If you see a green, fuzzy growth on your dock, you probably think it’s mold. However, you are dealing with mildew that grows on damp surfaces. Mold, on the other hand, grows on food.
Mildew will likely develop if anything does not dry out properly, whether it’s clothes or an object. Regarding boat docks, you need to be extra careful because mildew can cause cracks and lead to wood rot.
While a solution of vinegar and water or baking soda and water will help you keep the platform, you must take extra measures to ensure mildew does not compromise the dock’s integrity.
Here’s what you need to do:
Conduct a Pre-Inspection
Inspecting your dock thoroughly from side to side allows you to spot more than just mildew. If any boards are loose and you hear a creak while walking on the dock, mildew has reached in deep. It’s also possible that the screws and nails have corroded and need to be replaced.
Most people pressure wash their dock at the first sign of mildew. We don’t recommend doing this. If there are cracks in the dock, it’s possible the structure might collapse. So, take a gentle approach and use a hand brush to scrub the surface. For stubborn stains, use hot water.
Call a professional to replace the screws and bolts, and then take a more vigorous approach to clean the dock.
Apply a Wood Stain
Most wood docks don’t have a weatherproof seal, increasing maintenance costs. However, if you want to ensure your dock lasts more than ten years, you need to stain the surface after every two years. It will prevent the wood from soaking up moisture, which will prevent the growth of mildew.
Use a Marine Mildew Blocker
The sad reality is that no matter how hard you scrub, mildew will rear its ugly head frequently. It will keep you on your toes with weekly cleaning shifts, which can be a nuisance. If you are ready for some extra work, there’s one thing you can do: Apply a marine mildew blocker.
After you have cleaned the dock and the surface is dry, apply the mildew blocker. Choose a product that has a non-toxic formula, does not contain acid or bleach, and prevents odors and stains. Spray it on the entire surface instead of a specific area where mildew grows.
The best way to prevent your boat dock from deteriorating is to prioritize cleaning. Treat it as a valuable investment, just like your house, and you will never see any wear or tear on it.
EZ Dock Texas offers different floating docks in various materials and dock accessories, such as a boat lift, benches, etc. Their services are available for residential, commercial, and government applications. Check out their catalog to know more about their docks. You can even rent a dock temporarily for parties. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
