Docks are great for boating, but moisture can damage the wooden beams beneath them. The Dockside Mobile Boat and Lift Maintenance team explains how they identify those problem areas before the damage weakens the dock's structure. Water can easily be absorbed in just a small screw hole or crack in the wood, long before it becomes visibly apparent on the surface of the wooden board. The dock is made of dozens of pieces of timber underneath the walking deck, and Dock repair in Cape Coral uses simple tools like a moisture meter and a small metal pick to determine if each piece of timber is safe to walk on or not.

Common Equipment Used to Detect Hidden Water Damage

You don't need a big instrument to examine and then see if a wood beam with water decay is beginning to break apart. Look at the sides of a bit of timber with the screwdriver tip. If it's starting to break apart, you should be ready to jab the shaft of a rigid screwdriver to its briny, wet paper core. Contact a dock repair specialist to identify soft, damp areas well before they break apart during an intense storm. 

Reasons Wood Rot Accelerates Beneath Docks

Saltwater and warm weather make the rot of wood grow five times faster than when it is in a dry house. Saltwater and warm weather make rot grow five times faster in the wood than it would in a dry house. The bright side is there is something you can do to stop the cycle of decay and it's as simple as checking your boat dock's shadowy bottom twice a year. Dockside Mobile Boat and Lift Maintenance's trained and skilled staff routinely checks for structural vulnerabilities in your dock's waterline where the waves pound it all day long. Expert dock repair in Cape Coral is only possible with the proper knowledge.

Common Signs That Your Dock Frame Is Losing Strength

These rust rings on the bolts typically are the most obvious indication the water has made it to the inside of the wood. Over time, the rust will expand within the bolt hole and pry the wood grain open from the inside out. Rusted screws lose their grip on the wood and can cause the whole dock to come loose.

Yet, shaky handrails and planking that is separating from the mainframe are only indications of rotten wood that goes deeper into the mainframe. Ignore those structural warning signs and the support poles will collapse when they are cantilevered downward by the overwhelming force of boaters and their gear. Expert dock repair prevents small maintenance issues from turning into accidents at your boat lift.

How Regular Checks Prevent Complete Structural Failures

The deterioration just gets worse as the decay spreads to the entire deck frame, if you're letting it! It's not just the boat lifts that get damaged, if you're letting water build up in those hidden corners, you're also slowly disintegrating those huge wooden posts that are holding up your boat lift area. However, by simply letting those soft spots go, you're letting that moisture set in for longer and longer on your timber, slowly settling further into your wood every single week. Don't wait until your maintenance is overdue and get your dock repair in Cape Coral today so that you've got nothing to worry about when it's time for a weekend of fun with family and friends.

How to Protect Your Dock From Long-Term Moisture Damage

If you maintain your deck grain with a waterproof sealer every 1-2 years, new rainfall will generally not get caught in the deep grain of the lumber. Sweep away your soggy, dangerous leaves and organic matter that may be ensnared between the deck boards if you encounter a major deluge. This will definitely make the apertures dry and expose the wood underneath.

How Early Dock Maintenance Can Reduce Repair Expenses

But even the best waterproofing materials may wash out gradually from the hot sun and ferocious white water each day. Property owners who are diligent about timely upkeep will prevent hundreds, otherwise thousands, of bucks in architectural rebuilds down the line. Contact Dockside Mobile Boat and Lift Maintenance to have the experienced specialists actually check each blind joint and also framework screw with authentic concern. Early dock repair in Cape Coral will maintain your money on the other hand safe as well as ensure your enjoyed ones get the most out of their time on the water.

FAQs

How Often Should a Dock Be Inspected for Moisture Damage?

The dock should be inspected at least twice each year. A spring and fall inspection will usually turn up soft wood and rusty hardware before it's too late.

What Causes Wood Rot Under A Dock?

As the name suggests, it is a wood rot that occurs when water has been left to pool in the wood for a long period of time. The fungi in the timber start to grow in the damp timber, which causes the wood to break down and turn into soft, crumbly wood.

Can Rotting Dock Beams Be Repaired Without Rebuilding Everything?

Yes, if noticed early enough, dock repairs can be made. If you noticed the dock will be checked by Dockside Mobile Boat and Lift Maintenance so they can fix a small section, instead of the entire dock.