With easy access to Okanagan Lake, your summers have likely been full of laughter, splashes, sunshine, and moments of serenity, thanks in part to your dock. Your dock has undoubtedly provided you and your family with years of summer memories. However, you may have noticed that your beloved dock doesn’t look as polished as it once did.
If you’re wondering if it’s time to replace your dock, our professional dock builders have put together a list of things to watch for.
1. Is your dock still meeting your needs?
As your love for the lake grows, so do your lakefront needs. If you’ve recently added a pontoon boat to your arsenal of lake toys, you may want to consider attaching a boat lift to your dock. Have your family gatherings grown in size and you’re seeing more people on your dock than ever before? Or maybe you spend more time lounging on the dock instead of jumping off the edge. If your dock needs have changed, it might be time to upgrade or add more square footage.
2. Is the wood beginning to rot?
If the wood on your dock is beginning to rot away, it’s definitely time for a dock replacement. We strongly recommend an aluminum dock.
Aluminum docks offer lakefront homeowners:
- Strength
- Durability
- Longevity
- Versatility
- Locally sourced materials
We often refer to these types of docks as ‘forever docks’ because that’s exactly what they are. Aluminum docks will last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, as opposed to wooden docks that will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Still can’t decide which type of dock to get? Our previous blog article may help: Wood vs. Aluminum Boat Docks: Which is Best for Okanagan Lake.
3. Is the decking worn out?
If the decking on your dock is worn out, it can lead to some pretty significant injuries. However, worn out decking doesn’t always mean it’s time to replace your dock. If the structure is still sound and in good condition, you may only need to update the decking.
We currently offer a wide variety of decking materials suitable for nearly every type of dock lover, like:
- Treated Douglas Fir planks – Each plank is all natural and hand-picked, giving docks a stunning, understated finish
- MoistureShield composite decking – We offer two composite varieties to help suit all budgets
- ThruFlow panels – These maintenance-free panels are rot resistant and built to last for decades to come
- Concrete panels – These 8-inch-thick concrete waffle panels are designed for stability, durability and longevity
4. Is the foundation damaged or do the pilings need replacing?
Over time, the lakebed that your dock is affixed to or where the posts have been driven into can wear away. This can damage the foundation or cause the piles to become exposed, reducing their ability to keep your dock securely anchored. If the foundation is cracked or the pilings are damaged, it’s important to reach out to your dock builder as soon as possible to see if repairs are possible or if a full replacement is in order.
5. Does the dock wobble when you walk on it?
If your dock sways or rocks every time you walk on it, you may have underlying structural damage that could create the need for a replacement. Sometimes this can be fixed with a few simple repairs, but it may also mean it’s time to start planning for a new dock.
