Owning a dock —there’s a lot of pride in it, but it takes regular maintenance to keep it from falling apart. Whether you’ve got a classic wooden dock or a fancy new dock made of aluminum, understanding the factors leading to the deterioration of boat docks is super important. After all, you don’t want your dock turning into a rotted-out platform that makes your boat cringe every time it pulls in. So, let’s talk about what can cause your dock to deteriorate and how you can prevent your prized boat dock from becoming a hazard instead of a haven. Let’s learn in detail!
The material of the dock is one of the biggest factors in how long it’ll last. Wooden docks, for example, are prone to rotting, especially if they are not maintained with regular care. Although wood docks are classic, they require a lot more care and love than modern composite or aluminum docks.
If your dock is built from wood, it’s likely made of natural timber or pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood, also known as “PT wood,” is more rot-resistant but isn’t immune to the elements.
Composite docks are the latest craze in dock building. Composite decking is made from a blend of plastic and wood fibers, making it stronger and more durable than wood but still natural-looking. These boat docks are resistant to rot but not immune to the harsh sun, which can cause minor surface damage and fade over time.
Meanwhile, docks made of aluminum might seem like they’ve got it all figured out, but they’re not invincible either. Aluminum docks are resistant to rust, but salt water can do a number on them over time, wearing down joints and corroding parts. Aluminum docks don’t rot, but the structural integrity can still be compromised if you or professional dock maintenance companies do not maintain them.
Speaking of dry rot, let’s talk about the enemies lurking beneath your feet. Damaged handrails and Warped planks are two of the most common signs that your boat dock is starting to go downhill.
Warped planks occur when your boat dock gets soaked in water and then dries out repeatedly. This constant drying and wetting cause the wood to twist and bend, which looks bad and can cause trip hazards and weaken the dock areas.
Dry rot, on the flip side, is sneaky. You might not even know it’s there until you step on a plank that gives way, leaving you knee-deep in trouble. This fungus eats away at the wood, making it crumbly and soft. Even pressure-treated wood isn’t safe from dry rot if it’s not sealed and maintained properly.
And your handrails can take a beating, too, especially if they’re made of wood. Regular and constant exposure to the elements weakens them with the passage of time, and before you know it, you’ve got a damaged handrail that’s barely holding on. Nobody wants to lean on one of those and take an unexpected swim!
With over 25 years of combined experience
Foothills Docks are experts when it comes to building docks.
If you’ve got a dock in a saltwater environment like Bays, Gulfs, Saltwater Estuaries, Salt Lakes, etc, you’re dealing with one of the biggest culprits of dock deterioration. Saltwater is no doubt harsh, not just on your boat but also on your dock and dock accessories.
The salt can seep into joints and cracks, eroding metal components and weakening treated lumber. This is especially true for boat docks with exposed metal hardware, like brackets and bolts, which can start rusting away faster than you’d think.
Salt water also increases the chances of algae buildup, which can cause dreaded dry rot—a silent but deadly form of rot that can sneak up on you and leave parts of your dock system as soft as a sponge. And trust me, nobody wants a sponge dock.
Your boat dock isn’t just at the mercy of nature—it’s also taking a beating from your boat. Every time you tie up your new boat or bring in the old one, it strains your dock system. The weight of the boat or any other watercraft, combined with water currents, can weaken the structural components of the dock with the passage of time. The constant tugging and pulling of the lines can damage the edges, loosen the joints, and cause wear on both the boat and the dock system.
DOCK RE-SURFACING
Don’t wait until your boat dock is on its last legs to start inspecting it. Regular and routine inspections from professionals are MUST to catch problems early. Check the underside of your boat dock for signs of barnacle , rotted wood, algae buildup. Look for bent or damaged handrails, loose boards, and any other issues.
By inspecting your dock at least once or twice a year from professional dock construction contractors, you can save yourself from costly repairs down the line and keep your dock in tip-top shape.
So, what’s the takeaway? Understanding the factors leading to the deterioration of boat docks is make or break if you want to avoid headaches—and costly repairs—down the road. Whether you’ve got a floating dock, wooden dock, or aluminum dock or are rocking that composite decking, regular maintenance from professionals and a keen eye for problems are your best bet to keep that dock standing strong.
Keep up with the pressure washing from professionals, use eco-friendly cleaning products, and remember those regular inspections. At the end of the day, a well-maintained dock means more time on the water and less time worrying about what’s lurking under your feet.
Foothills Docks provides dock services such as dock construction, dock fabrication, dock installation, and custom-built docks. With over 20 years of experience, we have worked on lakes and built and installed over 1,500 docks.
We specialize in Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell, and we assist Duke Energy in the permitting process to ensure approval of our dock designs. Whether you require a dock for your coastal property, lakefront property, resort, vacation rental, fish camp, or any water-access property, you can rely on us. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you!