A personal dock is a luxury that is most enjoyed in summer. It’s a private paradise, better than an overcrowded beach. Moreover, you don’t have to wait in a queue for your turn to launch your boat. So, doesn’t it make sense to have a personal dock?
Imagine sitting on your dock and fishing peacefully. There’s a cooler sitting by your side. You crack open a beer bottle and enjoy the view while your kids play in the back.
However, there’s something you need to know: Once the dock is built, you will have to inspect it regularly to ensure it is completely intact. Just like your house needs repairs now and then, so does your dock.
Let’s look at some of the most common dock repair issues:
Framing and Foundation
The most important repairs that determine the integrity of your dock are to the frame and foundation. Inspect your dock from top to bottom, especially the posts inserted into the bed. If you notice damage anywhere, you need to get it repaired immediately. A professional will be better able to address this damage. If the dock is sinking or leaning to one side, you might need to get the dock re-floated.
Remember: If the damage is severe, the dock might need to be replaced completely.
Cracked or Warped Wood
If you have a wood dock, you need to maintain it regularly to prevent it from warping. Wood absorbs moisture and cracks under pressure. Hence, it needs to be sealed yearly.
If specific boards are warped, you can easily replace them. However, the dock will need to be replaced if the crack extends from start to end. Think about replacing your wood dock with aluminum.
Rotten Wood
Water and wood mix quite well, but the result is not good. Rot on specific areas can be easily removed by sanding it off. However, as time passes, this will become a hassle. New wood boards in between old wood boards won’t sit well. After a while, the new ones will rot as well.
Rust
Metal and water don’t go well together. Any metal fastenings in your dock will rot when exposed to water. The good news is that they can be easily replaced since they are small. Again, this can be a hassle because you must keep an eye on them.
Taking before and after pictures will help you keep track of this. Even waterproof and galvanized parts will need to be replaced over time.
Amongst all issues, rust is the most dangerous. If it gets out of hand, you will have to remove your dock and pull out the posts. Never try to tackle these repairs on your own. Always call a professional to get the job done. Hiring professionals will assure you that the job was done right.
Hire EZ Dock Texas professionals to build your boat dock. They have completed several projects successfully, including floating docks, PWC docks, do-it-yourself docks, etc. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
