Before building a boat dock, you must understand the impact of weather on boat dock maintenance. While having a well-built boat dock near a waterway or beach is good, it’s also crucial to know that adverse weather conditions can damage your boat dock. So, it would help if you secured and maintained your boat dock to prevent such damage.
Harsh weather conditions are the enemy of boat docks. As a result, you’ll end up with broken bolts, rusted frames, damaged decking, and other significant issues. While you can’t control the weather, there are measures you can take to protect your boat dock from outdoor elements like snow, ice, sinkholes, and high winds.
Weather Affect on Floating Docks
The floating docks’ design allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, they’re prone to rotten decking and rusted frames as they keep swaying on the water. So ensure you strive to combat the devastating effects of harsh weather elements.
High-quality boat dock materials are the best way to protect your floating docks from weather elements. These could be hot-dipped galvanized steel with a thick-shelled float. Also, avoid using wooden docks with low-quality floats which can get damaged easily. Quality dock floats and dock winches help to further stabilize the dock in inclement weather conditions.
Weather Affect on Stationary Docks
To build a stationary dock, you must anchor or drive pilings, supports, or poles into the lake’s surface to stabilize the boat dock. Unfortunately, land and ice shifts are the primary risks for stationary dock owners. The good news is that you can still avoid such.
Any land or ice movement can cause your boat dock pilings and anchors to shift, destabilizing the boat dock. So, do some soil sampling to establish your dock’s stability. Then, do everything possible to ensure your boat dock doesn’t become unstable.
Boat Dock Maintenance Basics
The best way to extend the life of your dock is by maintaining it regularly. That will also help improve the dock’s convenience and versatility.
Here are the boat dock maintenance tips to consider.
- Perform regular inspections to ensure every piece of the boat dock is in place
- Conduct regular dock maintenance, like lubricating gears, chains, and cables
- Remain cautious about storms and bad weather that pose risks to your dock
- Store and care for boat dock accessories properly, including railings and ladders
Preventing Weather Damage to Docks
So far, you understand the impact of weather on boat dock maintenance. All you should do is keep your dock in good shape, especially when the weather is unfriendly. Most importantly, let a reliable and reputable company like Dock Boxes Unlimited assist in finding the best quality dock products for your needs.
Contact us today to discover more about boat dock maintenance.
