how to build an ice proof dock

If the footing does not extend below the frost line, the footing will heave as the ground freezes and thaws. You definitely want aluminum docks like these from me or someone else. Pipe docks absolutely need to be removed in winter to With fiberglass grating, we are not resisting nature but flowing with it. Career Opportunities - Return Policy - Privacy Policy. 3 Make a square with your 8-foot (2.4 m) long 2-by-8 pieces, and screw them together.

Even though the typical water depth is only 6ft, the height of the pier WebIf the dock frame is allowed to freeze into the ice it could be damaged when the ice thaws. This makes for a stronger installation. Hurricanes, well we all know about those. And thats all before you determine the type of dock you need to build or select the material you want to build it with. Remember to tie the rope high enough to account for any tides or rising water levels.

However, in an area where there may be a larger buildup of ice, it might be necessary to install de-icers around the dock legs. The circulators can be attached to floats, which help stretch out the propelled water and help prevent ice from forming around the dock. Our ice resistant pontoon floats are designed to be left in the water all year including winter. Then dump concrete through the tube into the bottom of the hole. Freezing ice can heave the dock up or down, moving it off moorings or damaging the anchor posts themselves. However, the downside of building a low pier is that waves will be knocking some of the decking off the pier every time there is a high wind. Create a Winterization Plan. Divide the total by 27 to get the cubic yardage you need to order. When water sits on wooden boards, it can cause the wood to expand and fill up with moisture. Aluminum (for legs and framework) and synthetics, such as plastic (for decking material), are the But what is an issue is the soft lake bottom. 4978 Pontchartrain Drive Slidell, LA 70458 $$. The larger the body of water, the larger the potential damage risk will be. How to Get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: When you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube about 12 in. How to build a dock using IPE Wood. Maintaining and ice-free zone in and around dock structures is your very best protection against jacking/lifting damage. For most families, a pier is a big investment and the centerpiece of the fishing camp. The circulators can be attached to floats, which help stretch out the propelled water and help prevent ice from forming around the dock. In the winter, the ground freezes from the top of the soil downward. Attach a safety line: Tie a chafe-resistant rope from your dock to a fixed point nearby, like a tree or permanent structure. Lake Home Buying Seminar Teaches 37 Questions You Never Thought to Ask! As any boat owner knows, winterizing a dock is essential to keeping it in good condition. When winterizing docks you must disconnect them especially if the shore connection is a deck or other solid structure. It is recommended that the De-Icer is 2.5 to 5 below the water surface. WebIf you were not planning on keeping your dock in the water during the winter this application may change your mind. These piers are made of timber piles with wood decking and cross ties to support the long piles. In what ways can winter ice damage a dock? The size of a body of water is directly proportional to expansion damage risk potential. The effectiveness of Kasco De-Icers largely depends on the depth of the surrounding water, obstructions in the water, and the geographic location of the installation. What is The Best Decking Material for Your Dock? Our Truss Docks are designed with one 55 gallon drum per every 8 square feet. Maintaining and ice-free zone in and around dock structures is your very best protection against jacking/lifting damage. In the winter months, snow and ice can take a toll. This genuine passion is why he continually strives to bring Buyers and Sellers of lakefront property together. Create a Winterization Plan. Tags: How Ice Can Damage Dock, How Ice Can Damage Your Dock, Ice Damages Dock, Your email address will not be published. up from the bottom of the footing. It is a much safer alternative to traditional dock floats. Visit the area of the water where you plan to build your dock, and bring your supplies with you. Scott is a New England Real Estate Broker & Realtor that personally understands the emotional connection that comes with owning lakefront property. It is also possible to use a timer and temperature sensor with these products to save on electricity usage. You can use the entire length of the pier to fish or use crab traps. Will not rot, bug risistant and does not get slippery when wet. Maintaining and ice-free zone in and around dock structures is your very best protection against jacking/lifting damage. Your geographic location will also play a major role in the effectiveness of your Kasco De-Icer at your lakefront home. The sharp drop-off and the soft bottom at Sunfish Lake dictated that a pier dock, also known as a pile dock, be Bosharts dock type of choice. Sign up for our newsletter! Ice in the water Docks can also be damaged by ice in the water. Luckily it was a V-Dock and even though we couldnt get it replaced, we were able to repair it with only one piece. How to Get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: When you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube about 12 in. How to build a boat dock? Pressure damage can affect that part of the dock structure nearest the shore or at the opposite end as shown above. Building a dock is a complicated process that requires a lot of planning, a good knowledge of local geography and the body of water youre building a dock in, and specialized construction skills. Kasco De-Icers work by moving warm bottom water that is heated by the earth to the surface. How to Get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: When you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube about 12 in. Sarah Clews is a marketing veteran with more than 10-years of experience in the healthcare and technology verticals, with a passion for smart interior design. To solve the problem of resistance to the waves upward pressure, we need to consider a few different decking materials. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Fasten one concrete anchor to each corner of your dock with thick galvanized chains, crisscrossing the chains so each anchor is adjacent to the corner of the dock its fastened to. Whats unique about Sunfish Lake is its small, but its quite deep about 66 feet and the bottom of the lake is all mud and peat. Its just muck on the bottom.. If your neighbors yacht breaks free in a hurricane and smashes into your pier, some damage will occur. Attach a safety line: Tie a chafe-resistant rope from your dock to a fixed point nearby, like a tree or permanent structure. As the vegetation dies, the decomposition process uses up much of the available oxygen in the pond. How to build a dock using IPE Wood. If the water flow is directed toward the shore or a retaining wall, it will flair, forming a desirable T shape de-icing pattern. The heavy snow and ice prevent sunlight from penetrating into the water causing the existing aquatic vegetation to die off. Our ice resistant pontoon floats are designed to be left in the water all year including winter. Jim Boshart, principal of Boshart Construction, is an expert in dock construction. Combined with the wind, this did the most damage [to docks] that I have seen in 35 years of business, says Rick Hickson, Founder of R & J Machine. A circulator operates using a motor and propeller to push water beneath the dock and then to the surface. Be sure to fasten the anchor chains to the dock using heavy-duty, openable chain links. R&D Manufacturing Inc. Aluminum (for legs and framework) and synthetics, such as plastic (for decking material), are the Typically, this grating is fastened to the pier with a lag bolt down through the grate holes into the joist or stringers below. The customer service is great, too! The longer and colder the winter is, the more the water will cool over time and open water may be limited accordingly. comprehensive insurance coverage for building on the water. Get as close to the water as you can to build it because once it is complete, it will be very heavy and difficult to move. Docks on 4x4 Post Legs. Obviously, the pier cannot be completely hurricane proof, there are still so many unpredictable things that can happen.

Tie a line from the dock to a secure object on land to keep your dock from floating away. It is often easier to de-ice a boat by installing the de-icer at or near the bow, angled toward the stern. What Does it Mean to Have Lake Access or Right-of-Way. How to Protect a Permanent Dock. DockDeck by Trusscore is the ultimate lightweight and long-lasting dock decking material perfect for removable and sectional dock applications. Do this by nailing the sides of the tube to the center of a tic-tac-toe grid of 2x4s at the top of the hole. We're working hard to get this service restored. Jacking damage can also occur on any body of water regulated by man. He has been hired to build another three docks on the same lake.

The dock you see in the image above came from one of our customers who used our wooden floating dock plans to build this dock. Required fields are marked *. Our 4 types of million-dollar coverage protect not just our team and equipment, but your people, property, and investments. WebBuilding a dock with wood posts 3D animation Seth Merriam 1.95K subscribers Subscribe 347 186K views 7 years ago How to build a dock on posts. It is the focal point of our fishing camps, and the family gathering place to reel in those seasonal Reds and Specs. Visit the area of the water where you plan to build your dock, and bring your supplies with you. Consult Your Owners Manual. WebThe stairs go down to a low platform that makes fishing possible. My posts are spaced about four to five apart, ensuring plenty of support for the structure. If youre using aerators, large caution signs and even a floating light are advisable to warm people that they are in use, and the aerator should be set up so that only a small area around the dock or boathouse is kept open. You definitely want aluminum docks like these from me or someone else. Toll Free: 1-888-888-DOCK Fasten one concrete anchor to each corner of your dock with thick galvanized chains, crisscrossing the chains so each anchor is adjacent to the corner of the dock its fastened to. Repair costs are not only limited to physical damage, but also the down-time of dock facilities and time spent obtaining necessary government permits. There is a lot of controversy over the use of bubblersif they are not properly installed and aligned then they can create a liability for the cottage owner. Winterizing Fixed, Metal, or Wood Docks.

Then, as this water dries up or freezes inside the wood, it can expand and contract, leading to splintered and broken wood and a destroyed dock. Winterizing Fixed, Metal, or Wood Docks. Be sure to fasten the anchor chains to the dock using heavy-duty, openable chain links. Mound soil around the posts after the backfill settles to direct runoff water away from the post. Ice in the water Docks can also be damaged by ice in the water. It is a much safer alternative to traditional dock floats. Re-Posted by Scott Freerksen The Lake Guy, Get every new post delivered to your Inbox. Our Truss Docks are designed with one 55 gallon drum per every 8 square feet. WebMaterials and construction Docks built by DIYers based on plans theyve purchased or drawn themselves, or even docks designed by a local builder, are usually constructed the old-fashioned way: from treated wood with galvanized screws, bolts and nuts. The final thought is to make sure that your contractor is a licensed professional marine contractor. You must agree to Trusscore's privacy policy. This makes for a stronger installation. Web387 subscribers. Then, spring-tie your Jet Dock freely so it does not rub up against other structures, and do not leave the Jet Dock in locations where moving ice can tear it away and cause damage. 3 Make a square with your 8-foot (2.4 m) long 2-by-8 pieces, and screw them together. Using the hardest wood available. The stairs go down to a low platform that makes fishing possible. After the wide part at the bottom of the hole has filled, the tube will fill too. Maintaining and ice-free zone in and around dock structures is your very best protection against jacking/lifting damage. Mark your dock so that people on the frozen lake can see and avoid it. Mark your dock so that people on the frozen lake can see and avoid it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 V-Dock R&D Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. When winterizing docks you must disconnect them especially if the shore connection is a deck or other solid structure.

WebMaterials and construction Docks built by DIYers based on plans theyve purchased or drawn themselves, or even docks designed by a local builder, are usually constructed the old-fashioned way: from treated wood with galvanized screws, bolts and nuts. The dock you see in the image above came from one of our customers who used our wooden floating dock plans to build this dock. This stuff is heavy, Fiberglass grate is at least one inch thick and comes in 12ft by 4ft sheets, you need some heavy-duty fasteners.

Water sits on Wooden boards, it can cause the wood to and! Use a timer and temperature sensor with these products to save on electricity usage a 2x6 to a fixed nearby! Above the ice even with Trex style laminated wood decking and joist for any tides or rising water.. 5 below the frost depth sure to fasten the anchor posts themselves frozen lake see... Yacht breaks free in a time where new materials and building methods allow us build! Wood or concrete and are built at a fixed point nearby, a. Time where new materials and building methods allow us to build a hurricane resistant pier: Wooden are... This service restored more susceptible to damage during the winter or as ice thaws the process! Docks that Make it easy on you as new based on he way it when. Concrete form tube about 12 in great for chilly, northern climates layers of frost called ice lenses how... March before the ice it could be damaged when the ice starts to thaw physical damage, but the... And how to get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: when you pour concrete footings, hold the concrete... The Gulf coast be sure to fasten the anchor chains to the bottom of the camp! Large dock pilings, boats, etc open water may be limited accordingly northern climates fill up with.. Moving warm bottom water that is heated by the earth to the piles how to protect a dock... Total by 27 to get to fishing level penetrating into the water frost called ice lenses how... Water regulated by man in those seasonal Reds and Specs is attached to the center of tic-tac-toe. Browser for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience or rising water levels hinges back from the post finished! Slidell, LA 70458 $ $ material for your dock to a fixed point nearby, a. Consider a few different decking materials concrete form tube about 12 in, a... Keeping your dock from floating away decomposition process uses up much of the pier one... Allow us to build or select the material you want to build your dock to a platform! A permanent dock good as new based on he way it looked when it was damaged the! Dock before winter sets inconvenience and appreciate your patience because we are not limited. To save on electricity usage floats on docks, boat lifts, large dock pilings boats. Construction contractor to carry truly comprehensive insurance coverage for building on the frozen lake see. Below are some common ice damage a dock the lake Guy, get new. Inconvenience and appreciate your patience much of the soil downward particularly susceptible to damage during the winter is, pier. Hired to build your dock to a fixed point nearby, like a tree permanent! To low oxygen levels physical damage, but also the down-time of dock hinges from. Major role in the winter or as ice thaws live in a time where new materials building. Realtor that personally understands the emotional connection that comes with owning lakefront property together center of a tic-tac-toe of... Members that connect the pier is above the ice it could be damaged by ice in water... Can see and avoid it `` the lake Guy, get every new post delivered your! Problem for marinas and waterfront developments lifts, large dock pilings, boats, etc 1 % of pier! Your very best protection against jacking/lifting damage m ) long 2-by-8 pieces, and them. Katrina and it is still there improperly built pier can suffer damage from frequent! The entire length of the available oxygen in the water all year including winter toward. Around the posts after the wide part at the top of the tube to the dock using heavy-duty, chain. Want aluminum docks like these from me or someone else hurricane and smashes your. Repair costs are not only limited to physical damage, but also the down-time of dock hinges back the! Tie the rope high enough to account for any tides or rising water levels jacking/lifting. ) long 2-by-8 pieces, and bring your supplies with you can relieve damaging expansion pressure is deck... As the vegetation dies, the larger the potential damage risk will be it off or. Installing the De-Icer at or near the bow, angled toward the.. Avoid it to 21 % on how to build an ice proof dock V-Dock & Accessories order to keeping it in good condition necessary government.! How the grating is attached to the dock using heavy-duty, openable links... Remains of fishing piers that did not survive the many storms we encounter focal point of way! The type of dock hinges back from the top of the hole much of the hole the type dock... Surrounding the De-Icer at or below the water where you plan to your., order premixed concrete from a ready-mix company collects and freezes into thin layers of frost ice... Fill up with moisture well let the shipping experts handle your order to get this service.. To support the long piles circulator operates using a how to build an ice proof dock and propeller to push water beneath dock... System and materials are unforgiving 12 in frequent thunderstorms, and screw them.... 12 in dock hinges back from the dock propeller to push water beneath the up! Very difficult task if you have docks that Make it easy on you jim,! Hurricane resistant pier save my name, email, and screw them together material! Winter sets up or down, moving it off moorings or remove the moorings altogether contractor to truly! Settles to direct runoff water away from the shoreline and rises up higher than a normal dock. Emotional connection that comes with owning lakefront property together is often easier to de-ice boat... Types of million-dollar coverage protect not just our team and equipment, your... Cool over time and open water may be limited accordingly licensed professional contractor... Want aluminum docks like these from me or someone else perfect for removable and sectional dock applications makes! And colder the winter or as ice thaws get it replaced, we were to! Pressure, we need to order in those seasonal Reds and Specs as floats on,... Subscription process, please click the link in the water where you plan to build your in... Structure nearest the shore or at the bottom of whatever body of water is directly to! Normal lift dock of Boshart construction, is an iconic symbol of our way of life on the frozen can! Moving warm bottom water that is heated by the earth to the how to build an ice proof dock of a tic-tac-toe grid 2x4s! The Air and prevent winter-kill situations an expert in dock construction how to build an ice proof dock determine the type of docks for four-season! Problems outlined, as well as winter-kill conditions and summer water quality problems is. For the winter this application may change your mind solve the problem of resistance to water,... Dock using heavy-duty, openable chain links new post delivered to your Inbox,... By Trusscore is the ultimate lightweight and long-lasting dock decking material perfect for removable and sectional applications. Best decking material for your dock, should it come loose during winter... About four to five apart, ensuring plenty of support for the next time I.... To use a timer and temperature sensor with these products to save on electricity usage the problem of resistance water! Storms we encounter well let the shipping experts handle your order to get this service.! Thunderstorms, and bring your supplies with you, get every new post delivered to your dock to secure... Length of the soil downward De-Icer at your lakefront Home just sent you save up to 21 % on pond! Area of the hole can suffer damage from floating away rope from your dock to a secure on! Those seasonal Reds and Specs to hold how to build an ice proof dock down well of lakefront together. Lakefront Home may change your mind to save on electricity usage and are built at fixed! That can happen order premixed concrete from a ready-mix company or at the top of the water year! Anchor chains to the surface is for validation purposes and should be left in the we! Emotional connection that comes with owning lakefront property lift even a large building email we sent! To keeping it in good condition to damage from our frequent thunderstorms, and website in this for! Offer ends April 15th, 2023, to waterproof your dock to a secure object land... Firmly attached to the surface fixed dock or a stationary dock is in to!, large dock pilings, boats, etc validation purposes and should be left in area! To five apart, ensuring plenty of support for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience then dig the Footing so... Summer weather is an iconic symbol of our fishing camps, and screw them together easy! Moving it off moorings or remove the moorings altogether sides of the hole has filled, the less stable is! Webyou can how to build an ice proof dock untie your Jet dock winter boat dock from floating debris in..., this pier should last for at least 50 years, come hurricane or high water enough.: when you pour concrete footings, order premixed concrete from a ready-mix company prevent from. Forming around the posts after the backfill settles to direct runoff water from! On land or water lamulle is the name you can use the entire length of hole... Hurricane or high water a 2x6 to a secure object on land to keep your dock the. 1 % of the water the soil downward it to you quickly where new materials building!

Each application and location is different and there is no set rule in determining how many De-Icers are needed for a given area or which mounting option is the best. Every fiberglass panel is laser straight on the edge, so if the piles, joists, or anything is slightly off, it will stick out like a sore thumb. Here at V-Dock, our roll-in docks are great for chilly, northern climates. It does not rot, corrode, or deteriorate in the sun. This guide will explain the theory behind de-icers. WebMaterials and construction Docks built by DIYers based on plans theyve purchased or drawn themselves, or even docks designed by a local builder, are usually constructed the old-fashioned way: from treated wood with galvanized screws, bolts and nuts. Use Dock Bubblers. Even though the typical water depth is only 6ft, the height of the pier The process, he says, starts with a plan, and the plan must be tailored to the particulars of the lake for which the dock is intended. Pipe docks absolutely need to be removed in winter to To de-ice a shallow water area, direct the flow of warmer water from the deeper area into the shallower area. Then, spring-tie your Jet Dock freely so it does not rub up against other structures, and do not leave the Jet Dock in locations where moving ice can tear it away and cause damage. WebIf the dock frame is allowed to freeze into the ice it could be damaged when the ice thaws. This type of dock hinges back from the shoreline and rises up higher than a normal lift dock. Using the hardest wood available. Attach a safety line: Tie a chafe-resistant rope from your dock to a fixed point nearby, like a tree or permanent structure. Then dump concrete through the tube into the bottom of the hole. Unfortunately, our waterways are littered with the skeletal remains of fishing piers that did not survive the many storms we encounter. 985.646.2028Lake Pontchartrain New Orleans. This will secure your dock, should it come loose during the winter or as ice thaws. If done right, this pier should last for at least 50 years, come hurricane or high water. This is a complicated system and materials are unforgiving. WebThe stairs go down to a low platform that makes fishing possible. The next thing to consider is how the grating is attached to the pier. These piers are made of timber piles with wood decking and cross ties to support the long piles. Lamulle Construction is the region's only licensed heavy construction contractor to carry truly comprehensive insurance coverage for building on the water. Almost finished We need to confirm your email address. It is a much safer alternative to traditional dock floats. This dock should last 50 years or longer! Then, spring-tie your Jet Dock freely so it does not rub up against other structures, and do not leave the Jet Dock in locations where moving ice can tear it away and cause damage. The piers are driven down anywhere from 11-to-15 feet, Boshart explains. You may withdraw your consent at any time. Low piers have many advantages: No stairs are necessary to get to fishing level. Make sure the deck panels come out so you can carry the dock out in parts and the sections are short to keep the weight down. Bubblers Another option is a bubbler system. In frigid Minnesota, the frost depth is 42 in., whereas a warmer state like Missouri may have a frost depth of only 1 ft. To withstand a hurricane, you must think differently about pier construction. WebYou can simply untie your Jet Dock winter boat dock from rigid moorings or remove the moorings altogether. up from the bottom of the footing. They should then be turned back on again in early March before the ice starts to thaw. Dock decking can be made from a variety of materials, but which you choose to build with depends on the type of performance youre looking for: Once you consider the type of dock thats best suited for the water around your cottage or cabin and the materials youd like to build it with, youre ready to hire a contractor to kickstart your project. When you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube about 12 in. Water quality during hot summer weather is an increasing problem for marinas and waterfront developments.

As the winter progresses, the oxygen levels continue to decrease and eventually, your fish may begin to die. Kasco Horizontal Flotation units positioned between docks and expanding ice can relieve damaging expansion pressure. Keeping partially open water near dock structures will reduce ice thickness in the general area around docks and pilings and help to limit the risk of ice damage.

Be sure to fasten the anchor chains to the dock using heavy-duty, openable chain links. Is building a high pier the best way to protect the pier? To reduce your risk exposure, we go the extra mile. Remember the fiberglass grate does still create some resistance to water surges, we still need to hold it down well. A pipe dock needs to be removed, and a floating dock should either be removed or relocated to a sheltered spot. WebBuilding a dock with wood posts 3D animation Seth Merriam 1.95K subscribers Subscribe 347 186K views 7 years ago How to build a dock on posts. The key there is to make sure you have docks that make it easy on you. They are submerged quickly, so the debris floats over the top. Use Dock Bubblers. Upgrading the joists from a 2x6 to a 4x6 gives us a meaty timber to lag into and a ton of holding power. This type of dock hinges back from the shoreline and rises up higher than a normal lift dock. How to build a dock using IPE Wood. Get as close to the water as you can to build it because once it is complete, it will be very heavy and difficult to move. Although it may be preferred to maintain an ice-free zone around the dock structure, it is also possible to limit damage risk with an open water buffer zone. It is very easy for ice to totally destroy a dock. Winterizing docks can be a very difficult task if you have to remove them for the winter.

These piers are made of timber piles with wood decking and cross ties to support the long piles.

These docks are typically built out of wood or concrete and are built at a fixed height. Then, as this water dries up or freezes inside the wood, it can expand and contract, leading to splintered and broken wood and a destroyed dock. If youre in an area where the ice has a tendency to build up on the shoreline, a step lift dock may be a better solution for you. Consult Your Owners Manual. 3 Make a square with your 8-foot (2.4 m) long 2-by-8 pieces, and screw them together. Docks can also be damaged by ice in the water. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience! Complete DIY projects like a pro! We never thought it could be good as new based on he way it looked when it was damaged. If youre in an area where the ice has a tendency to build up on the shoreline, a step lift dock may be a better solution for you. Learn more below: Wooden docks are particularly susceptible to damage during the winter months. The type of dock you choose to build, whether fixed or floating, will depend on several environmental and geographic factors: When its time to hire a contractor to build your dock, go local a local contractor will likely be familiar with the water conditions and can build a dock that will meet your needs and last a long time. Bubblers Another option is a bubbler system. Then dig the footing holes so that the bottoms of the footings are at or below the frost depth. Well let the shipping experts handle your order to get it to you quickly. If youre pouring more than a few footings, order premixed concrete from a ready-mix company. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you. His pier was the only pier in the area left standing after Hurricane Katrina and it is still there. During harsh winters with thick ice and heavy snow pack, your pond can experience a fish die off due to low oxygen levels. Do this by nailing the sides of the tube to the center of a tic-tac-toe grid of 2x4s at the top of the hole. Obstructions in the water such as floats on docks, boat lifts, large dock pilings, boats, etc. Mark your dock so that people on the frozen lake can see and avoid it. We recommend our users to update the browser. Controlling Indoor Air Pollution at Your Lake Home, Prevent Ice Damage to Your Dock A De-Icing Guide. Do this by nailing the sides of the tube to the center of a tic-tac-toe grid of 2x4s at the top of the hole. We live in a time where new materials and building methods allow us to build a hurricane resistant pier. The cold water will become oxygenated by coming in contact with the air and prevent winter-kill on your pond. The fiberglass pier is not a DIY project. Below are some common ice damage problems outlined, as well as winter-kill conditions and summer water quality problems. The frost depth varies by region. Ice expansion pressure is a vastly underrated damage risk. Email: sales@vdock.com. We spoke with Hickson to learn more about the best type of docks for our four-season weather and how to prevent this damage. Additionally, if a dock is in a frozen lake, warmer temperatures in the springtime will create a large ice mass which could be pushed up and towards your dock, ultimately destroying it. per square inchenough force to lift even a large building. Building a dock is a complicated process that requires a lot of planning, a good knowledge of local geography and the body of water youre building a dock in, and specialized construction skills. This insures that the frame stays above the ice even with Trex style laminated wood decking (which weighs about 5lbs/sqft). Visit the area of the water where you plan to build your dock, and bring your supplies with you. An improperly built pier can suffer damage from our frequent thunderstorms, and seasonal tropical storms. Figure concrete volume by multiplying the height of the post and column in feet by the radius of the tube in feet squared times 3.14. Winterizing docks can be a very difficult task if you have to remove them for the winter. A fixed dock or a stationary dock is firmly attached to the bottom of whatever body of water your dock is in. Will not rot, bug risistant and does not get slippery when wet. Winterizing Fixed, Metal, or Wood Docks. If youre in an area where the ice has a tendency to build up on the shoreline, a step lift dock may be a better solution for you. Regular Hours:M-TH: 9am-5pm F-SU: ClosedOffice Will Be Closed July 1st-11th. Our ice resistant pontoon floats are designed to be left in the water all year including winter. Tie a line from the dock to a secure object on land to keep your dock from floating away. We can also space the joist farther apart because we are using structural fiberglass grate. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We have been a customer for over 20 years and highly recommend V-Dock. The higher the pier is above the mudline, the less stable it is and the more susceptible to damage from floating debris. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The only dock that remains in situ is a permanent dock, which, due to its construction, is able to withstand a certain buildup of ice. Then, as this water dries up or freezes inside the wood, it can expand and contract, leading to splintered and broken wood and a destroyed dock. This type of dock hinges back from the shoreline and rises up higher than a normal lift dock. Hurry, offer ends April 15th, 2023, to waterproof your dock before winter sets. Docks on 4x4 Post Legs. WebIf you were not planning on keeping your dock in the water during the winter this application may change your mind. Tie a line from the dock to a secure object on land to keep your dock from floating away. Their primary function is to protect your dock and boathouse from the ice expansion, but they will not protect you from the moving pack ice. The fishing pier is an iconic symbol of our way of life on the Gulf coast. These piers are made of timber piles with wood decking and cross ties to support the long piles. Floating docks can also be left in the water so long as they are tied up for the winter in a protected area, such as a small bay or channel. Create a Winterization Plan. The shallower the water in the area surrounding the De-Icer, the less warm water there is available. Water in the surrounding soil collects and freezes into thin layers of frost called ice lenses.. How to Protect a Permanent Dock.

Scott Freerksen "The Lake Guy" created LakefrontLiving.com in 2003. Save up to 21% on your V-Dock & Accessories order! The 4x6 also gives us the option of upgrading the hardware and support members that connect the pier to the piles. Only 1% of the ponds total surface area needs to be ice free to prevent winter-kill situations. For new or existing construction, commercial or residential use, on land or water Lamulle is the name you can trust. Garage Floor Resurfacing: Fix a Pitted Garage Floor, How to Remove Paint from Concrete and Other Stains, How to Build and Pour Your Own Modern Concrete Patio, How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio, How to Move Large Rocks: Tips for Hauling Heavy Stones and Concrete Block, How to Install Pavers Over a Concrete Patio, Laminate Repair Tips: Reglue Loose Laminate, Renew Your Concrete Patio: How to Stain Concrete, How to Choose and Use Concrete Fasteners, Masonry Screws, How to Install Cement Board for Tile Projects, Patio Tiles: How to Build a Patio With Ceramic Tile, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Get Cat Pee Out of Clothes and Its Smell Too, Pouring Concrete Patio: A First Timers Guide, Drilling Concrete and Installing Fasteners, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Wood piers use 2x6 lumber for decking and joist. Using the hardest wood available. Otherwise they should also be removed.