A dock is not just another lake feature that increases the value of your property. If you are a boating enthusiast, you know how important it is to maintain your dock to ensure it lasts longer. If you have a floating dock, the best way to protect it is to store it in a dry place during winter. As for a standard dock, you can tidy it up and make it shine by pressure washing the deck.
Some homeowners don’t pay much attention to their dock, leaving the platform in despair. This impacts the quality of the dock and its recreational use.
So, what can you do it extend your dock’s lifespan and keep it functional?
Let’s find out:
Clean Regularly
When was the last time you cleaned your dock?
If it was more than 3 to 5 years ago, we suggest you grab a broom, a mop, and a bucket full of water. When you have swept all the debris away, give it a good wipe with the mop. This will highlight all the areas on the dock caked with dirt. You can then pressure-wash the entire surface to remove even any hidden dirt.
Create a cleaning routine and include the following in it:
- Removing dirty by brushing the surface
- Removing mildew growth and spots
- Removing soil and mud deposits
Take Before and After Pictures
When inspecting your dock, have your phone out and take pictures from every angle. Once you have washed your dock, retake pictures. When next you are cleaning your dock, take pictures and compare the new ones with the old ones. They will tell you a story of damages and allow you to take extra cleaning measures to ensure that the same issues don’t arise again.
Protect the Sides and Corner
Even if you are a pro at docking, you have probably dinged your boat when approaching the dock several times. Sometimes, the damage can be severe, and repairing your boat can cost thousands of dollars.
Here’s what you can do: Install a carpet or place rubber mats on the dock’s corners. You can also hang old tires or rubber bumpers for extra cushion.
Familiarize Yourself With the Marine Environment
The marine environment differs from lake to lake. Therefore, you might need to come up with a customized maintenance plan. The cleaning routine for a dock in warm waters will not be the same for a dock in cold waters.
For example, you need to store your floating dock in a dry place in winter to prevent it from cracking. The dock should be provided with adequate shade in summer to avoid fading. This brings us to our last tip:
Get Good Dock Covers
Just like a car cover protects the vehicle from getting hot, a dock cover does the same. In fact, a dock cover also protects your dock in winter by creating a barrier between the snow and the dock.
Cleaning your dock is not that easy. It’s a tiring task, depending on your dock type. For example, if it’s a wood dock, you must reseal it after the pressure wash. As for an aluminum dock, you can make it shine with a marine cleaner and water.
EZ Dock Texas sells different boat docks, including floating docks, PWC docks, and do-it-yourself docks. Browse their website to learn more about the dock materials they stock for residential and commercial applications. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
