So, you are one of the lucky ones – you have a boat and get to spend those beautiful, hot summer days out on the water! But what comes with the fun of living on the water is, also, additional responsibility (we know, no bueno!). When you walk down to your dock at the beginning of boating season you may find that there are some repairs that need to be made and it is very important that you stay on top of the tiny repairs before they turn into something bigger and more expensive.
Below are five common dock repairs that you should inspect your deck for prior to peak season.
#1: Framing & Foundation Repairs
Obviously, the most important repair that would need to be made to your dock is one that has to do with the structural integrity of the dock. After inspecting your dock, if you notice damage to the frame or cracks in the foundation you need to have it repaired immediately in order to prevent more costly damage from occurring. Also, should you see that your dock is leaning or sinking, you need to hire a professional, have your dock re-floated, and anchored down properly.
#2: Repairing Cracks & Warps in Dock Supports
Another common repair that is needed for boat docks is cracks and warps in the supports. Cracks and warps can be caused because of the continuous pressure that is endured over time. If the damage is mostly to non-loadbearing supports, it can be repaired fairly easily but if it is on a load-bearing support, replacement may be needed. By , we can guide you as to what the best option is for your particular situation.
#3: Dock Roofing & Roof Panel Repairs
In order to prevent potential harm to yourself or loved one, and damage to your boat, you want to monitor whether there is any damage to your dock roof. Just like the roofing on our homes, dock roofs are subject to the elements and can deteriorate over time. If you notice any holes in the roof, missing panels, or any other damage, you would want to have a professional come out to take a look and develop a repair plan for you. Sometimes it is as simple as a small repair, but other times the panels need to be removed and completely replaced in order to make your dock roof structurally sound again.
#4: Repairing Rusted Platforms & Supports
Wherever there is water, there is frequently rust. And rust can be particularly dangerous when it is on a dock platform or dock support. If you notice that your dock platform and/or supports are beginning to rust contact Knoxville Barge and we can send out a marine construction contractor to evaluate and give an accurate estimate as to what the cost would be to repair and replace those damaged supports and platforms.
#5: Replacing Rotten Wood
Probably the most common needed repair for a dock is wood rot. Wood rot is, typically, caused because of a fungus that is in the water that attaches itself to the wood and causes the wood to decay and crumble over time. Usually, the fix for repairing rotten wood is fairly simple because you can replace individual boards with new treated wood. Treated wood is wood that has gone through a preservation process that allows the wood to withstand the elements and fungal decay more easily.
Boat Dock Repairs in the Tennessee River Area
As you can see, there are five common dock repairs that you should inspect your dock for in order to prevent injury or damage to additional property. Fortunately for you, Knoxville Barge services from Lenoir City to Knoxville and we can provide you with the best service and craftsmanship so that you don’t have to stress about repairing your dock yourself. Call us today or request a free consultation for your dock repair in the Tennessee River area.