After you’ve had your dock installed, it’s easy to just enjoy it but forget about other aspects such as maintenance. Before you know it, you’re seeing signs of damage or wear and tear that can turn into costly dock repairs. Regular maintenance will extend your dock’s longevity, and here’s how you can do your part.
Extending Your Dock’s Lifespan
Consistent Cleaning
Your dock is exposed to all sorts of elements, which can result in wear and tear among other problems. By making sure the area is regularly cleaned and doing it properly, you can be sure it will be able to weather more damage than before.
Depending on the material used to construct the dock, cleaning methods may vary. A good pressure wash to remove dirt and debris is always an option to consider, just be sure to get an expert or learn the proper ways of using a power washer. In most cases, keep the pressure below 600 pounds per square inch to avoid damaging your dock.
Safety Is Paramount
The longer you put off repairs and maintenance, the worse problems will become. Whenever you spot something on your dock damaged or missing, it is best to take action as soon as possible. There are no easy, temporary fixes, and these will only cause more damage.
By addressing problems when they first arise, you are making sure you have less work to do in the future, and that your safety is always assured when using the dock.
Watch Out For The Environment
With your dock situated outdoors as a key part of the local ecosystem, it is important that you recognize its impact. Pollution can be a big issue, so making sure that your dock maintenance is as environmentally friendly as possible helps in many ways.
Avoid encroaching on any local wildlife habitat when constructing the dock, and the wider it is, the better it will be at keeping the water steady and not affect mineral deposits in the water or near the shoreline. When cleaning, use more gentle and biodegradable cleaning products.
Stains And Finishes
As part of the routine, it is advisable to re-stain your dock annually. Use a water-based stain to avoid harming local wildlife, and you should aim to do that in the colder months. This way, water levels are lower, and you can also ensure less pigments are washed into the water.
A good stain does not just maintain the pristine look of the dock, but also prolongs the lifespan of your dock in the long run.
Useful Additions
Be mindful of damage that can occur when there is impact between your dock and boat. Utilizing rub rails, or edging, on the dock will be very helpful. Check that whatever you are using is marine grade, and you can protect your dock from repeated collisions with the boat.
Replacement
It is inevitable that wooden docks will see discoloration and some weakening over time. This can severely affect the stability and safety of your dock, as splinters and cracks start to appear. You also do not want to deal with rotten wood in any way. Be sure to check on the condition of the wood from time to time, a thorough inspection is always going to be a good option.
This way, you can replace any damaged wood straightaway, and maintain the overall condition of the dock better.
Use Pressure-Treated Wood
Due to the weather conditions in Florida, your dock can be exposed to a lot. You don’t want just any wood when you construct your dock; ensure that you use pressure-treated wood which is much tougher. Pressure-treated wood is meant to endure strong winds, high tides and hurricanes. A professional and experienced dock builder will be able to advise you about the best choices for your dock’s construction.
Conclusion
Just like any other part of your home, your dock deserves your careful attention and care throughout the year. By taking extra steps, you can extend the lifespan of your dock and ensure that your investment stretches as far as possible.
