Keep Your Dock in Top Shape: Preventative Maintenance Tips

We understand how much you value your property and want it to last for all generations to come. Luckily for you, there’s several things you can do to keep your dock in prime condition. Out of every option, when it comes to making your dock last longer, preventative maintenance, especially right before a change in season, can be the key player to prolonging the longevity of your lakefront investment. 

Today we touch on different levels of preventative maintenance and why they are crucial to do every year. You’ll find that spending small amounts of time to prepare your dock for the seasons preemptively will save you both time and money in the long run. 

Essential Preventive Maintenance Tasks

Setting aside time during August or early September to focus on preventative maintenance for your dock can be simple but highly effective. As the seasons change, your dock is going to be exposed to cooler, and in some cases, harsher weather. Early maintenance fortifies your dock against potential damages and can reduce the cost of major repairs in the future. 

Your Essentials Checklist: 

• Inspect for wear and tear: Conducting a thorough inspection is the first and biggest step in maintaining your dock. The rush of summer activities can leave your dock with some signs of aging that you’ll want to address immediately. When inspecting your dock, you’ll want to look for any signs of cracking, warping, rot, rust, or splintering. You’ll want to pay special attention to the areas that are frequently wet, high traffic and the most used as they are easily prone to damage. 
• Clean surfaces: Clean your dock and remove any debris, algae, or other buildup. We highly recommend using Xanigo Marine cleaning solution because it is biodegradable and powerful for heavy cleaning. It helps to clean the surface of your deck/dock while adding an extra layer of protection against mold and mildew. 
• Perform minor repairs: Help prevent accidents and eliminate major repair costs through small common repairs. A small crack in a plank can seem like a small thing, but over time exposure to moisture and the sun can accelerate deterioration. Rot and cracked planks means the stability of your structure is weakened. Planks could start giving way under foot, be the source of splinters, and eventually require extensive costly repairs. 
• Sealing wood: Sealants serve as an extra layer of protection on your dock. When it faces harsh environmental factors such as consistent rain or extreme heat, the sealant protects the wood. It keeps it from eroding, fading, and dry rot. Another big perk is that it makes your dock look nice and enhances the overall appearance of your property. 
• Check Structural integrity: Checking structural integrity consists of looking closely at its foundation. Look at the structural beams, supports, and planks. If you see anything that is damaged, cracking, or rotting (applies to wood docks) make plans for yourself or a professional to repair it. 

Even if there’s no obvious issues with your dock, it’s still important to take preventative measures. Regular weekly inspections of your dock will prevent small issues from becoming larger, expensive ones. Staying proactive about keeping your dock in its prime condition will significantly extend its life and maintain overall functionality. 

Trust us when we say that paying for one big problem as quickly as possible is a wise investment. It’ll prevent costs from accumulating due to more issues caused by the initial problem. 

List of typical moderate to major repairs:

• Dock reinforcement
• Replacing pile posts
• Replacing lift cables
• Repair or replace deck/dock material
• Dock leveling
• Rust repairs 

For Moderate repairs, the average cost can range anywhere between $800 – $2,000.

Reach out to our team and we’ll help address any concerns you may have in regards to your dock!

Protect your Dock From Cold Weather

With the colder weather right around the corner, preservation and preparation should be at the top of your priorities. Each lakefront property has its own individual needs when it comes to cooler temperatures. If you’re unaware of what those are, we’ve got you covered!

We mentioned a few basic tips above that are meant to prevent expensive issues being caused from smaller ones. The following checklist is specifically geared towards preventing issues that are directly caused by cold weather. 

Dock preventive maintenance checklist:

• Remove Dock Accessories: Before the cold weather sets in, remove all accessories such as furniture, decorations, or other removable items from your dock. Store them in a dry place where they can be protected.
• Deep Clean and Treat the Surface: Clean the surface of your dock and remove any unwanted debris, fallen leaves, algae, or other buildup. Too much of these can cause deterioration of dock materials. 
• Secure Safety Equipment: Make sure everything is secured and/or anchored for maximum safety. Be especially aware of securing your docks cleats. This detail is often overlooked yet is critical for keeping your boat safely moored to your dock. 
• Inspect structural integrity and hardware: Inspect your dock closely for any loosened boards or hardware. Tighten or replace any parts that have been lost, loosened, or heavily damaged. 
• Drain Water lines: Leaving stagnant water in your lines can quickly lead to bacteria, algae, and other contaminants forming. You’ll want to be sure to open all faucets and values to release any standing water. 
• Make any necessary repairs: It’s important to address any concerns before the weather changes and make them worse.
• Test boat lift and electrical functions: Testing your lift regularly will ensure that it continues to run smoothly and you have continual access to it. It’s important to avoid equipment failure (especially when it comes to electrical operations) to avoid potential safety concerns. 
• Schedule professional consultations for major issues: If you see something that you don’t feel equipped or comfortable addressing yourself, reach out to professionals for some help. 

Implementing this checklist at the end of every summer will safeguard your dock against harsher conditions and ensure its year-round durability. Taking the steps now to do these things will save you time and costly repairs down the road. 

If you’re heading out of town for the cooler seasons and don’t have the time for this, schedule a consultation with our team! We’ll come over and ensure everything is in its optimal condition, ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for your family. 

Weather Proof Your Property

Imagine sitting out on your dock in the chilly autumn air with a cup of coffee in your hand and the peace of mind that everything is in perfect shape. Spending time on preventative maintenance isn’t just about extending the life of your dock, it’s about giving yourself more moments like this uninterrupted. 

If the thought of preventative maintenance is overwhelming, and just another task on your lengthy to do list, don’t stress. LMDC is here to take care of each and every one of your dock concerns and/or needs. Give a call and we’ll set up a time to come out and take a close look at your property. Our team will make sure that your dock is in optimal condition and ready for the season to come.