Dock maintenance: 5 useful tips to help you keep your investment in great shape

You just had your new wood dock installed and are quite happy with how it blends in so nicely with the surroundings. From summer gatherings to fishing, it will be a fantastic addition to your lifestyle. And you want it to last for many years! If properly cared for and maintained, your floating dock will serve you for a very long time. Of course, we can help with all repairs and maintenance work, but you really are the best resource to ensure your dock remains safe and durable, since you see it and use it every day.

Here are a few tips to guide you through the seasonal maintenance of your dock and get you started.

1. Inspect the structural integrity of the dock – look for rot or loose connections.

Look at the decking for loose boards as the screws or nails may have pulled out of rotten beam. Remove the same decking to check dock frame for rot.

2. Make sure the floats are positioned correctly and in good shape.

Make sure all 4 corners are floating at the same level and that floats are not moving around the dock.

3. Clean the surface and make sure there is no organic build-up in between boards.

Clean stuff off the dock. Make sure there is no moss in between the boards or in the gaps.

4. Scrape off marine life clung to the dock.

Removing sea life growth gives your dock better floatation and may fix any listing or uneven floating.

5. Take care of all the minor repairs needed.

Replace rotten or broken parts as they come up. Tighten any loose nuts and bolts.

 

If you’ve got questions or you don’t know where to start with your dock repairs, give us a call at 250 597-3625 and we can help get it ready for the summer.