Winter-Proofing Your Dock
Ready Your Dock for Canada’s Harshest Winters!
As the title says, it’s time to winter-proof your dock. But can your dock ever be truly winter-proofed? That all depends, let’s dig in!
As the temperature starts to drop and the leaves begin to fall, it’s important to start thinking about getting your dock ready for the deep freeze. Not only can ice and cold weather cause damage to the dock, but it can also create unseen structural hazards for those who use it. In this blog article, we will cover the different methods to get your dock ready for winter and keep it safe.
Before we can even start on dock winterization, we have to remove the boatlift. If you have a boatlift the Boat Lift Helper simplifies the task. As a bonus, it’ll help preserve your relationships with your friends and family! 😊
OK, back to docks, let’s start with the basics. Inspect your dock before and after winter. Make sure your dock’s system, gangwayA movable walkway that connects the dock to the shore or a boat. More/ramp, handrails, and electrical connections are in good condition. Don’t forget to note the condition of your dock before and after winter to properly plan for your seasonal repairs.
For pressure treated or cedar floating docks clean the surface and remove any accessories that could interfere with its removal. In addition, polyethylene and other materials can become brittle and crack in cold weather. If you cannot remove your dock check out our article – Can my floating dock stay in the water during winter?
If you have a reasonably level shoreline, you might consider adding wheels to your floating dock, this will allow for almost effortless removal and storage of your floating dock. Our wheel floats are not much more than standard floats and give you the ability to simply roll your dock out for the winter. Watch our video to see how easy it is! If your lake level doesn’t fluctuate greatly, another option is a Hewitt Roll-a-Dock. Here’s a video of that system.
For docks that are out of the water you can use tarp to protect the dock from snow and ice to help prevent damage and unnecessary weathering of the deck surfaceThe "deck surface" refers to the flat, horizontal platform or area of the dock that serves as the walking, standing, or recreational space for people using the dock. This surface is typically constructed from materials like PT or cedar Wood. More. That said, it makes the deck surfaceThe "deck surface" refers to the flat, horizontal platform or area of the dock that serves as the walking, standing, or recreational space for people using the dock. This surface is typically constructed from materials like PT or cedar Wood. More extremely slippery when wet. So stay off of it!
Finally, make sure that your dock is properly secured to help prevent damage from ice floes or shifting during the winter. This can include adding additional mooring lines or anchors to the dock.
By following these steps, you can prepare your dock for winter, protect it from damage and unnecessary wear. It’s important to stay on top of things and take care of issues proactively. With a little bit of attention, you can ensure that your dock is ready for the winter season and extend its life for many more years of enjoyment.
If you have any questions with winterization or any of the products mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, we’re entering our slow season and we’re always happy to help! If you are considering a new dock for next season, let us know so that we can book your build and get your dock installed in time for the entire summer season!
