Looking at the wear and tear on your dock and trying to decide whether you should repair the decking or replace it entirely? It can be difficult to assess, but you don’t want to make a mistake—a full replacement will usually cost significantly more, but the risks and expenses of an incomplete repair job can be far greater. To make the decision, consider these factors:
Related Blog: What is the Required Deck Maintenance for Different Deck Types?
Age of the Decking
Like all things, the decking of your dock has a lifespan—like the roof of a house or carpet, eventually normal wear and tear will make the entire thing start to rapidly come apart. The exact details vary, as different materials, dock construction methods, and usage details all add up to different lifespans. What you’ll want to ask yourself is whether the trend of damage is accelerating; if so, your decking is about out of time and a replacement is warranted.
Superficial or Structural Damage
If you’re considering a repair as opposed to replacement due to damage rather than normal wear and tear, you’ll need to instead consider the nature of the damage. Is it cosmetic or superficial damage limited to a particular area? If so, repairs will be easy and effective. If the damage is something more pervasive or has compromised the entirety of the structure, then only a full replacement makes sense. For example, you can repair the damage of a few cracked boards, but you’ll want a full replacement if the entire structure has been warped by rot or infested with pests.
Long-term Considerations
Of course, looking at a particular problem which could be resolved with repairs, it may still be worth it to step straight to a full replacement. For example, if you’ll need a replacement within a few years because of the age of the unit, changes in usage details, or some other consideration, repairs might be something of a waste. You may also see the opportunity to update to more aesthetically pleasing or convenient decking, since you’re already spending money. Think a few years in advance.
If you’d like to learn more about assessing the state of your dock and determining whether repair or replacement of your decking is more appropriate, you can contact Duncan Seawall Dock & Boat Lift with all your questions and concerns. As one of the region’s largest marine contractors, our years of experience make us familiar with every aspect of dock care, replacement, and maintenance.
