Top 7 Signs You Need a New Dock

Are you ashamed of your dock every time you pull your boat up next to it?

This is one of the easiest ways to tell that it’s time for you to renovate your old dock or, better yet, invest in a new dock altogether. Your dock should be a huge source of pride for you, and if it’s not, then you should do something about it.

By building a new dock for your boat, you’ll give yourself something to smile about when you maneuver your boat close to it. You’ll also ensure that your dock is able to withstand everything that you throw at it when you’re getting on and off your boat.

There are other things you should look out for, too, when it comes to trying to tell when to replace your existing dock. Here are 7 signs that show you need to build a new dock immediately.

1. You Don’t Feel Safe Walking on Your Old Dock Anymore

You might not necessarily have a problem with the way your old dock looks. But your dock might not feel as safe as it used to, and that could potentially end up being a huge problem.

If your dock is constantly creaking and making other strange sounds when you walk on it, it might not be safe anymore. And when it seems like your safety could be at risk every time you walk on your dock, that’s a pretty obvious sign that it’s time to make a move and build a new dock.

A newer dock will make dock safety a top priority again. It’ll give you complete confidence when you’re walking on your dock and standing on it while working on your boat.

2. Your Old Dock Is Cracking and Warping in Different Spots

Step back from your dock and take a good, long look at it.

Are there boards in your dock with big cracks running down the middle of them? Are there boards that are warping and starting to lose their original shape? Are there boards that look like they could fall off at any second?

If you answered yes to one, two, or even three of these questions, a new dock should be in your future. Cracking and warping boards are only going to get worse over time and affect both the appearance and overall safety of your dock.

3. Your Old Dock Is Rotting Away

If you have a wooden dock that you use for your boat, moisture can really do a number on it over the years. If moisture is allowed to penetrate deep down into the wood, it’ll eventually start to cause it to rot away.

When people first install a new dock, they’re usually careful to put a sealer over it to protect it. They go to great lengths to maintain their dock. But in time, they make less and less of an effort to protect their wooden dock.

That often leads to the deck rotting, and it signifies the beginning of the end for a dock.

4. There Is Moss, Mildew, Algae, and More Growing on Your Old Dock

Have you stopped cleaning your old dock as carefully as you used to?

If so, you shouldn’t be shocked to see moss, mildew, algae, and more growing on your dock. A combination of moisture and shade can lead to these things growing on a dock.

If you only have a small amount of it growing, you can usually wash it away. But if it has started to overtake the entire surface of your dock, you’re in trouble.

Moss, mildew, and algae can all trap moisture in and cause a wooden deck to rot. It’s best to prevent it from growing in the first place or risk having to replace your dock sooner than you might want to.

5. You Suspect the Foundation of Your Old Dock Might Be Weak

Permanents docks are supported by large wood pilings that are driven deep down into a foundation system in the ground. When installed properly, they shouldn’t go anywhere for a long, long time.

But the pilings for a dock aren’t going to stay strong forever. They’ll begin to break down on you over the years and cause issues for your dock. The foundation system itself can also weaken.

The problem is that it can be very difficult to test out the foundation for an old dock. It’s hard to see what’s happening underwater when it comes to a dock’s foundation.

But if you’re starting to suspect there could be an issue with your dock’s pilings and/or foundation system, don’t ignore it. It could mean you need a new foundation and a new dock.

6. You Bought a Bigger Boat That Doesn’t Fit on Your Old Dock

In some cases, your old dock might look just fine. It might also be every bit as strong as it was when you first installed it.

However, it might not be big enough for you anymore if you just purchased a new boat. You may either have to add to the dock somehow or replace it so that it meets your new needs.

7. Your Old Dock Is Just Plain Old

Different docks have different lifespans.

For example, a dock made out of pressure-treated wood will last somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 years, while a dock made out of composite materials can last a whole lot longer than that.

But at some point, your old dock is simply going to be, well, old. When that time comes, there will be no getting around installing a new dock.

Buy Materials to Build Your New Dock Today

Has the time finally come for you to take the leap and install a new dock?

If you’re going to do it, it’s best to use the right materials to get the job done. By doing this, you’ll ensure that your dock will last you for many years to come.

Contact us for more information on obtaining the best possible materials for your dock. It’ll allow you to get your dock in the water and start taking pride in its appearance again.