Your Summer Dock Maintenance Checklist

When we talk about dock maintenance, it often falls within the same breath as “end of season” or “pre-season,” but maintenance – even in the middle of peak summer usage – is also something that should stay top of mind to ensure the longevity of your dock and safety for all.

Year-round Dock Maintenance

While we admit that no one likes to pile on the chores, especially in the middle of summer, trust us when we say that keeping up with routine maintenance tasks during the peak season makes those other pre- and post-season checklists so much easier to manage. Here are some simple tasks to keep up with on a regular basis:

• Dock cleaning – Just like you sweep and vacuum the floors in your house and dust away the cobwebs regularly, the same should be done for your dock. Sweep away dirt and debris and gently pressure wash accumulated grime and algae throughout the summer. This makes it look and function much better as well as keeps it safer.

• Inspect and tight hardware – Conduct weekly inspections of dock and hardware components to check for corrosion and loose parts. Tighten any hardware and replace as necessary.

• Review dock safety measures – Do a weekly dock safety once-over – do you see any trip hazards? Are the ladders and handrails stable? What’s the condition of the gangway if you have one? Docks can take a beating in the summer, so it’s important to stay on top of safety checks with the increased usage.

• Plan for weather events – Maintenance is about prevention, and one easy way to prevent additional work for yourself is to have a plan for severe weather. If you see a storm coming, secure loose items, bring removable components inside, and take other safety precautions to protect your dock and other property from storm damage.

Proactive Maintenance to Prolong Your Dock’s Lifespan

Ongoing dock maintenance is an important step in preserving your dock’s longevity and maximizing its performance for years to come. It also reduces expensive repairs and unwanted safety hazards. To learn more about custom dock design, dock hardware, installation and maintenance, get in touch at RDS Dock Hardware.