Maintenance/Restoration : Parking Management/Operations :

What are safe snow removal practices for parking structures?*

- DO NOT pile snow on top of the garage. If snow is piled, it can exceed the live load capacity of the structure. This will create potential structural failure, or even collapse. Contact us to verify the acceptable depth of snow within your facility.

- Use a portable snow melt, or haul the snow out of the garage. Dumping the snow over the side of the garage is acceptable when done safely. However, be sure to make provisions to prevent snow from falling into the garage. Additionally, it is important to fence the dumping zone, as well as provide signage to notify pedestrians of potential falling snow.

- If using a snowplow, modify the blade with a heavy rubber cutting edge to avoid damage to concrete, expansion joint systems, joint sealants and traffic topping systems.

- Prohibit vehicles with studded snow tires and tire chains, as these can cause damage to concrete, expansion joint systems, and traffic looping systems.

- Continually evaluate entry/exit lanes and the top level, as they are vulnerable to icing when water drains from sun-warmed surfaces into shaded areas. Standing water in these areas can create slip-and-fall hazards, as well as contribute to deterioration of concrete.