Have you ever heard the phrase, “Squeaky wheels get the grease?”
This adage applies to boating too! When you take your dock for granted, its functionality lowers.
Have you ever paid any attention to your dock? You walk across it while your boat bobs beside it, yet the structure still goes ignored. It can’t go on like this for long because sooner or later, you will be hit with a very expensive repair. No matter how strong your dock is, it needs year-round maintenance.
Now that we have your attention, are you ready to give your dock the care it deserves? Let’s take a look at a few maintenance tips for your dock:
Inspect It Regularly
An unbalanced dock is a danger to your life. If you feel the surface shift beneath your feet when you walk on it, call a professional to get the structure looked at. For any other imperfections, take pictures regularly to catalog them. Keeping a record this way will help you keep track of rotting boards and planks, as well as loose nails and screws.
Seal Your Dock
Docks made of wood are vulnerable to changing temperature, moisture, and sunshine. Hence, it would help to get a floating dock made of treated lumber. After cleaning your dock, sand it, and apply a light layer of sealant, which is environmentally friendly and waterproof.
Do check if the local regulations approve the sealant because if not, it might be because of the chemicals that mix with the water and endanger wildlife.
Replace the Planks at the First Sign of Wear and Tear
The wood planks will inevitably start to deteriorate and discolor at some point, and you might not be able to fix them with repairs or regular maintenance. You should call a professional to inspect the dock in such a situation. You should get an inspection done every season because changes in weather hit the dock the hardest. With regular inspections, you will be able to find faults and damage in time, get them repaired, and save on money that would have otherwise been spent on more expensive repairs and even parts replacement.
Keep Metal Parts Rust-Free
The reddish-brown color of rust is an indication that you haven’t been taking care of your dock well. To prevent corrosion, here’s what you need to do:
- Sand the rusted part
- Use a mineral spirit to clean the metal
- Use a rust-inhibiting primer
- Paint the exterior with paint
Get Good Covers
Did you know that docks have been covered too? They protect your structure from hostile weather conditions, such as frosty winters and the scorching sun. When not using your dock, make sure it is properly covered. Tie the covering to the beams to not fly away during high wind.
If you are a boating enthusiast, we understand how important your dock is to you. Try out these maintenance tips, and we assure you that you will never complain that your dock looks worse for the wear.
If you are looking for quality floating docks for boats or do-it-yourself docks, visit the EZ Dock website. They offer different boat docks for residential, commercial, and industrial use. For more information, call on (800) 654-8168.
