Why Parking Garage Sealants and Coatings Matter: A Real-World Example
This video highlights the consequences of failed sealants and neglected expansion joints in a concrete parking deck. Corroded embeds and temporary bracing show why regular joint sealant replacement and structural maintenance are critical for safety and longevity.
What Happens When Parking Garage Sealants Fail? A Real-World Look at Embed Damage and Joint Deterioration
When it comes to parking garages, out of sight should never mean out of mind. These structures endure constant exposure to the elements, deicing salts, vehicle vibrations, and heavy foot traffic — all of which gradually wear down critical protective components like sealants, coatings, and expansion joints.
A recent video captured at one of our upcoming repair sites illustrates this perfectly.
What the Video Shows
In the footage, we see a visibly deteriorated expansion joint, where the original sealant has failed. Water has penetrated the joint, leading to corrosion around the embed plates — and as a temporary measure, angle iron has been bolted across the joint to stabilize it.
This is not just a cosmetic issue. It's a sign of progressive structural failure that could lead to:
Embedded steel corrosion
Concrete spalling
Trip hazards and safety concerns
Costlier structural repairs down the line
Understanding Broken Embed Repairs
What you're seeing in this video is the result of a broken embed, where the metal fixtures that anchor components to the concrete have become compromised — often due to water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, or chemical exposure.
In this case, the compromised embed needed a mechanical workaround just to hold structural integrity until full repairs could be completed.
Why Sealants and Coatings Are Your First Line of Defense
Parking structures depend on high-performance joint sealants, waterproof coatings, and routine inspections to remain functional and safe. When these systems are neglected, water finds its way into vulnerable areas and causes:
Rust and corrosion of reinforcement steel
Delamination of concrete layers
Cracks and joint widening, leading to expensive remediation
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of joint sealants, crack fillers, and deck coatings can prevent these failures entirely.
Best Practices for Garage Maintenance
To protect your parking structure, we recommend the following:
Annual inspection of expansion joints, sealants, and drains
Re-application of elastomeric deck coatings every 5–7 years, or as wear indicates
Prompt repair of spalls, cracks, or surface delamination
Use of non-sag polyurethane or silicone sealants designed for dynamic joints
Regular pressure washing to remove chlorides and contaminants
What We’re Doing at This Site
At the garage shown in the video, our team will:
Remove and replace all failed sealants at joints and penetrations
Perform embed and steel plate repairs with proper waterproofing
Apply traffic-grade waterproof coatings to protect surfaces and joints
Ensure code-compliant expansion joint performance for long-term durability
Final Thoughts
This project is a powerful reminder: Sealants may be small, but their role is enormous. Ignoring them can lead to exponential damage and mounting repair costs. Investing in proactive maintenance saves time, money, and the structural integrity of your asset.
Want to see what condition your garage is in? Contact us to schedule a condition assessment or sealant evaluation.
