Congratulations on your new dock! Now that you have the perfect parking spot for your boat, you no longer have to go to the marina to go boating.
A dock is a huge responsibility and must be maintained year-round. However, how you do it changes depending on the season. In winter, you have to do a little more because cold water and ice can cause quite the damage to your dock. As for summer, brushing your dock with a stain and sealant will give it all the protection the platform needs.
Let’s look at some tips on how to maintain your dock in winter and summer:
Winter Dock Maintenance
Store Your Accessories Indoors
Store the chairs, tables, and anything else not fixed to your dock indoors. If the temperature drops below 0, every accessory will freeze, and there’s no knowing how it will turn out when the temperature starts to return to normal.
Tie Floating Docks
Nowadays, floating docks are all the rage. They offer you benefits, such as easy storage and adjustability to fluctuating water levels. In winter, if the water freezes in your lake, it’s better to take out the dock and store it under a tarp. Don’t forget to grab the anchors as well.
Check for Waterproofing
To check your dock’s waterproofing ability, splash water on the platform or pressure wash it. You will see a change on the surface where the cold has stripped away its protective layer. Before the winter storm arrives, re-seal your dock.
Ensure the Boat Lift is Working
A boat lift should be able to hold your boat above the water level so that ice does not cause any damage to it. If you have an automatic boat lift, check the motor to ensure it’s working and test it several times to keep it in running condition.
Keep Ice Away
Use de-icers to melt ice or a bubbler to keep the water moving so that ice does not form near your dock.
Summer Dock Maintenance
The brutal Florida weather in summer can severely damage your dock. The most common problems that a summer dock faces include the following:
- Discoloration (Bleaching effect)
- Cracks and deterioration
- Moisture leading to rot
The best way to prevent any damage is to sweep and wash it once a week and seal it once a year.
Stain and Seal
You can use a stain and sealant together to give your dock the ultimate protection from sunlight in summer. The former makes your dock waterproof and gives the wood a new and fresh look. Though a stain is more expensive than a sealant, it lasts five times longer.
The latter gives your dock a layer of protection from rot and fungal growth. It stops the wood boards from warping in sunlight, and lastly, it preserves the wood’s natural oils that protect the surface from cracking and splitting.
Now that you know how to take care of your dock in winter and summer, we suggest having two kits prepared. When the seasons change, you will have everything in one place, allowing you to maintain your dock properly.
For dock installation, visit the EZ Dock Texas website. They offer different boat docks, including kayak docks, do-it-yourself dicks, floating docks, etc. Their decking is made from high-quality material, making it durable and environmentally friendly. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
