Are you looking to maximize the lifespan of your floating dock? If so, you’ve come to the right place. With proper maintenance and care, your floating dock can last well beyond its average lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
In this blog post, we’ll share five expert tips to help you maintain and extend the life of your floating dock.
So let’s get started!
1. Regularly Inspect Your Dock
Regular inspections are crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of your dock. Inspect the screws, nails, and other fasteners that hold your dock together. Loose or rusted fasteners can lead to structural instability.
Also, inspect ladders, cleats, bumpers, and other accessories for any damage or wear. These items should be securely attached and in good working order.
2. Clean Your Dock Regularly
Cleaning your dock regularly can help prevent debris buildup that can cause damage over time.
Using a pressure washer, scrub brush, or a mild detergent solution, clean the surface of your dock and ensure it is free from dirt, grime, and algae.
Detergents with alkalis like sodium bicarbonate, ammonia, borax, and trisodium phosphate effectively break down stains and remove dirt.
Similarly, do not opt for nonylphenol ethoxylate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate, as they can damage the surface of your dock.
3. Apply Protective Coatings
Protective coatings are vital for extending the life of your dock by providing a barrier against environmental factors like water, salt, sun, and marine organisms that can cause decay. Coatings such as paint or sealants help to prevent water damage, rust, and corrosion.
If you are looking for options, you can opt for ACRYFIN, an acrylic polymer coating known for restoring various surfaces, including docks. Flexstone also offers a sturdy, non-slip, waterproof coating for fiberglass, wood, or aluminum docks.
4. Invest in Quality Materials
Using quality materials during dock construction can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your dock. Pressure-treated wood, such as pine, is a popular and cost-effective choice that offers resistance to rot and insect damage.
Hardwoods like teak and ipe are durable and naturally resistant to water and decay. However, they come with a higher price tag.
Seek the advice of professional dock sellers and research the best products and materials to use in your area.
5. Keep Your Dock Out of the Water When Not in Use
Keeping your dock out of the water when not in use can help prevent marine growth and water damage. Use a dock lift to keep your dock safely out of the water when it’s not in use.
Final Words
By following these five expert tips, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your floating dock. If you’re in Texas and looking for reliable docks and other marine equipment, look no further than EZ Dock Texas.
Our expert team can help you select the best dock system for your needs and provide maintenance and repair services to keep it in top condition.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now and get professional advice for your floating docks now!
