What Are the Requirements for ADA Compliance?

Since you are legally responsible for having property that follows all ADA rules, the best course of action to get a comprehensive list of requirements is to go to the source directly. Also, make sure that your architect, contractor and construction team understands the importance of these rules. You cannot guess what will work for people with disabilities, and you cannot do “good enough” work and hope to meet all these standards. The following are just a few examples of the types of things you will have to pay attention to in your commercial building.

Accessible entrances near designated parking spaces with wide enough doorways, automatic door openers, ramps if necessary, and safe traffic control

Wheelchair accessible seating in theaters, auditoriums, conference rooms, and other large gathering spots with adjacent companion seats

Restrooms with sufficient accessible stalls (one per six stalls), sinks, and other fixtures including switches, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers

Accessibility for things like ATMs, drinking fountains, light switches and thermostats, fire alarms, and all necessary fixtures or features needed for work tasks

Easy and comfortable access to public areas and common rooms, equipment in lunchrooms including wide doorways, appropriate flooring, and lack of obstructive built- in fixtures like posts, decorative walls, or counters.

Many of the projects associated with ADA compliance have more to do with remodeling and interior design than the construction of the building itself. However, you have to begin with the structure before getting to all of those other things. Something as simple as a smooth concrete floor and an accessible ramp from the parking lot to the front door may not automatically come to mind when designing your property but are essential parts of improving accessibility for disabled individuals.

If you are working to upgrade or renovate an existing building that is not currently ADA compliant, it makes sense to make as many changes as possible. However, there are special dispensations for instances when changes would affect the structural soundness of the building itself or be practically or financially impossible to complete. This is not an opportunity to cut corners and try to get out of serving the entirety of the public. Work with an experienced and skilled contracting team to determine what you can do to comply with regulations appropriately.

In general, the Americans with Disabilities Act affects all commercial property owners who want to comply with the law and allow everyone to access their property safely and comfortably. From initial architectural designing and construction plans to renovations and regular maintenance activities, the rules included in the ADA should always have a place in your decision-making process.

Contact T.G. Basile today to learn more about ADA compliance and how we can help make your property up to code.

1) Inspect the Concrete Floor Completely

Visually inspect the concrete floor to understand the existing construction and condition. This helps point out obvious defects/flaws that will aid in a sounding inspection.

A sounding inspection will ensure the concrete is free of spalls and delamination. Common practice utilizes a method called “chain dragging” which quite literally means dragging chains across a concrete floor. Another method includes hitting a hammer across spans of areas that are cracked or delaminated. The purpose of these (2) exercises is to understand the existing condition of the floor.

Chain dragging allows you to listen for differentiating tones which point out areas below the surface you cannot see that have spalled or delaminated. The consistent dragging motion creates a monotone sound that enables the mechanic to listen for changes in tone. Using a hammer requires the mechanic to listen for differentiating tones while consistently hitting the hammer in all directions around a crack or delaminated area. Chain dragging is best used for large surface areas as opposed to the hammer method which renders similar results only for more refined test areas.

Upon completion of step 1, repair options will be developed followed by estimated costs to complete repairs.

2) Follow Repair Options

Based on the repair options provided, the removal/replacement or general repairs of concrete flooring should be completed during this step. These repair options will vary greatly depending on the type of concrete floor, e.g., slab-on-grade, structural deck, roof deck, etc.

3) Remove Everything & Anything

Any existing coating, flooring, residue, etc. must be removed entirely. No exceptions.

There are (5) methods of removal:

Scraping:
For most coating removal jobs our first line of offense is the use of Power Scrapers. These machines efficiently remove VCT, carpet, wood, mastics, epoxy & urethane waterproof membranes, rubber and EPDM roofing materials.

Hydroblasting:
When conditions permit, hydroblasting is capable of cleaning with pressures of up to 40,000 psi to remove coatings around columns, elevated ramp curbs, structural steel, facades, etc.

Shotblasting:
After the majority of coating or floor coverings have been removed by power scraping or hydroblasting, we utilize shot blasting machines to clean any remaining residual coatings and profile the concrete for maximum adhesion of epoxy or urethane coatings & waterproofing membranes.

Grinding:
Diamond grinding machines are used to remove any remaining coatings, uneven or rough areas leaving a smooth and uniform concrete surface.

Milling:
Concrete milling machines are used for heavy coating removal, asphalt, urethane or troweled epoxy coatings. The machines give you the ability to mill uneven, spalling or deteriorated concrete up to 2 ½ inches deep to prep for concrete re-capping or self-leveling underlayment.

4) Fill Cracks and Repair Other Damage

Typically after mechanical removal of product, the true existing condition of concrete is exposed.

– Cracks will be most apparent and will require routing and sealing with an elastomeric polyurethane.

– Additional compromised areas of concrete may also be exposed, these areas will require further inspection and analysis. If the existing repair options cannot accommodate the type of condition exposed, additional repair options are required.

5) Ensure a Smooth and Clean Surface

The final step requires removal of miscellaneous air borne and reminiscent debris by use of vacuums and blowers. If any debris of any kind are left over, the new product will not adhere properly, this also pertains to moisture on the surface. Every step of this preparation process is necessary to get the best possible outcome.

Reach out and consult with T.G. Basile on your next concrete flooring project by contacting us here.

Why does parking deck maintenance matter?

Besides the aforementioned appearance issues, any parking lot or garage has to deal with a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. This comes not only from car and truck tires but also foot traffic and weather. Every vehicle that drives onto the lot or parks in a spot for any length of time can cause surface problems, stains, and stress on the structure itself. People walking to and from the building may drop debris or liquids that can stain the surface. There is no need to reiterate that rain, storms, ice, and snow can wreak havoc on a concrete slab or structure.

If the contractor who constructed your parking deck or worked on one of your structures in the past gave you any type of warranty or guarantee, first investigate what services you can get from them for maintenance or repairs. Also, look for any tips or specific schedule for tasks and inspections. The closer you follow a recommended plan specifically designed for your site, the better the outcome will be. If your original contractor has failed you, it’s time to switch to an experienced contractor like T.G. Basile.

Proper Maintenance Services

Consult with T.G. Basile about your parking structure maintenance needs. We are here to help repair, restore, strengthen and protect any and all parking structures.

A concrete floor can be a great asset to any home or business. However, before the concrete is sealed and ready for use, there are many steps that need to be taken to protect it as well as prepare it for daily use.

Do I need to Prep a New Concrete Floor?

The process of curing concrete is a lengthy one. It can take many days for the surface to dry completely and reach full strength. The curing process starts when the concrete is first laid down, but construction or any further prep work cannot be completed until the curing process has finished. Concrete takes about 7-14 days to cure to a specified PSI, while it takes at least 28 days for the surface to reach 1% water evaporation per day. Of course, this all depends on the thickness of the floor, the atmospheric conditions, and the type of concrete used in the project. This type of specific, technical question is best left to your concrete contractor like TG Basile to answer.

New concrete won’t need to be prepped to be sealed. The main reason for prepping a concrete floor is to remove any contaminants, irregularities or other issues to ensure the best quality surface for the sealing product to adhere to.

When Is Concrete Floor Prep Necessary?

Prep work on a concrete floor varies depending on the area being worked on and what the project plan is for the space. Unless you are simply leaving the concrete alone without any treatments or coatings at all, a variety of preparatory tasks are needed. Although there are a variety of options that are available for your specific needs, the following three prep methods are quite common.

The general rule of thumb about when to prep your concrete floor using any of these methods is to do it as close to the final coating application work as possible. After all, you do not want to accidentally spill or drop something on the prepared concrete and have to do it all over again. This is especially important for outside floors or patios that may be affected by the weather.

What is the timeline on prepping a concrete floor?

Ultimately, the answer to the question of when you need to prep your concrete floor depends on far too many factors to give a simple solution. Of course, you need to do final preparation after the concrete floor is completely dry and set. If you are working with an older floor, you need sufficient time to do all the preparation before a new finish or coating is applied. In most cases, prep the floor as soon as possible before you apply paint, epoxy, or any other type of surface treatment to minimize the risk of issues appearing between the two events.

For an assessment of your concrete, and options on prepping and sealing or coating your concrete, contact TG Basile here to schedule a consultation.

The Difference Between Parking Garage Resurfacing and Restoration

Although resurfacing frequently gets associated with parking lots more than garages, there is still a hard concrete platform to take care of and keep in tip top shape for both. Resurfacing is primarily an aesthetic project that keeps things looking good for as long as possible. Also, it can take care of smaller cracks, chips, and surface loss to help maintain the structural integrity of the slab for longer. Parking garage resurfacing should be done on a regular basis throughout the lifespan of the entire structure itself.

Parking Garage Restoration on the other hand is a more in-depth project that usually takes place when there are considerable issues that cannot be fixed easily. It handles potential structural issues that are not serious enough to warrant an entire tear down and rebuild as well as cosmetic ones like cracks and material loss. Some of the services that may be necessary for your restoration include the repair and replacement of concrete surfaces, structural rebuilding, replacement of expansion joints, coating and waterproofing the concrete and other materials, injection of grout and other materials, and aesthetic repairs and upgrades.

What Are the Signs Your Parking Garage Needs Restoration?

If you want your parking garage to last as long as possible, frequent maintenance, resurfacing, and minor repairs must take place as soon as possible after a problem shows up. This is a great reason to get at least a yearly inspection done usually after the winter months when harsh weather can affect the concrete and other materials more easily. If you see any of these signs on your own walk-through, call in professional concrete expert team for a more thorough investigation.

When you call in your local concrete restoration team like TG Basile for a thorough inspection and price quote for the necessary project, you will get a more accurate indication of the specific problems on your property. Not only will the experts look at the above problems but also align their recommendations with local permitting issues and best safety rules to keep your risk levels and insurance payments low. Regular parking garage restoration and inspections are essential parts of owning this type of public access property.

When Is It Not Possible to Restore a Parking Garage?

Although cracks and similar issues will not make the best impression for people using the parking garage, cosmetic problems are ultimately fixable. Once things go too far and safety becomes questionable, it may not be possible to restore the parking garage anymore. This is a question that needs a professional answer. Call in our expert contractor team to give a thorough inspection of your property to determine the best path forward.

Restoration of parking garages includes a variety of tasks that can fix anything from water leaks or ponding to cracked concrete to stained surfaces and more. When you need to go beyond a simple resurfacing, you cannot make any decisions without experts on hand. Contact TG Basile today to learn more about Parking Garage Restoration.

The answer to the question of how often you should inspect your building’s façade depends on a variety of factors.

How Often Should You Schedule a Complete Building Façade Inspection?

First, figure out the local laws or regulations surrounding exterior building inspections and follow them. Second, schedule regular services performed by experienced professionals in the field. If you are uncertain about the ideal frequency, simply ask the experts.

The answer to this question usually points to building façade inspections every year, two years, or five years. Again, the precise time frame depends on a variety of factors. For example, a brand-new building may not need inspections as frequently as one who has weathered for a decade or more.

Of course, the earlier problems are detected, the easier and less expensive they are to repair. A single crack can expand into a serious problem that involves structural damage and mold growth in a short amount of time. Building façade inspections minimize the risk of costly renovations, danger to anyone who enters the building or walks by outside, and regulatory issues that may affect your bottom line considerably.

Save Money on Long-Term Maintenance or Repair

Contact TG Basile today for a quote on preventing building facade issues before they start by scheduling a consultation today.

Save Money on Long-Term Maintenance or Replacement​

Fewer cracks, less erosion, and minimal organic growth and related deterioration saves you money over the lifetime of your concrete parking deck. Of course, concrete does not last forever especially when driven over and walked on every day. However, when you call in the professionals, like TG Basile, to treat it with high-quality waterproofing, you extend the time between installation and replacement needs. Think long-term when it comes to handling site overhead costs.

When you weigh these benefits of waterproofing your concrete parking deck, you can understand why scheduling this service regularly helps not only the overall look and feel of your site but also minimizes costs over the years. Whether you need to make a great first impression on customers or other visitors or simply want a safe parking lot for employees, proper waterproofing provides the solution.

Contact TG Basile today for a quote on preventing issues before they start by scheduling a consultation today.

By the time you can visually identify exposed rebar or other steel reinforcements, your parking garage has transcended the need for maintenance and requires serious repair. All the above common structural problems can lead to this eventually. However, if you want to keep maintenance and repair costs down and to ensure safety for every person who parks in the garage, address cracks, water issues, joint separation, mineralization, and spalling as soon as possible. Regularly scheduled servicing goes a long way to eliminate serious problems before they occur.

Contact TG Basile to schedule a service or review of your Parking Garage. With over 50 years of experience, we’ll inspect, properly repair, and maintain your concrete parking garage to the highest of standards.