Docks are a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your waterfront property. But if your dock is not appropriately maintained, winter weather, such as snow, can damage its surface and reduce its lifespan. A poorly maintained dock can also pose safety hazards during winter months.
Snow and ice accumulation can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls for anyone using the dock. Considering the costly repairs and safety hazards caused by lack of maintenance, we have explained the best tips for maintaining your boat dock in the winter.
Regularly Check for Any Damages
Snow can add extra weight to the dock’s surface, potentially exceeding its structural capacity. This excess weight can damage the wood’s elasticity or collapse, mainly if the dock is not designed to withstand heavy snow loads. This can be disastrous for floating docks, as the heavyweight will sink them more than they should.
That is, it is essential to regularly check for any wear and tear and go for a suitable dock maintenance procedure. You should work with a professional who can maintain your boat dock properly.
Keep an Eye on the Water Level
As temperatures drop in cold weather, water levels may decrease as water freezes and expands, creating more space in the lake. Conversely, when temperatures rise, ice melts, and water levels can increase as melted ice and snow runoff enter the lake.
This sudden change in the water level can add pressure and stress to the dock structure. Because these docks are not designed to withstand such conditions, it will ultimately lead to structural damage, including warping, bending, or even detachment from shore anchors.
A staff gauge is a marked pole installed vertically in the water, with markings indicating water levels. To track changes, regularly check the water level against the markings. Ensure that the gauge is securely anchored and placed in a location representative of the lake’s water level. If you see any difference, move the dock into winter storage.
Store ALL Accessories
Floating dock owners who plan on leaving their dock alone during winter should enlist help from neighbors or another property owner in keeping an eye on it. They don’t have to monitor it every day; having extra eyes around will ensure no one on the frozen lake tries to walk across your dock and cause damage or sink it – this is particularly crucial if your dock doesn’t remain stable throughout its term of usage.
For those able to bring their dock out of the water during wintertime, make sure all hardware is secure before taking steps such as inspecting and disassembling dock ladders or ramps, loosening anchor chains so it can adapt as water levels fluctuate, and installing dock ladders or ramps.
Fix dock owners need to prepare them for winter as well. A power wash of your dock’s surface can remove dirt and gunk that might freeze onto its deck surface and cause further damage, while regular power wash schedules can prevent mildew growth from taking hold over time – keeping it looking better longer!
Whenever any areas of your dock show signs of wear and tear, it’s wise to have them treated with waterproofing. While this should be done regularly, waterproofing becomes particularly necessary before winter weather hits; otherwise, snow and ice could melt into its wood structure and further deteriorate it.
As part of your preparations for winterizing your dock, it is wise to establish a plan for taking apart and storing all accessories such as launches, storage bins, tie-up cleats and slides in advance – this will make spring cleaning and repair simpler!
Maintain The Dock Lines
Properly maintained dock lines help secure your boat to the dock, preventing it from drifting away or hitting other boats or structures. This reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Moreover, this keeps your boat lift stable and secure, even during adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, currents, or waves. This prevents excessive rocking or swaying of the ship, which can cause discomfort for passengers and potentially lead to damage.
Keep your Dock Clean in Cold Weather
This precaution may sound obvious, but there are some important reasons for cleaning your boat docks, too. Some dock owners wash their docks with pressure washers, and this makes the surface vulnerable to many environmental hazards.
A pressure washer can damage the deck material by splintering and chipping the wood. So, you should use a garden hose and a soap or other cleaning agent that does not damage the wooden dock.
Check for Waterproofing Needs
There are lots of benefits of owning a boat deck, but it’s crucial that your dock and waterfront property are safeguarded from snow and ice damage. Deferring seasonal dock services could result in costly repairs or even irreparable harm to your dock or waterfront property.
Fixed or stationary docks that remain in the water year round are especially susceptible to ice formation and jacking, which can result in structural damage or even complete destruction. There are various strategies available for preventing this from happening such as deicers/bubblers/buried piping systems/coating wood structures with waterproofing solution – which all help.
Before winter sets in, conducting a visual inspection is the best way to ascertain whether your dock requires waterproofing solutions. This allows you to examine it for signs of wear and tear that need repairing as well as clean your dock of any accessories such as ladders and handrails that could hinder its performance.
Maintaining Your Boat Dock by Removing Snow and Ice
Removing snow and ice from a boat deck in winter is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts the safety, integrity, and functionality of the vessel. Accumulated snow and ice add extra weight to the boat, potentially exceeding its design limits. This excess weight can affect the vessel’s balance and stability, leading to unsafe conditions and an increased risk of capsizing or sinking.
Moreover, the added weight of snow and ice can place stress on the boat’s structure, including the deck, hull, and support systems. Over time, this stress may cause damage or weaken the structural integrity of the vessel.
Frequently Asked Question
How do you store your dock for the winter?
To store a dock for winter, remove all accessories and equipment, clean thoroughly, inspect for damage, and make necessary repairs. Disconnect electrical components, drain water systems, and remove flotation devices. Securely anchor the dock on dry land or in a protected area away from ice and snow accumulation.
Conclusion
The tips provided by Foothill Dock Repair offer valuable insights into effective maintenance practices that can help dock owners navigate the challenges of winter weather. Implementing these maintenance tips and staying proactive in caring for your boat dock create a safer and more enjoyable waterfront environment for yourself and others.
If you encounter any problems during the inspection, we are here to help with our best services. We offer services like Dock Repair, Dock Cleaning, and Dock Surfacing, making us a one-stop solution for all your needs. Contact us now to book your consultation and get a free estimate.
