If you live near the waterfront, a dock float is pretty much an essential to enjoy the water fully. It gives you support and buoyancy, making boat access, , swimming, and water sports easier.
But as great as they are, they are also costly to replace. To make sure your dock float lasts its full lifespan, you should take proper care of the essential components.
In this article, we’ll go over some valuable tips for extending your dock float’s lifespan and getting the most out of it.
How to Extend Your Dock Float’s Lifespan
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are a necessity for your dock float’s maintenance. Take the time to examine your dock floats regularly, looking for signs of wear and tear, damage, or water infiltration. If you do find any issues, address them as soon as possible to prevent them worsening.
Cleanliness
Marine growth like algae or barnacles can attach themselves to floating docks, leading to a lot of damage over time. Make sure you clean your docks regularly to prevent buildup.
All you have to do is scrub the float gently with a soft brush, and your dock should be good to go.
Protect from Sunlight
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can degrade the materials used in dock floats over time. UV protectants or coatings specifically designed for marine applications can shield your floats from the sun’s harmful effects.
These products can significantly extend the life of your dock floats.
Secure Attachment
Make sure to properly secure your dock floats to your dock structure. Loose or shifting floats can cause stress and wear on the attachment points, leading to premature damage. To avoid these issues, make sure fasteners, brackets, and hardware are securely tightened and replaced as needed.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Overloading or putting excessive stress on specific spots can damage the floating dock. Make sure you distribute the weight evenly to keep this from happening. Don’t dump heavy items in one spot. can cause the floats to deform or fail. If you need to, you should add extra floats to distribute the load effectively.
Use Dock Bumpers
Dock bumpers, also known as dock edging or fenders, can protectyour dock floats from impact damage caused by boats, waves, or debris. Properly installed bumpers can absorb the shock and protect your floats from harm.
Be Mindful of Chemicals
Avoid exposing your dock floats to harsh chemicals like gasoline, oil, or corrosive cleaning agents. These substances can deteriorate the materials and compromise the structural integrity of the floats. Keep them away from contact with harmful chemicals.
Routine Maintenance
Make sure you perform routine maintenance on your dock floats, which may include tightening bolts, checking for leaks, and making minor repairs. Regular upkeep can prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
Prolonging your dock floats’ lifespan saves you money and ensures the safety and functionality of your waterfront infrastructure. Being proactive about maintenance and cleaning can preserve the essential components of your docking system and lengthen the lifespan of your floating dock.
Nor Col EZ Dock offers dock-building services for the best types of docks, EZ Dock. They also provide accessories that allow you to expand your floating dock and spruce up the platform. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
