8 Steps for Replacing Damaged Dock Pilings
Dock pilings provide support for various marine structures like docks and piers. Unfortunately, their integrity may become compromised over time due to environmental or human activities. Over time, numerous marine organisms, such as boring clams and shipworms, can damage a dock’s foundation, such as borer worms. We can easily replace the damaged dock pilings by taking certain measures to keep these organisms at bay.
1. Inspect the Foundation
The foundation is of utmost importance when it comes to any dock. A damaged foundation could cause the dock platform to sink quickly into the water at even minor provocation. So, regular foundation inspection should be undertaken for any signs of wear and rot.
Your dock should also be regularly inspected for signs of wear, such as warped planks and handrails, before regularly cleaning it with garden hose water mixed with eco-friendly cleaner. A pressure washer could damage wood by chipping away at it or splintering its fibers, so a garden hose is better.
Wooden dock parts should ideally be coated in waterproof paint to prevent rot. Otherwise, moisture could get into them and break them down faster than other materials.
2. Remove Marine Growth
Many docks and piers are constructed out of wood, which naturally decays over time due to barnacle infestation, marine borer infestations, weather, sea movement, weather damage, and the movement of seawater against pilings. To prevent marine growth from rust and corrosion, regular cleanings are crucial to remove it from wood surfaces, while staining and sealing help protect them against moisture intrusion.
- Marine worms can also pose a significant problem in canal systems, eating through wood pilings and drastically shortening their lifespan.
- RInstalling piling wrap and encasement solutions will significantly decrease this issue and save money and hassle in the long run.
- Furthermore, regular inspections can detect problems with foundational problems early on to avoid costly damages or collapse.
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3. Stain & Seal the Wood
Docks on inland waterways are exposed to constant currents that can force them into bends or breaks, and they are damaged from collisions between vessels or storm damage. Staining is essential to protecting any dock from saltwater damage, particularly in constant contact.
Staining helps safeguard wood against marine degradation, such as rust and corrosion, so seeking professional help from Foothills Docks to determine what type of stain works best with each dock piling material will guarantee lasting quality results. Furthermore, waterproofing should also be implemented to avoid structural issues which could result in collapsed docks.
4. Install Fenders for the Dock Piling
Fenders protect dock pilings from being damaged by boats by absorbing shocks caused by boat impact to reduce damage to both dock and vessel. Marine organisms, human activities, and other factors can damage dock pilings over time.
- Regular inspections and cleaning can detect issues before they become critical damages – prolonging its lifespan.
- Wood borers are one of the primary culprits behind dock pile damage, characterized by sloping floors due to damaged foundation pilings.
- Drilling offers more precise depth for pilings and requires less maintenance than jetting and hammering installation methods.
DOCK RE-SURFACING
5. Drive the Pilings Deeper
While wood pilings may provide a cost-effective option for docks, they are susceptible to damage caused by marine organisms. They can either gnaw on them or make them their home – both can have major ramifications on the structural integrity of a dock.
Regular dock piling maintenance can help stop this from occurring, including using wraps and caps, cleaning regularly, cathodic protection, and inspections. Regularly performing these maintenance tasks on their docks can significantly extend their lifespan and help prevent serious damage, saving homeowners both money and the need to replace damaged pilings in the long run.
6. Install Pile Wraps
Dock pilings form the backbone of many marine structures, such as docks and piers. Over time, however, these pilings may become damaged from exposure to weather elements, leading to structural failure or even the collapse of an entire marine structure.
Pile Wraps offer an economical and long-term alternative to traditional piling caps, keeping piles safe from marine borers like Shipworms while providing extra structural support. They are secured using 1″ Nails every two inches for the best result, making them an affordable yet long-term option.
7. Install Pile Fenders
Selecting an effective piling protection solution can extend the life of your dock and reduce costly repairs. This piling repair system protects aging wood pilings from marine borers and other invasive species, with easy installation reducing expensive disassembly costs.
In addition, pillow fenders that protect piers from watercraft damage, such as boats, are available; they can either be installed onto new piers or installed over damaged ones to minimize costs associated with repairs – typically made from recyclable plastic such as PE.
8. Replace Damaged Pilings
Pilings serve as the basis of marine structures like boat docks and piers, which have been exposed to harsh environmental conditions for years. As they’re exposed, these foundational elements need regular repairs and maintenance to remain strong over time and support any structures above them.
Various factors could damage them, such as shipworm infestation or severe corrosion, which need to be considered when managing pilings properly. One popular dock piling repair method encases damaged concrete pilings with concrete-filled pile jackets to kill wood-destroying marine organisms and restore strength.
Furthermore, this technology is retrofittable without disturbing existing structures on top of docks, thus streamlining the installation process while improving safety while remaining cost-effective and ecological.
Conclusion
Replacing damaged dock pilings is crucial to maintaining your dock’s structural integrity and longevity. If you’re unsure about any steps, the experts at Foothills Docks are here to provide professional dock repair and replacement services to keep your dock in top shape.
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