How Ice Damage Affects Your Dock System?
Dock owners in areas with freezing waters often must remove their boats and structures from the water before winter sets in, which may prove costly if any damages occur to their dock or boathouse during this season. Steps taken to protect your dock from ice damage may help you avoid costly problems in the form of repairs and restoration costs. Here are some effects of ice damage on docks:
Cracking & Splitting of Dock Materials
- Ice jacking, the primary cause of damage to docks, boats, and waterfront structures caused by freezing cycles, is one of the primary drivers of damage in winter months.
- When water levels fluctuate, waves of surface ice push against pilings, causing compression of structures, resulting in further squeeze out as freezing cycles come and go throughout winter.
- This phenomenon results in repetitive high/low cycles, squeezing the structures even further as this action repeats over and over.
This widespread cracking indicates it may be time for replacement, as the radial movement of lakes and rivers can damage it further. Additionally, as ice forms and expands around boat docks, it can exacerbate these issues, especially when warmer water causes fluctuations that lead to further stress on the dock structure.
Freezing Water Expands & Damages Pilings
Dock pilings serve as foundations for marine structures like piers and docks. As their load capacity erodes due to cold weather conditions such as flooding, constant exposure to water can reduce their load capacity, eventually causing them to sink over time or collapse entirely.
Furthermore, various marine organisms can damage dock pilings; shipworms (mollusk) have been known to infest wood piles, causing them to decompose. Ice expansion and jacking can cause significant damage to boats, piers, pilings, and docks left in the water during winter due to rising and falling water levels, uprooting docks, or breaking off pilings altogether.
One way to combat these problems is through regular piling maintenance and de-icing procedures. Moreover, you have to understand the role of depth for piling installation.
With over 25 years of combined experience
Foothill Dock and Lift Repair are experts when it comes to building docks.
Damage to Dock Components
- This damage could also impact nearby structures such as docks, piers, and boats.
- Wooden components are susceptible to rot and decay but can be protected through routine cleanings and sealants.
- Metal components tend to corrode more readily; thus, they should be regularly inspected and sprayed with an anti-corrosion solution.
- Loose deck boards can present a trip hazard and further damage.
Loose deck boards must be checked frequently as they present tripping hazards and should be tightened securely as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. Loose boards should either be re-screwed or replaced for further deterioration.
Damage to Dock Floats
As water temperatures drop, ice formations from around the remaining in-water structures. This can be detrimental to docks, pilings, piers, bulkheads, and other dock components that are left standing. Due to their size and the amount of pressure they exert, ice floats are particularly susceptible to damage.
When new ice forms around them, it can shift their positions, leading to pressing down or crushing dock structures underneath. A key way to prevent ice buildup is through regular inspection and maintenance tasks, including disconnecting dock ladders from their mounts and storing them safely out of reach from waterways.
Furthermore, using flotation units as a buffer between expanding ice and expanding docks helps mitigate potential damages due to expansion.
DOCK RE-SURFACING
Increased Wear On Dock
Freezing and thawing cycles can cause lasting damage to docks, boats, piers, and lifts that have been submerged all winter. Wood absorbs moisture; as water expands when frozen before contracting again as it melts again, it puts immense strain on wooden boards that could result in broken structures or even splintered boards that require replacement altogether.
Over time, this can cause the foundation of your permanent dock to weaken and eventually collapse, becoming extremely hazardous and often signaling that a full reconstruction project must occur. Creating an ice free zone around your dock can significantly reduce the risk of ice related damage, helping to maintain the structural integrity of permanent docks.
The best strategy to protect your dock from ice damage is to cover all exposed surfaces with quality wood sealant and anti-slip coatings. In addition, taking pictures from various angles and using deicers in tidal waters may help identify red flags so you can act early to avert major damages.
Deformation of Metal Parts
Water expands when frozen and contracts when thawing out, exerting pressure on wood structures such as docks. Over time, these cycles may weaken its structure to the point that it fractures or collapses completely. Once ice forms, strong currents can push large chunks downstream in large flies that could collide with your dock, possibly knocking it off its moorings or damaging anchor posts.
A few simple precautions can prevent ice damage. Clearing away snow buildup before it puts undue strain on the dock is key, and installing bumpers along gangways is another useful measure to mitigate collision risks between boats and the structure of the dock, providing protective cushioning against dents, scratches, or any other forms of damage to its structures.
Scouring of the Dock Surface By Moving Ice
Water expands when frozen and contracts when warmed up, putting pressure on docks. When combined with the pushing and pulling ice formations, this pressure can damage dock surfaces – particularly common when tide levels fluctuate frequently.
Damage caused by storm surges is expensive and time-consuming to repair, so to protect against it, it is wise to regularly have your pilings checked for signs of wear and replace any that require it as needed. To do so safely.
Along with repairing and replacing damaged board surfaces, it is also essential that snow accumulates around the dock and is cleared away using deicers so you can continue enjoying it through winter months.
Conclusion
Ice damage can significantly and costly impact dock systems, especially in areas prone to freezing temperatures. Staying vigilant with inspections and repairs during the winter months can prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of dock systems.
Expert Dock Repairing Services | Foothills Docks
Foothills Docks specialize in restoring and maintaining your dock systems to withstand harsh winter conditions. If you’re concerned about ice damage or need expert dock repairs and maintenance, our team is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we ensure your dock stays safe, functional, and looks great year-round. Don’t wait for damage to worsen—contact Foothills Docks today for a consultation, and let us protect your dock investment for the long haul!