Can you leave a dock in the water over winter?
3 min read
Asked by: Dave Headquarters
If it doesn’t get cold enough for water to freeze solid, your dock area will be sheltered from wind and wave activity. If the water level remains high enough that dock sections won’t come into contact with rocks below, you may be able to safely leave it in the water year-round.
How do you store your dock for the winter?
Dock Decking Storage Should Be Dry and Covered
Your dock sits in the water for months at a time during the summer, but when you’re not using it, it should be removed from the water along with its accessories. No matter what material the decking is made of, it should be removed, cleaned, and stored in a dry place.
How do you keep water from freezing around your dock?
Some quick tips to keep in mind may include:
- Choosing the smallest possible size of an ice-free zone.
- Keep any pond or lake deicers away from the center of lake areas to minimize formations of thin ice.
- Utilize a timer or thermostat to make sure systems only operate when temperatures fall below freezing.
When should I remove my dock?
We ALWAYS recommend removing all type of docks in the winter to prevent any chances of damage occurring. Our 25-year warranty does not cover any damage that may occur with docks left in over winter. If you have a Standing Dock, it MUST be removed in winter.
What is the lifespan of a dock?
What is the average lifespan of a dock? On average, a standard dock will last 20 to 25 years.
What do you do with docks in the winter?
Most northern dock owners need to store their dock away for the winter, or whenever ice and snow begin to form. For some places, this could start as early as mid-autumn. If you experience harsh winters, you should remove your dock for the season and reinstall it when the risk for freezing temperatures is gone.
How do you get a dock out of the water?
To pull dock sections out of the water, use 2″ x 8″ boards, place them on the ground to create a ramp on which you will slide the docks. The layer of algae or seaweed that will have formed under the floats will help you lift them out of the water.
Do I need a dock deicer?
Why Do I Need a Deicer? Without a deicer, your dock, boat, slip, or marina are vulnerable to severe damage from ice formation and expansion. Simply put, a de-icer or ice eater is your best insurance policy against costly and time-consuming repairs.
How far above the water should a dock be?
Height: The decking should be 13 to 18 inches above the water surface to make getting on and off the boat comfortable and safe. Securing: For stationary docks on sandy lake bottoms, pound pipes into the bottom to hold the dock in place.
Can ice damage a boat?
All boats can easily be damaged by winter temperatures and the possibility of ice and snow. There are ways to prevent winter damage as well as ways to protect yourself financially if your boat is damaged.
How do you store a floating dock?
ALWAYS remove pile docks from the water and store them properly on land so that they are not damaged, including but not limited to placing them over rocks or other objects that may damage them. Remove the piles and store the sections one on top of the other, the top ones upside down, to avoid discoloration.
