The Best Tips For Boat Dock Repair

Boat docks are a lot like the boats they provide shelter for. They need to be inspected and maintained yearly so they can stay in good working condition. Unfortunately, not all boat dock owners ensure that their docks are repaired and eventually the docks give way to the water underneath. If you are not yet ready to lose your dock to the water, there are several tips that you can use to keep your dock operating correctly.

Make Sure The Wood Is Sealed

One of the easiest ways to repair your boat dock is to seal the wood regularly with a good dock sealer. The dock should be sealed at least one time a year. To make sure the dock is effectively sealed, you can remove the dock from the water so it can dry thoroughly before you seal it.

Only Use Lumber That Has Been Treated

Was your deck constructed with lumber that is treated? If not, this is one of the first repairs you should make. All of the lumber that is not treated should be removed and replaced with treated lumber. This type of lumber will not only ensures that your dock has a long lifespan; it will also eliminate the need for expensive and time consuming boat dock repairs later.

Inspect All Wooden Platforms

Any boat docks that are sitting on wooden platforms should be inspected regularly, and the platforms should also be checked. You can easily go under the water with wearing only a pair of goggles and inspect the platforms by hand. If you suspect something is wrong with one of the platforms, make a note so the platform can be repaired as soon as possible.

Repair Platforms That Are Made Of Wood

If you cannot replace wooden platforms that have issues, you can choose to repair the platforms instead. You can use Marine putty to repair any holes that are in the platforms. However, if it is too labor intensive to repair the platforms, you should consider replacing them.

Look For Missing Screws

One of the first items to go missing on a boat dock is the screws that are used to hold the planks together. If a plank is loose, chances are one of the screws used to secure the plank is missing. Replace missing screws as soon as you can to make sure your dock stays secure.

Boat owners need to closely watch their docks for any issues that can jeopardize the safety of the deck. Make boat dock repairs as soon as you notice a problem with your dock. For more information and any needed help check the boat docks Lake Norman website.