What Happens if You Leave a Dock in Over Winter?
Love it or hate it, winter is on its way. That means now is the time to make a plan for your dock.
For some dock owners, you may be able to leave your dock in the water during the winter, but for those in colder climates, it’s advisable to remove your dock from the water during the off-season.
Why You Should Remove Your Dock in the Winter
One of the biggest reasons to remove your dock in the winter has to do with ice. Ice damage to docks can be significant, and if you want to prolong the lifespan of your dock and its hardware, it’s best to keep it well out of the way of ice’s path.
Moreover, docks can move around when water freezes and thaws. Not only does this impact your dock, but it can also affect your shoreline.
If you leave your dock in water over the winter, you risk damage to your dock and shoreline and can expect a shorter lifespan for your dock, its hardware and materials. Even rust-resistant aluminum won’t last forever, especially if it’s exposed to the elements all winter.
Important End-of-Season Dock Maintenance Steps
To prepare for winter, you should compile a dock maintenance checklist. Even if you leave your dock in water during the off-season, taking steps to maintain it will prolong its lifespan. In a nutshell, you should do these five things:
- Inspect – Check for damage and any safety concerns.
- Clean – Get rid of dirt, stains and algae.
- Repair – Fix any issues you noted during your inspection and tune up any loose hardware or broken components.
- Protect – Winterize your dock.
- Document – Create a dock log to note any repairs or maintenance you’ve done on the dock. Photos can be helpful.
End-of-season dock maintenance helps ensure the ongoing safety, longevity, and performance of your dock. By dedicating a little time and effort to properly maintain and prepare your dock for winter, you can prevent safety hazards, extend its lifespan and save money on preventable repairs.
To learn more about dock design, installation and maintenance, please get in touch with us at RDS Dock Hardware.
