While docks are often overlooked, they are the first line of defense against boaters and harsh weather. Keeping them safe and looking good can save time, money and potential injuries like splinters.
Life gets busy, but putting a reminder on your calendar once a month to inspect and clean your dock is a smart move. It will help ensure that any small problems don’t grow into large, expensive ones.
Docks are prone to structural damage due to weather conditions, water exposure and heavy loads. Regular inspections help identify issues early on and prevent them from deteriorating further. This prevents costly repairs and extends the lifespan of your dock.
In addition to identifying problems, dock inspections can also help keep everyone on your property safe. If your dock has loose boards, rotting or nails sticking up, it can be a safety hazard for kids and guests. Additionally, it’s important to regularly inspect ladders for wear and tear so they don’t break off in the water or fall off of the dock.
During an inspection, the inspector will look for any signs of damage or deterioration to your dock’s supports, including rot, corrosion and cracking. He or she will also check for any load-bearing capacity concerns. This ensures that your dock is safe to support boats and other equipment.
Additionally, the inspection process includes a thorough examination of the electrical components in your dock. This includes checking for exposed wiring, outlets and lighting fixtures. This ensures that these systems are protected from water infiltration and that they meet all necessary regulations and codes.
Another aspect of dock maintenance that is often overlooked is lubricating all moving parts on your dock. This helps reduce friction and wear, which in turn prolongs the life of the equipment and keeps it operating smoothly. The inspection will also include ensuring that all lights and visual safety systems are working properly.
Whether you’re looking for a professional to conduct an inspection or a local marina to service your dock and boat lift, it’s always best to work with a company that has experience in the industry. This will ensure that they know what to look for and how to address it quickly and effectively.
By regularly inspecting your dock and taking action on any small issues, you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come. Just make sure you set reminders on your phone or in your calendar to ensure that this important task doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of everyday life!
Clean Regularly
Cleanliness is key to dock maintenance, as it protects the structural integrity of the platform. A regular cleaning process should include a power wash of the entire surface of the dock, as well as any equipment that may be in the water such as ladders and railings. The pressure from the power washer should be limited to 500 psi or less for wood docks to avoid damage or unnecessary wear and tear on the material. During this time, it is also a good idea to look over all the nooks and crannies of the structure for any areas that need repair or replacement. Any boards that are rotting, showing signs of warping or have excessive splinters should be replaced immediately to prevent injuries and safety hazards.
Inspecting the structure for rust and algae growth is also important. These elements can cause serious damage to the dock if left unchecked, especially for structures made from metal or composite materials. Using soap or specialized rust treatment chemicals can help reduce these effects and protect the dock from future deterioration.
Other important aspects to inspect regularly include checking that cleats, ropes and utility lines are secure and in working order. Performing this check daily can prevent damage and injuries that may occur during the course of the week. Finally, it is also a good idea to ensure that fire safety measures are in place and functioning properly, such as making sure the fire suppression system is able to respond appropriately to a fire.
Performing these routine inspections and cleanings can greatly extend the life of your dock, as it will be able to resist the effects of the weather and marine debris for longer. It can also catch any minor problems before they escalate into major issues that could cause the dock to become unsafe for use or even collapse. A few hours spent examining the structure and making small repairs can have a big impact on how long your dock lasts, so don’t hesitate to get started!
Replace Old Hardware
A dock’s edges, railings and pilings are its first line of defense against boaters, sun, wind and waves. But over time, even treated wood degrades and begins to rot. Replacing rotting sections of dock with new lumber and repairing damaged hardware is an important part of dock maintenance.
It’s also a good idea to replace any rusted bolts or screws on a dock, as well as rust spots. This prevents water from seeping under the dock and causing damage. Depending on the type of rust, some problem areas may be able to be treated with white vinegar or other home remedies. For the most severe stains, however, professional products might be needed.
The best way to ensure that docks stay up to snuff is through a schedule of routine inspections and cleanings. This doesn’t have to be anything more complicated than putting an alert on your phone or calendar to inspect the dock every other week or so, checking for loose boards, rotting nails and screws, and other structural problems. If you make the inspection a regular activity, you’re less likely to lose track of it as life gets busy.
In addition to a routine inspection schedule, some dock suppliers are offering tools that collect data on usage levels at docks. This data, analyzed by a computer program like Rite-Hite’s Opti-Vu, provides information that could help companies decide on better maintenance schedules and avoid downtime. For example, a dock that services 20 trucks a day has a different maintenance profile than one that serves fewer truckloads, explains 4Front’s Schlesinger.
Another key aspect of routine dock maintenance is the removal of marine debris. Whether it’s submerged pilings, tree limbs or piles of rip rap, marine debris is a hazard to swimmers and can cause injuries if someone dives into a dock, or it could get tangled in a boat propeller. It’s generally a good idea to hire certified divers at least once a year to do a bottom survey of a dock system.
In the end, the best way to keep a dock in prime condition is through regular inspections, cleanings and replacement of worn or damaged components. By making these a regular part of your waterbody’s maintenance plan, you’ll not only protect the dock’s longevity and value but you’ll also give your lake or community pond’s residents access to it for years to come.
Repair Damaged Supports
When a dock is damaged, it’s important to repair it as quickly as possible. Even if the damage is minor, it will worsen with continued exposure to water. Loose boards or rusty hardware should be replaced before they are pulled loose by the pounding of boats and wind, and rotten wood must be removed before it decays further. Leaving these issues unattended will result in expensive repairs later.
If you are unsure about how to repair dock issues, consult an expert. They can help you understand the problems, find solutions and prevent future problems. Dock experts will also have the knowledge to advise on what type of repair is needed depending on the use level of the dock. For example, a dock that serves 20 trucks a day will have different maintenance needs than a smaller dock that only handles a few truckloads of goods each day.
Wood docks require frequent cleaning and sealing to protect them from moisture, sun damage and temperature changes. It’s important to use a waterproof product designed for marine environments that is formulated with low volatile organic compounds. These products are also available in environmentally safe options for those who want to clean their dock using an environmentally friendly solution.
For those looking for a long-lasting, durable alternative to wood, composite docks are a great choice. These materials are not prone to the same wear and tear as traditional wood, and they resist moisture, sun and temperature changes better than timber pilings. For those who are looking to add more than just a water view, consider adding lighting to your dock. These lights will create a beautiful ambiance and can also attract marine life to your property.
Docks are vital assets to any business, but they’re often taken for granted. Poorly-maintained docks can lead to costly repairs and disrupt the flow of products in and out of a facility. This can cause lost productivity and money, as well as increased energy costs. With proper dock maintenance, however, companies can keep their docks running smoothly and efficiently year-round.