The same environment that makes up Florida's serene Gulf Coast, can also quickly deteriorate your waterfront property without proper care. Just like your house, your dock needs regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it withstands everything from daily corrosion to storm surges. Fortunately, a few simple habits can go a long way. Here are four things you can do to extend the life of your dock.
Related Blog: Quick Guide to Florida Dock Permits: What You Need to Know
How to Inspect Your Dock
Before you can effectively extend the life of your dock, you need to know where you stand. Deterioration can manifest in various forms, from wood rot and loose pilings to warped decking and rusted hardware.
An annual professional inspection is a great investment and can catch potential problems early, helping you avoid more extensive—and expensive—repairs in the future. To ensure your dock continues to serve you reliably, we've put together 4 maintenance tips for prolonging its lifespan:
1. Quick Cleaning Tips
Regular cleaning can go a long way toward protecting your dock from deterioration caused by both the marine environment and water pollution. Here are the best cleaning products to use to protect and maintain your dock materials:
- Biodegradable Cleaning Products: A paste of baking soda and water can be used to great effect. Likewise, a mixture of olive oil and white vinegar can be utilized to scour away oil stains on your custom dock.
- Pressure Washer: This incredibly powerful tool that can do more harm than good in untrained hands. Start with a fan-tip nozzle and never hold the washer any closer than one inch away from the dock deck. Any nearer, and you are at risk of damaging the deck. If your dock is built with cedar wood, never use pressure that exceeds 600 pounds per square inch.
2. Re-Stain Your Custom Wood Dock
Applying a fresh coat of stain not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your dock but can also prolong its lifespan. As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to undertake re-staining during the cooler months, when water levels are typically lower.
Re-staining at times of low tide minimizes the risk of stain pigments contaminating the water. Also, make sure you opt for a water-based stain, which is safer for the aquatic life and birds inhabiting the area around your dock.
3. Install Protective Dock Accessories
Few things can shorten the lifespan of your deck quicker than a bouncing boat. To prevent your dock from getting worn down each time you dock your boat or the tide rises, install one of these dock accessories:
- Rub Rails
- Bumpers
- Boat Fenders
When rubber, whether in the form of recycled hose or professionally installed marine grade edging is in place, your dock is less likely to need extensive repair due to repeated collisions between your boat and dock. As a bonus, proper rub rails can extend the good looks and seaworthiness of your boat.
4. Repair Tricks for a More Durable Dock
Southwest Florida weather can take a real toll on wooden docks, especially with constant exposure to sun, saltwater, and storms. That’s why it’s essential to always insist on pressure-treated wood when building or repairing your dock. This type of lumber is treated to resist rot, pests, and moisture—making it far more capable of handling the wear and tear that comes with coastal living.
Pressure-treated pilings and decking are specifically designed to last through hurricanes, high tides, and daily exposure to the elements. For even better results, pair them with corrosion-resistant hardware and seal any cuts or drilled holes to prevent water intrusion. These small but important choices can make a big difference in how long your dock lasts.
Start your dock maintenance with an inspection from Duncan Seawall! As a seasoned Florida dock builder, we can offer tips and tricks for cost-effectively extending the life of your dock. Download our Complete Guide to Docks to discover more about building and maintaining durable custom docks in Florida!
