You are one of the lucky ones, you have a boat and get to spend those beautiful, hot summer days out on the water. But what comes with the fun of living on the water is additional responsibility. When you first walk down your dock at the beginning of boating season you may find that there are a few repairs that need to be made, and it is very important that you stay on top of the tiny repairs before they turn into something bigger and more expensive. Here are a few common dock repairs that you should inspect your deck for prior to the peak season.
Framing and Foundation Repairs
Obviously, the most important repair that would need to be made to your dock is one that has to do with the structural integrity of the dock. After inspecting your dock, if you notice damage to the frame or crack in the foundation, you need to have it repaired immediately, not only for your safety but to prevent more costly damage.
Repairing Cracks and Warps in Dock Supports
Another common repair needed for boat docks is cracks and warps in the supports. Cracks and warps can be caused by continuous pressure that is endured over time. If the damage is mostly to non-load-bearing supports, it can be repaired fairly easily. But if it is on load-bearing support, replacement may be needed.
Dock Roofing and Roof Panel Repairs
In order to prevent harm to yourself and damage to your boat, you need to monitor whether there is any damage to your dock roof. Just like the roofing on our homes, dock roofs are subject to the elements and can deteriorate over time. If you notice any holes in the roof, missing panels, or any other damage, you would want to have a professional come out to take a look and develop a repair plan for you. Sometimes it is as simple as a small repair, but other times the panels need to be removed and completely replaced in order to make your dock roof structurally sound again.
Repairing Rusted Platforms and Supports
Whenever there is water, there is usually rust. And rust can be particularly dangerous when it is on dock platforms or support. If you notice that there is rust on your dock platform and/or supports, it is time to call a professional.
Replacing Rotten Wood
This is probably the most common repair. Wood rot is typically caused because of a fungus that is in the water that attaches itself to the wood and causes the wood to decay and crumble over time. Usually, the fix for repairing rotten wood is fairly simple because you can replace individual boards with new treated wood. Treated wood is wood that has gone through a preservation process that allows the wood to withstand the elements and fungal decay more easily.
These five common dock repairs are something that you should inspect your dock for in order to prevent injury or damage to your boat. If you have any questions or concerns about the state of your dock, contact the pros at Boat Lift Warehouse today!
