updates5 Things to Consider Before Starting a Car Park Refurbishment

Car parks don’t suddenly fail. They deteriorate quietly over time.

Water tracks through cracks, chlorides reach the steel, coatings thin under traffic, joints open and drainage slows. By the time a deck looks visibly tired, the structure has often been under sustained pressure for years.

Refurbishment isn’t about repainting lines or improving appearance. It’s about intervening in a live structure before deterioration turns into liability. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface — and acting at the right time — makes the difference between controlled maintenance and reactive repair.

Here are five things that matter before you start.

1. What’s the True Condition of the Structure?

Not all cracking is structural.
Not all spalling is superficial.
And not all leaks come from the top deck.

Without a proper survey, you risk specifying the wrong system entirely.

The result?

Premature failure. Disputes. Warranty limitations.

We start with data. Detailed condition surveys. Defect mapping. Moisture testing. Carbonation depth checks where required. Corrosion assessment where visible.

You can’t fix what you haven’t properly diagnosed.

2. Can You Refurbish Without Shutting Down?

Most car parks don’t have the option of closing. Retail centres still need footfall. Residents still need access. Offices and hospitals continue operating. The structure has to function while the work is being carried out.

That’s where refurbishment becomes a planning exercise as much as a construction one. Poor sequencing can lead to lost revenue, congestion, tenant complaints and programme pressure that compromises quality. The way the works are phased determines whether the project feels controlled — or disruptive.

We design refurbishment programmes around live conditions. Works are broken into defined zones. Access routes are maintained wherever possible. Traffic flow, pedestrian movement and emergency access are considered at every stage. Working hours can be adjusted where required, and communication with stakeholders remains constant throughout.

The objective is simple: upgrade the structure without stopping the building. Deliver improvement without unnecessary disruption. Keep the asset operational while restoring its performance.

3. Are You Specifying the Right Materials for the Environment?

This is where refurbishment projects are won or lost.

A coating designed for pedestrian areas won’t survive sustained vehicle traffic. An epoxy not formulated for UV exposure will chalk and fade. A membrane without crack-bridging capability won’t tolerate structural movement. The wrong material might look correct at handover, but it won’t perform under real conditions.

Different systems perform differently. MMA systems cure quickly and suit tight programmes. Polyurethanes offer flexibility where movement is expected. Epoxies provide strength and chemical resistance but aren’t suited to every exposure condition.

There isn’t a universal solution. There is only the system that matches the structure, the environment and the operational demands placed on it.

We assess the conditions first. Then we specify accordingly — based on performance, not preference.

5. Are You Fully Compliant — and Safe?

A refurbished deck must do more than look improved. It must meet regulatory and performance standards that protect users, operators and asset owners alike.

Slip resistance has to be verified, not assumed. Drainage must function correctly to prevent standing water and freeze–thaw damage. Expansion joints must accommodate movement without opening pathways for water ingress. Line markings must remain visible under traffic and wear. Accessibility requirements must be considered in layout and detailing. In certain structures, fire performance may also be relevant.

Compliance isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s risk management.

When these elements are overlooked, the consequences extend beyond aesthetics. Increased liability exposure, insurance complications, reputational damage and accelerated deterioration all follow poor compliance decisions. A system that fails under scrutiny becomes a cost, not an asset.

We deliver refurbishment systems aligned with manufacturer specifications, exposure classifications and HSE expectations. Slip resistance is verified through PTV testing. Application thickness is monitored and recorded. Detailing is documented. Warranty provisions are secured and handed over properly.

The objective isn’t just a clean handover pack. It’s defensible performance — a structure that performs safely, withstands inspection and protects the asset owner long after the project is complete.