking range, car park operators can rest assured that their facility is protected from all of the above challenges for the long term and as for customers, they can park and shop at ease.

Park Safely
For car park users, the deck plays a very important role in safety due to the potential of slips and skid risks. Slip resistance is a functionality that all car park surfaces must provide. Imagine trying to drive over a ramp in a multi-storey car park or turning in a tight area – the last thing you want is your wheels to slide, and that is why Deckshield systems provide a positively textured, anti-slip surface that enhances traction underfoot and minimises unpleasant noise from tyre squeal. This ensures vehicles can safely move around making car park decks, safer environments to visit.

Park Securely
No doubt car parking structures are exposed to a range of deleterious influences including automotive fluids such as brake fluids, fuels and oils; water and water-borne contaminants; aggressive gases etc. This chemical exposure can ultimately contribute to structure damage and consequently car park users being negatively impacted. It is important that a building is protected, but even more important that its users and their vehicles are protected. The highly accredited Deckshield system has excellent chemical resistance and fire resistance properties to protect against daily exposure to all that is pitted against it.

Park Sustainably
In today’s world, the demand for green building materials is high and more of us are making conscious decisions to contribute to or support green building initiatives. For architects, building owners and specifiers, eco-responsibility is increasing in importance too, whether it is sustainable sourcing or analysing environmental benefits that materials can bring to construction projects which include of course car parks. A great example is Deckshield ID – their low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and solvent free polyurethane car park decking system for intermediate decks. Backed by Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (Gold) certification, Deckshield ID fulfils its contribution to a healthy indoor environment. Furthermore, environmental and health considerations are controlled during manufacture and application of the Deckshield systems, giving you the assurance to park sustainably.

Park Durably
To achieve maximum number of parked vehicles, the nature of car park demands clear spans and minimum supporting columns. Due to a high volume of cyclical traffic flow, over time, car park structures are susceptible to flexing and movement. The deck coating material chosen to protect the reinforced concrete structure is critical here and that’s why Deckshield’s methyl methacrylate (MMA) based deck coatings systems are best applied to prevent long lasting damage. Deckshield complies with BS EN 1504-2, which is a British and European Standard regarding ‘Surface Protection Systems for Concrete Surfaces’, covering the basics of concrete repair and structural strengthening. Deckshield’s durability, hard wearing and long-lasting characteristics protect the deck from damage, impact wear, and structural movement.

Park Colourfully
Entering a muti-storey car park that is dark and dingy, has a bearing on whether we feel comfortable parking there or not. Fair to say if the car park is well lit, clearly marked, and colourful with bright demarcation lines and signage, this gives a welcoming impression to drivers and helps to make a car park a more positive and safer environment. In addition to this, colour coded car park levels also make it easier for drivers to remember where they parked and locate their vehicles. As part of their car park protection systems, they offer Deckshield Linemarker QD. With vivid colours available, this system has the ability to improve visibility and safety within a car park environment.

There is no doubt about how convenient car parks are for drivers especially with the continuous increase in car ownership. This means, it is important that these spaces are safe, secure, sustainable, durable, and visually appealing for drivers.

Flowcrete’s Deckshield range offers the total car park decking solution. Find out more here.