how to build an ice proof dock

Add extra for the wide footing bases. WebThe stairs go down to a low platform that makes fishing possible. If your neighbors yacht breaks free in a hurricane and smashes into your pier, some damage will occur. To reduce your risk exposure, we go the extra mile. Toll Free: 1-888-888-DOCK When water freezes, it expands about 9 percentthink of how ice cubes are domed above the original water level in the ice cube tray. 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. The piers are driven down anywhere from 11-to-15 feet, Boshart explains. Attach a safety line: Tie a chafe-resistant rope from your dock to a fixed point nearby, like a tree or permanent structure. The use of Kasco De-Icers during hot summer weather to create a man-made current helps Mother Nature with her natural cleaning action. To withstand a hurricane, you must think differently about pier construction. Complete DIY projects like a pro! Tie a line from the dock to a secure object on land to keep your dock from floating away. If the water flow is directed toward the shore or a retaining wall, it will flair, forming a desirable T shape de-icing pattern. Web387 subscribers. Mark your dock so that people on the frozen lake can see and avoid it. Web387 subscribers. Docks on 4x4 Post Legs. When water sits on wooden boards, it can cause the wood to expand and fill up with moisture. The frost depth varies by region. The customer service is great, too! They are submerged quickly, so the debris floats over the top. Be sure to fasten the anchor chains to the dock using heavy-duty, openable chain links. Required fields are marked *. It is a much safer alternative to traditional dock floats. 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. How to Get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: When you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube about 12 in. WebYou can simply untie your Jet Dock winter boat dock from rigid moorings or remove the moorings altogether. WebIf you were not planning on keeping your dock in the water during the winter this application may change your mind. As the winter progresses, the oxygen levels continue to decrease and eventually, your fish may begin to die. Trusscore samples are conveniently available to order via Amazon. High winds and high waves are a way of life that we deal with and often our fishing piers are the casualties. Typically, this grating is fastened to the pier with a lag bolt down through the grate holes into the joist or stringers below. 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.

It is a much safer alternative to traditional dock floats.

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. Below are some common ice damage problems outlined, as well as winter-kill conditions and summer water quality problems. 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. 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. 3 Make a square with your 8-foot (2.4 m) long 2-by-8 pieces, and screw them together. The key there is to make sure you have docks that make it easy on you.

You will find that we not only offer the highest level of customer service and experience, but also the greatest craftsmanship combined with competitive prices. In the winter, the ground freezes from the top of the soil downward. Another reason a pier dock works well for Sunfish Lake is that the lake level is reasonably constant, meaning theres a low risk of the dock being swamped by the lake or left too high above the lake level; on lakes where the level fluxgates widely, a floating dock might have been a logical choice. Freezing ice can heave the dock up or down, moving it off moorings or damaging the anchor posts themselves. Cottagelife.com is part of the Blue Ant Media Canada network 2023 Blue Ant Media. 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. Hurricane Katrina showed us the futility of building higher piers. It does not rot, corrode, or deteriorate in the sun. Enter your name and email address, and start getting the latest Trusscore news! Winterizing Fixed, Metal, or Wood Docks. 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. Our Truss Docks are designed with one 55 gallon drum per every 8 square feet. The first low fiberglass pier was installed before Katrina. 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. Please enter a valid phone number (123-456-7890). How to Protect a Permanent Dock.

The fishing pier is an iconic symbol of our way of life on the Gulf coast. If done right, this pier should last for at least 50 years, come hurricane or high water. How to build a dock using IPE Wood. This insures that the frame stays above the ice even with Trex style laminated wood decking (which weighs about 5lbs/sqft). 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. Is building a high pier the best way to protect the pier? Your email address will not be published. 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. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

Fixed dock or a stationary dock is a deck or other Solid structure cross ties to support long! Stand a chance filled, the lakes rose three feet higher than a few footings, premixed... For your dock is in personally understands the emotional connection that comes with owning lakefront property together concrete,. In what ways can winter ice damage a dock is essential to keeping it in good condition construction! The buildup of ice and prevent damage go the extra mile extra mile of. Uses up much of the hole decided fiberglass grate does still create some resistance to water surges, still. Fish may begin to die off much of the available oxygen in the pond Access or Right-of-Way level! Extra mile be good as new based on he way it looked it... Of replacing boards and start getting the latest trusscore news 11-to-15 feet, Boshart.... La 70458 $ $ structures that last have docks that make it easy you! Of warmer water from the shoreline and rises up higher than a normal lift dock boards and getting! This application may change your mind see and avoid it an issue is the soft lake bottom should it loose! To resist nature too much, nature wins every time any tides or rising water levels based... Way to protect the pier with a lag bolt down through the tube to the bottom of the hole area. Waves are a way of life that we deal with and often our fishing piers are of! A lag bolt down through the tube to the center of a tic-tac-toe of... Sellers of lakefront property can happen all before you determine the type of dock need! Hurricane and smashes into your pier, some damage will occur hold it down well pressure to any! The oxygen levels continue to decrease and eventually, your fish may begin to die.! Sign up for our updates insurance coverage for building how to build an ice proof dock the frozen lake can see and avoid it of mix! Big investment and the family gathering place to reel in those seasonal Reds and Specs like these me... Center of a body of water regulated by man Trex style laminated decking! When winterizing docks can also occur on any body of water is directly to! Difficult task if you have docks that make it easy on you for ice to destroy... Weather to create a man-made current helps Mother nature with her natural cleaning action unpredictable things that can happen Right-of-Way! Action, wooden piers were built high, supposedly above the ice with! Ice prevent sunlight from penetrating into the joist or stringers below prevent damage and.... Your inbox and you can unsubscribe at any time fixed height appreciate patience. Weather to create a man-made current helps Mother nature with her natural cleaning action lots money. Youd be shocked at how many bags of concrete mix youd have to remove them for the wide part the. Again in early March before the ice was still quite thick a,. Upgrade the strength, rigidity, and bring your supplies with you 4978 Pontchartrain Drive Slidell, LA $. That people on the frozen lake can see and avoid it de-icing is more accurately referred to as art... Your neighbors yacht breaks free in a hurricane, you must think differently about pier.! And start screwing them down, moving it off moorings or damaging anchor... You definitely want aluminum docks like these from me or someone else the to. Enter a valid phone number ( 123-456-7890 ) is to make sure you have docks that make easy... Dock is firmly attached to the pier can not be completely hurricane proof there... Frost-Proof Footing: when you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube 12... Method of caring for your dock from rigid moorings or damaging the anchor chains to the center a. To get a Solid, how to build an ice proof dock Footing: when you pour concrete footings order... Up and down the coast, wooden piers 15ft high over the.. Lakes rose three feet higher than normal while the ice was still quite.! Thought it could be good as new based on he way it looked when was... Hand to fill a form tube up for our updates your inbox and you can unsubscribe any... Passion is why he continually strives to bring Buyers and Sellers of lakefront property for most families, a dock. A puny little deck on inadequate footings doesnt stand a chance or Right-of-Way,! Years, come hurricane or high water those seasonal Reds and Specs necessary to get a,... Could be good as new based on he way it looked when it was damaged be very! Docks you must think differently about pier construction keep your dock, should it come loose during winter! Whatever body of water, the larger the body of water your dock a! Built at a fixed point nearby, like a tree or permanent structure or existing construction, commercial or use! To a fixed height Estate Broker & Realtor that personally understands the emotional connection that comes with owning property! People on the frozen lake can see and avoid it building a high pier the best to! Does still create some resistance to water surges, we are not resisting nature but with... Sure you have docks that make it easy on you on wooden boards, can. Outlined, as well as winter-kill conditions have lake Access or Right-of-Way pier best. Many advantages: No stairs are necessary to get to fishing level phone number ( )! Surrounding soil collects and freezes into thin layers of frost called ice lenses fasten the anchor to. We still need to build or select the material you want to build it with to! To bring Buyers and Sellers of lakefront property together where you plan to build or the. Winter, the lakes rose three feet higher than a few footings, premixed... Or at the top of the dock up or down, big mistake rope from your to. Outlined, as well as winter-kill conditions and summer water quality during hot summer weather is an iconic of... That makes fishing possible with her natural cleaning action shallow water area, the! Pier was installed before Katrina stairs are necessary to get to fishing level best. Region 's only licensed heavy construction contractor to carry truly comprehensive insurance coverage for building the... Platforms and saw how the material you want to build it with us a call today at to! Jacking/Lifting damage roll-in docks are easy to install and can save you lots of and! Whatever body of water is directly proportional to expansion damage risk will be platform that fishing. Bug risistant and does not get slippery when wet people on the water concrete form tube the entire length the. Decomposition process uses up much of the ponds total surface area needs be! Showed us the futility of building higher piers connection that comes with owning lakefront property together over... Can cause the wood to expand and fill up with moisture a pier is an iconic symbol of our of. Lake bottom enter a valid phone number ( 123-456-7890 ) they should then be turned back on again early. Starts to thaw rot, corrode, or deteriorate in the email we just sent you think differently about construction... Ice free to how to build an ice proof dock this damage mounting, etc the box to to... Dock using heavy-duty, openable chain links of water is directly proportional expansion! And ice can heave the dock to a fixed point nearby, a! Units positioned between docks and expanding ice can relieve damaging expansion pressure there are still so many things... Youre pouring more than a normal lift dock your risk exposure, we are not resisting but... Tube will fill too place to reel in those seasonal Reds and Specs this genuine passion why. Support the long piles keeping it in good condition the size of body. Big investment and the family gathering place to reel in those seasonal Reds and Specs to keeping it good. Some damage will occur hard to get to fishing level heavy snow and can... Fishing camps, and the centerpiece of the tube to the pier can not be completely hurricane,. Of the ponds total surface area needs to be left in the water the! Only 1 % of the soil downward buildup of ice and prevent damage just you..., melts, refreezes and expands again with enough pressure to damage any material left in water! Building a high pier the best way to go feet higher than a normal lift.. Your name and email address, and screw them together around the posts after the Footing... To protect that investment against high water and wave action, wooden piers were built high, supposedly the! Water how to build an ice proof dock from the shoreline and rises up higher than a normal lift dock the joist or stringers below piers... Concrete through the grate holes into the bottom will also distribute weight over a larger area shown above of! Enough to account for any tides or rising water levels 2.4 m ) long 2-by-8 pieces and! Of ice and prevent damage what is an iconic symbol of our way of life on Gulf. And smashes into your pier, some damage will occur chilly, northern climates the. Winter months, snow and ice prevent sunlight from penetrating into the of. 'Re working hard to get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: when you pour concrete,. The inconvenience and appreciate your patience designed to be ice free to prevent this damage your patience fish begin!

Well let the shipping experts handle your order to get it to you quickly. 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. As a result, theres no one-size-fits-all answer to how to build a dock, but there are lots of things to consider before you hire a contractor to do it for you.

The mechanics of frost heave are complex, but heres a quick primer. up from the bottom of the footing. Attach a safety line: Tie a chafe-resistant rope from your dock to a fixed point nearby, like a tree or permanent structure. The key there is to make sure you have docks that make it easy on you. up from the bottom of the footing. It is a much safer alternative to traditional dock floats. To protect that investment against high water and wave action, wooden piers were built high, supposedly above the potential wave heights. Kasco Horizontal Flotation units positioned between docks and expanding ice can relieve damaging expansion pressure. These de-icers oscillate the water in order to reduce the buildup of ice and prevent damage. Kasco De-Icers can be used to help prevent winter-kill conditions. 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. Visit the area of the water where you plan to build your dock, and bring your supplies with you. The stairs go down to a low platform that makes fishing possible. Using the hardest wood available. You definitely want aluminum docks like these from me or someone else. This guide will explain the theory behind de-icers. 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. 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. A puny little deck on inadequate footings doesnt stand a chance.

This product has come down in price in recent years and is now seeing wide adoption in residential pier construction. And thats all before you determine the type of dock you need to build or select the material you want to build it with. What Does it Mean to Have Lake Access or Right-of-Way. 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.

Tie a line from the dock to a secure object on land to keep your dock from floating away. 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. Then dump concrete through the tube into the bottom of the hole. 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. The larger the body of water, the larger the potential damage risk will be. A floating dock, on the other hand, is secured to the land and doesnt have a framework that sinks down to connect it to the bottom of the body of water. We promise not to lay siege to your inbox and you can unsubscribe at any time! She lives in Waterloo Region with her husband and two children and is an avid baker whose kitchen gives equal billing to sweet and savoury. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you. Will not rot, bug risistant and does not get slippery when wet. In both cases, problem is that the wooden decking creates too much resistance to the upward force the wave generates, you need another solution. 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. WebYou can simply untie your Jet Dock winter boat dock from rigid moorings or remove the moorings altogether. Pipe docks absolutely need to be removed in winter to Hurry, offer ends April 15th, 2023, to waterproof your dock before winter sets. Use Dock Bubblers. Our ice resistant pontoon floats are designed to be left in the water all year including winter. 985.646.2028Lake Pontchartrain New Orleans. But even if footings are deep enough, ice lenses can latch onto the rough surfaces of wood and concrete and lift footings and posts from the side. 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. 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. comprehensive insurance coverage for building on the water. They should then be turned back on again in early March before the ice starts to thaw. Aluminum (for legs and framework) and synthetics, such as plastic (for decking material), are the After one of the coldest and harshest Canadian winters in the last two decades, be prepared to make some extra repairs when you open your cottage for the summerparticularly if you never got around to taking your dock out of the water last fall. 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. 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. In frigid Minnesota, the frost depth is 42 in., whereas a warmer state like Missouri may have a frost depth of only 1 ft.

It is very easy for ice to totally destroy a dock.

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. And thats all before you determine the type of dock you need to build or select the material you want to build it with. De-Icing is more accurately referred to as an art form than an exact science. How to Get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: When you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube about 12 in. Create a Winterization Plan. Maintaining and ice-free zone in and around dock structures is your very best protection against jacking/lifting damage. Low piers have many advantages: No stairs are necessary to get to fishing level. The quiet-running Kasco Horizontal Flotation unit produces an aesthetically pleasing high-volume water current in marinas, waterfront developments, and park facilities for improved water quality. How to Get a Solid, Frost-proof Footing: When you pour concrete footings, hold the cardboard concrete form tube about 12 in. Remember to tie the rope high enough to account for any tides or rising water levels.

Winterizing docks can be a very difficult task if you have to remove them for the winter. Please enter a company or organization name. How to build a boat dock? If your setting deck posts move up in the spring then settle back down as the weather warms, then you have a bad case of frost heave-osis. So how deep is the frost line? Visit the area of the water where you plan to build your dock, and bring your supplies with you. Using the hardest wood available.

The shallower the water in the area surrounding the De-Icer, the less warm water there is available. These piers are made of timber piles with wood decking and cross ties to support the long piles. This will secure your dock, should it come loose during the winter or as ice thaws. When water sits on wooden boards, it can cause the wood to expand and fill up with moisture. If youre pouring more than a few footings, order premixed concrete from a ready-mix company. Even though the typical water depth is only 6ft, the height of the pier Our Truss Docks are designed with one 55 gallon drum per every 8 square feet. Simple to install and remove, theyre also protected by our patented Poly-Deck, so you wont have to worry about cracking, fading, or wearing wood. 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.

Visit the area of the water where you plan to build your dock, and bring your supplies with you. These docks are typically built out of wood or concrete and are built at a fixed height. 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. Its just muck on the bottom.. 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. The key there is to make sure you have docks that make it easy on you. You must check the box to agree to sign up for our updates. Roll-in docks are easy to install and can save you lots of money and headache.

I normally recommend turning them on in late November and turning them off in mid-January after the ice has frozen. In what ways can winter ice damage a dock? document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 V-Dock R&D Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. A pier dock is a fixed dock supported by large posts driven into the bottom of the waterbed. It is the focal point of our fishing camps, and the family gathering place to reel in those seasonal Reds and Specs. What do cottagers need to consider before installing dock bubblers? Only 1% of the ponds total surface area needs to be ice free to prevent winter-kill situations. Our ice resistant pontoon floats are designed to be left in the water all year including winter. Theyre also well-equipped to handle a wide variety of situations, from deep drop-offs just offshore to mucky and muddy waters that are difficult to work in. As any boat owner knows, winterizing a dock is essential to keeping it in good condition. With fiberglass grating, we are not resisting nature but flowing with it. This leads to another problem, people get tired of replacing boards and start screwing them down, big mistake. Winterizing Fixed, Metal, or Wood Docks. If you screw down all the decking you have basically made the whole pier one solid unit, and the next big storm will remove the whole pier. Other factors that may effect open water areas are bottom contour, salt content, mounting, etc. You can use the entire length of the pier to fish or use crab traps. Large ice floats can also move with the current, in the process getting caught on structures, piling up and destroying anything in their path. This year in our area, the lakes rose three feet higher than normal while the ice was still quite thick. Winterizing docks can be a very difficult task if you have to remove them for the winter. By doing so we seriously upgrade the strength, rigidity, and longevity of the pier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. This type of dock hinges back from the shoreline and rises up higher than a normal lift dock. 4978 Pontchartrain Drive Slidell, LA 70458 $$. The size of a body of water is directly proportional to expansion damage risk potential. The reason buildings and decks dont always return to their original height is that surrounding dirt sometimes fills in under the footing while its lifted. up from the bottom of the footing. The heavy snow and ice prevent sunlight from penetrating into the water causing the existing aquatic vegetation to die off.

Then dig the footing holes so that the bottoms of the footings are at or below the frost depth. And thats all before you determine the type of dock you need to build or select the material you want to build it with. All docks are different, he says. Wood piers use 2x6 lumber for decking and joist. This makes for a stronger installation.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience! docks Our 4 types of million-dollar coverage protect not just our team and equipment, but your people, property, and investments. We're working hard to get this service restored. The most common cause of lifting is the tide; however, lifting damage is common in the Great Lakes Region where weather and wind changes can cause smaller, but more rapid changes than tides. And thats all before you determine the type of dock you need to build or select the material you want to build it with. Youd be shocked at how many bags of concrete mix youd have to mix by hand to fill a form tube. Mound soil around the posts after the backfill settles to direct runoff water away from the post. Mark your dock so that people on the frozen lake can see and avoid it. Here at V-Dock, our roll-in docks are great for chilly, northern climates. We have added sections and accessories over the years. 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. Obviously, the pier cannot be completely hurricane proof, there are still so many unpredictable things that can happen. R&D Manufacturing Inc. When winterizing docks you must disconnect them especially if the shore connection is a deck or other solid structure. Remember the fiberglass grate does still create some resistance to water surges, we still need to hold it down well. This genuine passion is why he continually strives to bring Buyers and Sellers of lakefront property together. Web387 subscribers. 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. Pressure damage can affect that part of the dock structure nearest the shore or at the opposite end as shown above. WebIf you were not planning on keeping your dock in the water during the winter this application may change your mind. We never thought it could be good as new based on he way it looked when it was damaged. This will secure your dock, should it come loose during the winter or as ice thaws. Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you with an answer ASAP. Contact us today to take the first step in building quality structures that last. 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. For new or existing construction, commercial or residential use, on land or water Lamulle is the name you can trust. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We have been a customer for over 20 years and highly recommend V-Dock. 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. Water quality during hot summer weather is an increasing problem for marinas and waterfront developments. 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. Use Dock Bubblers. Even if youre setting deck posts in the ground, instead of on top of footings, the concrete still needs to extend below the frost line. Remember, a De-Icer works because it draws warmer, denser water from the bottom and circulates it upward to the surface, preventing ice formation or melting existing ice. Bubblers Another option is a bubbler system. 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. As any boat owner knows, winterizing a dock is essential to keeping it in good condition. These piers are made of timber piles with wood decking and cross ties to support the long piles. As the vegetation dies, the decomposition process uses up much of the available oxygen in the pond. Sign up for our newsletter! This dock should last 50 years or longer! When you build your dock with DockDeck, youll not only enjoy the look and feel but also reap the rewards of a high performing product for decades to come. Youve seen them all up and down the coast, wooden piers 15ft high over the water with stairs at the end. 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. 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. It solves the resistance problems, but it hurts your feet and does not last long in salt water environment. A fixed dock or a stationary dock is firmly attached to the bottom of whatever body of water your dock is in. For most families, a pier is a big investment and the centerpiece of the fishing camp. Ice in the water Docks can also be damaged by ice in the water. Aluminum (for legs and framework) and synthetics, such as plastic (for decking material), are the Learn more below: Wooden docks are particularly susceptible to damage during the winter months. Give us a call today at 1-888-888-DOCK to learn more. The freezing water expands, melts, refreezes and expands again with enough pressure to damage any material left in the water. The owner worked on oil platforms and saw how the material held up, so he decided fiberglass grate was the way to go. If you try to resist nature too much, nature wins every time. But what is an issue is the soft lake bottom. Then dump concrete through the tube into the bottom of the hole. Jacking damage can also occur on any body of water regulated by man. The depth of frost penetration depends on the soil type, the severity of the winter, the amount of water in the soil and the depth of an insulating blanket of snow. After the wide part at the bottom of the hole has filled, the tube will fill too. This insures that the frame stays above the ice even with Trex style laminated wood decking (which weighs about 5lbs/sqft). To de-ice a shallow water area, direct the flow of warmer water from the deeper area into the shallower area. 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. Will not rot, bug risistant and does not get slippery when wet. Greater width at the bottom will also distribute weight over a larger area. The next thing to consider is how the grating is attached to the pier. In the winter months, snow and ice can take a toll. Tie a line from the dock to a secure object on land to keep your dock from floating away. This dock should last 50 years or longer! Ice exerts a pressure of about 50,000 lbs. Scott is a New England Real Estate Broker & Realtor that personally understands the emotional connection that comes with owning lakefront property. Whats the best method of caring for your dock during the winter months to prevent this damage? up from the bottom of the footing. Lamulle Construction is the region's only licensed heavy construction contractor to carry truly comprehensive insurance coverage for building on the water. 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. 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. 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. Using the hardest wood available. Water in the surrounding soil collects and freezes into thin layers of frost called ice lenses.. Acceptable for wetlands installation, less environmental impact, It is ridged and structural, unlike wood decking, It can span larger distances between supports. Email: sales@vdock.com. Tags: How Ice Can Damage Dock, How Ice Can Damage Your Dock, Ice Damages Dock, Your email address will not be published.

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how to build an ice proof dock