5 Common Dock Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Owning a dock can provide endless hours of entertainment – from swimming and fishing to boating and lounging and more. Yet owning a private dock also comes with maintenance responsibilities in order to ensure its longevity and safety. Even docks made of maintenance-free materials still require some attention from time to time. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy for dock owners to overlook common maintenance mistakes, and this can lead to costly repairs or even accidents.
Below we’ll discuss five common dock maintenance mistakes to avoid so you can keep your dock in tip-top shape.
The Dos and Don’ts of Dock Maintenance
Staying on top of routine dock maintenance can help ensure the safety and longevity of your dock as well as help you get the most out of your new dock investment.
Here are five common dock maintenance mistakes to avoid in order to keep your dock looking good for years (and years… and years) to come.
- Don’t neglect regular dock cleaning – It’s important to regularly clean your dock to prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and algae. Take a pressure washer to your dock at least once a year to clear out any sand, dirt and other buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage your dock and marine life.
- Do regularly inspect for damage – As part of your dock cleaning, take some time to check for loose hardware or damaged boards. If you notice any damage, rust or other issues, fix it right away to avoid encountering more significant problems down the road.
- Do secure loose items – Loose items, such as chairs and umbrellas, can become safety hazards if they fall into the water or become loose during high winds. Make sure you have the appropriate dock hardware installed on your dock to safely secure all loose items on your dock.
- Don’t ignore the weather – Storms and high winds can cause significant damage to your dock. It’s important to follow weather warnings and take necessary precautions, such as removing loose items and securing your dock. Bumper brackets can also be helpful to protect your watercraft from the impact of shoreline wake.
- Do be mindful of seasonal responsibilities – It’s all sunshine and roses during the summertime, but when fall and winter roll around, it’s time to take care of important dock winterization steps.
By avoiding these common dock maintenance mistakes, you can prolong the life of your dock and keep it safe. To ask your questions about dock maintenance or custom dock design, get in touch with us at RDS Dock Hardware today. All of our products are manufactured in New Hampshire and Minnesota and are made to withstand the most demanding marine conditions.
