Docks are high-traffic areas; people frequently walk up and down them, and boats always come and go. Therefore, dock maintenance is essential to protect your investment, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your dock lasts long. Whether you own a residential or commercial dock, follow these dock maintenance tips to prolong the life of your dock.
Top Dock Maintenance Tips You Should Know About
1. Clean Your Deck
Cleaning your dock thoroughly at least once a year is the easiest way to maintain it. This deep cleaning process includes filling up the gaps, removing stains, and inspecting them for apparent signs of damage.
Moreover, it would be best if you avoided pressure cleaning your dock. Although this is an easy and fast way to remove dirt, it may cause the decking material to splinter or chip off. Therefore, it would be best to use a gardening hose instead.
You should also routinely clean your dock to remove soil or mud deposits, mildew spots and growth, and debris. A detergent, rag, and water should be sufficient for regular sweeping.
2. Sand and Stain Your Dock
Once your dock is clean, it is now time to sand it. Sanding helps smooth out any rough edges on the wood. This step also prepares your dock for staining. The quality of the stain determines how frequently you should stain your dock. We recommend staining once a year along with your deep cleaning process.
3. Repair the Damaged Areas of Your Dock
You should also routinely check your dock for damages to prevent future harm to your dock and boat. These components are regularly inspected to ensure boat safety and proper dock maintenance. Consider replacing any wood or hardware with significant damage.
Signs to Replace Your Dock
Here are some signs indicating your dock needs to be replaced:
- Excessive Rusting or Rotting: Treating and managing smaller affected areas is easy in case of rot or rust. However, if the problem has spread across the dock, it’s time for a replacement.
- Severe Damage to the Foundation: Without a strong foundation, your dock may become unstable and threaten public safety. This damage frequently results from prolonged exposure to seawater and aquatic life. A good general principle to remember is that the dock is no longer safe to use if the posts can’t be driven at least 4 feet into the ground.
Final Word
Is your dock too damaged for repair or maintenance? Visit Nor Col EZ Dock today for a professional floating dock in North West Ontario. We offer designs and materials for docks. You can browse through our products and services by visiting our website. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
