Winter is coming. By now, we have all come to dread these three words. At first, they caused Game of Thrones viewers to fear for their favorite characters’ lives. With the strong winds looming, we should take the warning literally.
We are trying to say the ice-cold season is upon us, and your dock is still in the water. You can lift it and store it in your shed if you have a floating dock. However, your standard dock might not have this ability.
Ice can cause immense damage to docks. When a lake freezes, the resulting ice damages the dock, causing the anchor points to get torn out and the planks to drift away. It also compromises the structural integrity of the dock. If the dock cannot handle a person’s weight, it might break from underneath.
Now that you know what’s in store for your dock in winter, let’s look at what damage this season can cause:
Destruction from the Drawdown
As the season changes and winter approaches, the water level drops. Docks not prepared for this change usually bear the brunt of the damage.
You should remove floating docks from the lake immediately. As for fixed docks, use dock deicers to prevent ice from forming. The deicers will keep the large sheets of ice away from the dock and ensure that the structure is surrounded by warm water.
Boat Sinking
One of the biggest reasons a boat sinks is that the lift is not properly placed. Inspect the boat lift and make sure that the platform is in order and can handle the weight of your boat. This will keep ice away from your boat. The boat deicer will take care of the rest.
Dock Sinking
One of the biggest concerns that many lake house owners face is a sinking dock, which can happen to both floating and fixed docks. People usually stay in their lake house in summer. If you have neighbors permanently living beside you, ask them if they can keep an eye out on the dock. They will have to manually shovel the ice off the dock to ensure that sleet does not form on top and push more ice on the surface.
Sun Damage
Winter is not the only season when a dock gets damaged. Under the glaring sun, the dock loses its color and strength. Regular cleaning and staining can help you manage the beauty of your dock.
And this is why you need to keep an eye on your dock in winter and summer! Check out our blog “DIY Cleaning Solutions for Your Dock” to know how to maintain your dock.
If you are looking for plastic docs in Ontario, visit the Nor Col EZ Dock website. The company offers different docks, including floating docks, PWC ports, do-it-yourself docks, covered floating docks, kayak docks, canoe, and drive-on docks. For more information, call (800) 654-8168
