Category Archives: Dock Material

Dock Inspections, Dock Material, Dock Parts, Dock Repair, Seawall Installation & Maintenance

3 Tips to Get Your Dock Ready for Spring & Summer

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Get ready to get back on the water! While we are currently in the middle of an extreme cold period with about a foot of snow in Indiana, we’re also about a month and a half away from Spring. No more cold weather! This means it is time to get all marine equipment ready for the upcoming season. Those that don’t prepare well will be sorry. If a piece of equipment got damaged by winter weather, ill-prepared waterfront owners will be stuck waiting to get on the water. And once dock company’s schedules start to get full it can take weeks to get something repaired. Today we’ll look at what to inspect to make sure your waterfront will be good to go in Spring.

How to Get Your Dock Ready for Boating Season

1. Inspecting Your Dock

Winter is harsh on docks. Snow and ice aren’t like rain in the summer that just drips right off, they pile on top and stay for a long time. So after sitting on top of a dock for several days or weeks, the weather starts to cause damage. So the first thing we should inspect when the weather is nice enough is the dock. First, inspect the decking. Make sure the material looks just as good as before with no rotting, splintering, cracks, or warps. Once you’ve noted the condition of the decking, move onto checking the frames. Look underneath your decking and make sure the frames aren’t warped or rusted. Make sure you notice if your dock is looking like it is sitting in the water lower than usual. It could be the entire system, or just one finger sitting a little low. If that’s the case, then the floats are damaged. Finally, inspect the anchoring and make sure it isn’t rusted or broken.

Now if you noticed any damage, it’s time to make sure to get it fixed now before the season starts. Fixing damaged decking, floats, or anchoring are small problems that can be fixed if caught early. These are all repairs that can be expensive of up to a few thousand dollars, but it’s nothing compared to spending tens of thousands on a brand new dock.  If the frames become severely warped or rust and break, then you’ll unfortunately probably have to replace the entire dock. Having an idea of what the damage on your dock is before you call in can help put your nerves at ease rather than waiting on a diagnosis.

2. Examining Your Boat Lift

Snow isn’t a real issue on boat lifts, but ice is. Instead of worrying about warping and cracking, you’ll need to worry if the lift is operational. Before we begin, always check your owner’s manual to see proper winterization techniques recommended from your manufacturer. There a lot of things that can get damaged during the winter on a boat lift. You could find damaged bolts, winches, power units, cables, bunks, or guides. After visually inspecting for wear and tear on any of these parts, it’s a good idea to cycle your lift up and down to make sure it’s working as intended. If you have a cable lift, be sure to listen closely and make sure you hear no snapping or noises coming from the cables. Unfortunately you can’t really replace a cable until it breaks, but it’s good to know it is coming rather than be surprised. For hydraulic lift owners, check your fluid and make it is filled to the appropriate level recommended by your manufacturer. Most issues and repairs needed for lifts will have to be dealt with by an expert. Fortunately, there are many experts with several years of experience at Deaton’s Waterfront Services.

Another aspect of getting your lift ready for the season is the canopy. Lift owners know to remove their canopy and store it for the winter to prevent tearing over the winter. If you leave a canopy on during the winter, snow is going to pile on top of it and destroy it. Call your local lift dealer and schedule them to store and reinstall your canopy every winter and fall. It will save you from having to replace a vinyl each season due to poor care.

3. Checking Your Seawall

The last piece of equipment you need to inspect is your seawall. Snow and ice will also warp and abuse a seawall during the winter. As water freezes and forms a layer of ice, it will push up against a seawall and try to morph it. As the sun appears during the day, it will cause the ice to start to melt and crack. The problem is, at night it will all refreeze and beat against the seawall. This constant cycle will damage the seawall over time and cause it to crack, warp, have gaps, and leak. If a seawall is well made with the right material, it will last for many decades but unfortunately you can never predict when nature will decide to ruin those plans. Inspecting the wall is simple, just walk along and inspect for warped metal, gaps, or leaks. If you notice a problem it will need to be fixed immediately before more damage piles up.

There is a way to help combat the damage that ice can throw at a seawall. If you own a bubbler, it will circulate the water throughout the winter never giving it a chance to settle and freeze. This will help protect anything you may have in the water including a dock, lift, or seawall. It is also helpful in the summer time to get rid of debris such as stray logs.

Final Thoughts To Get Rid of Winter

Getting your equipment working with plenty of time to get your boat prepared for the season is the best thing you can do for your future self and your property. While having damaged equipment will not only drive your property value down until it’s fixed, it also sucks to see everyone out on the water having a blast while you’re not able to. It’s best advised to have your equipment inspected by a waterfront professional sometime in the fall to give yourself plenty of time.  Once the schedule fills up for manufacturers and waterfront service shops, it can take weeks or months to get you a new part or get your equipment fixed. So make sure to see if your equipment will need a repair immediately to make sure you can be out there having fun with everyone else. If you feel more comfortable having an expert inspect your dock, feel free to reach out to us here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. We will send a team out to inspect your equipment for a free quote. As always, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (317) 747-4933.

Commercial Docks, Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Dock Design, Dock Material, Dock Repair

The Effects Weather Can Have On A Dock

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Winter weather is known by many as a dock’s worst enemy. Harsh weather can have catastrophic effects on a dock such as rusted frames, rotten/destroyed decking, broken bolts, and more. Deaton’s Waterfront Services is luckily here to inform all about the negative effects weather will have on a dock, and ways to prevent them.

Factors of Weather That Affect Docks

There are several factors to take into consideration when a new dock is in the design phase. While it is easy to move quickly in the short term of getting a new dock, it could end up becoming very costly long term. Thankfully the experts at Deaton’s have 30 years of experience, and are trained to account for factors such as:

  • Wind Load
  • Snow Load
  • Earth Shifting
  • Sink Holes
  • Ice
  • Temperature
  • Water Fluctuation

These factors should not only be considered for just the dock, but also for any accessories that may go along with it. This includes lifts, PWC ports, launches, slides, ladders, and more. The team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services is equipped to ensure a worry-free installation. This includes anything related to the waterfront: docks, walls, and lifts. Now let’s take a look at how the weather will impact the different types of docks.

Weather Effects on a Floating Dock

Floating docks are better equipped to handle rougher weather, but not by much. The key difference between the two docks’ reaction to weather is that a floating dock will fluctuate with water.  A floating dock is just as susceptible to rotten decking and rusted frames as a stationary dock is. The ways to combat harsh weather in a floating dock is all in the quality of the build. A hot-dipped galvanized steel dock with a weather-resistant decking and thick-shelled floats will handle rough weather a lot better than a wooden dock with cheap floats.

Any floating dock will have a maximum weight capacity. The maximum weight that can be carried or supported will be rated by the buoyancy that is underneath the frame and decking. Typically we like to see at least a buoyancy of #25-95 pounds of live load per square foot. Live load is the optimal buoyancy you can maintain across the square footage of your floating platform that’s on the water. The floats are the largest factor you need to consider, most flotation over time will develop lack of optimal buoyancy. This contributes to the dock losing freeboard. “Freeboard “is the measurement from the water line to the top of the dock. Measured freeboard of a floating boat dock depends on the usage, or watercraft that will be using it. Typical freeboard is from 5”- 40”, Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help you measure the recommended proper freeboard.

Weather Effects on a Stationary Dock

Stationary dock structures are anchored by having poles, pilings, or supports being driven or anchored into the bottom of the lake bottom. This is a nice and stable way for installation that creates a solid platform. The biggest worry to this dock is ice / landshift. If the anchors or pilings settle or get shifted with ice or land movement this will cause the dock to be unlevel, and dangerous to use. There are ways to combat this by using bubblers, water attenuators, or have shoreline stabilization installed. A lot of this can be overcome by doing some core samplings of the soil, and making sure to take the necessary measures.

If the weather affects your dock in any way, or you are interested in designing a new dock feel free to request a quote from us. Our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services will be happy to help. Give us a call at (317) 747-4933 or stop by our office located at 215 S. Madison St, Fortville, IN 46040.

Dock Material, Dock Parts, Dock Products, Ez Dock

Pros and Cons of Using a Dock Kit

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When the time comes to replace or install a dock, you have a few options. Do you want to go the DIY route? Or would it be better to call on a team of dock builders? Reviewing the pros and cons of each scenario can give you a better idea of what the best dock solution will be for you and your site.

Benefits of Getting a DIY Dock Kit

If you’re pretty handy with other building projects, opting for a DIY dock kit can make a lot of sense. There are plenty of systems available today, and you can even call on your local waterfront services company to see if they can help you find the right fit for your needs.

1. You can work on your own timeline

Working with a dock kit can be appealing because it gives you the flexibility to complete your dock build on your terms. It doesn’t matter if you want to stretch the project out for a few weeks or tackle it in a single weekend. Plus, you can have the bragging rights when to you get to the end—knowing that you did it all yourself.

2. You might feel more comfortable making repairs

Being the one to see your dock build through from start to finish can also help you down the road. When any repairs pop up, you’ll probably be better equipped to handle them on your own because you know exactly how your dock is constructed. You attached those floats, brackets, and sleeves all on your own.

3. You can save money on labor costs

Moreover, assuming you already have the skill set required, you should be able to save on the overall cost of your dock when you work with a kit. Getting rid of any labor expenses can open up the doors to invest that money elsewhere.

Reasons for a Custom Dock Builder

Even if you’re leaning towards getting a dock kit, it’s worth looking at the other side of things for the installation itself. You can always call on a waterfront company to purchase your dock kit and then utilize them for the actual construction too.

1. You can get it done right—the first time

When you find a crew that’s had years of experience installing custom docks or dock kits, you should be able to expect high-quality work. There’s a good chance that you’ll run into a few problems when you work through a build on your own. If you pass the job onto another team, you could save yourself some stress.

2. Your waterfront might need professionals

Not every site is super convenient for building a dock. If you have a steep shoreline or have had issues with your dock in the past, you might want to call on a professional dock builder from the get go. That way, they can make sure your anchoring is set up correctly and that your installation is secure.

3. You could buy your dock kit from them

Even if you want to build with a dock kit and do the work on your own, you can still benefit from calling on your local dock builder. Odds are, they’ll already have a selection of dock kits for sale. They’ll also be able to give you a little insight on the process before you get started. That’s how we handle dock kits here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. If you want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at (317) 747-4933.

Dock Design, Dock Material

Pros and Cons of a Stationary Dock vs. Floating Dock

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A stable dock allows you to enjoy the water—whether you’re entering your watercraft or just hanging out by the waterfront. Yet these structures aren’t indestructible. Normal wear and tear might mean your stationary dock isn’t holding up like it used to. Is it time to upgrade your dock with repairs? Or do you need to spring for a total dock replacement?

The Difference Between Dock Types

Many dock owners have been satisfied with their stationary dock for years. But the newer dock options on the market might cause you to change your tune. Depending on your waterfront, a floating dock could be a better setup. Knowing the pros and cons of the two main dock types will help you make an informed decision.

Stationary Dock

Areas with high traffic tend to do well with stationary docks because these structures are less affected by watercraft activity and movement. Stationary docks also tend to work well for areas that tend to have a consistent water level. Plus, they can help give you a sturdy footing when you get in and out of your boat.

The problem with these systems, though, is that they can be difficult to repair. Issues with the pilings—especially in deep water—can be expensive to fix, and problems with warping or breaking are almost unavoidable. Dramatic shifts in the water tide can also make it tricky to enter the water or reach your watercraft safely.

Floating Dock

Swimming platforms and waterfronts with fluctuating water levels utilize floating docks because these systems can rise and fall with you water depth. This feature makes floating docks incredibly versatile for a variety of sites. Floating docks also tend to be more affordable to install and maintain.

On the flip side, a floating dock may not be your best option in areas with a lot of water traffic. Because these docks follow the ebb and flow of water, a busy area might make these types of systems uncomfortable for your needs.

Typical Stationary Dock Repairs

Being exposed to the elements can make it impossible for a stationary dock to last forever. Factors such as snow load and ice can wear down on your equipment. Then there’s the matter of sink holes or shifting earth. If you start to notice that your dock isn’t quite level, or that certain sections aren’t as stable as they used to be, it’s probably time to make some dock repairs.

Below the surface, your dock might be in need of piling replacements. Pilings are often the weak point of the structure, especially when ice and land shift come into play. Although repairs can be costly, they are necessary for a stationary dock. Ignore them, and you might be dealing with an incredibly unstable and unsafe dock—or even one that starts to slip under water!

Floating Dock Replacement Benefits

If you need a dock to support a boat lift, then you’ll have to stick with a stationary dock setup. But for other sites, a floating dock might be a better alternative. Unlike stationary docks, these structures adjust to where you boat is sitting in the water. That’s why it can be easier to enter and exit your boat from a floating dock, because these structures move with the water level. Some manufacturers even offer unique launch setups to make it even easier to enjoy your watercraft. EZ Dock products, for example, include low profile docks and canoe and kayak launches. These pieces can be great add-ons for a variety of dock layouts.

The other benefit of a floating dock is that it’s completely customizable. If you aren’t satisfied with your layout or need to expand, it’s relatively easy to make adjustments. Modular builds give you unlimited versatility with your design. Simply choose the pieces you’d like to add to your dock, install, and enjoy.

If you’d like a free estimate for a new boat dock, please contact our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. We’re always happy to collaborate on new designs. Let’s schedule a time to talk about your waterfront’s setup to find the dock that’s right for you!

Dock Material, Dock Products

DIY Dock Building Equipment and Tips

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For pro-active waterfront enthusiasts, building your own dock can be quite an achievement and source of pride. There’s nothing wrong with the DIY-approach, but it can help to have a little help and advice along the way. Doing a little research will help ensure that your dock is safe and built to last.

Some DIY dock projects can be wrapped up in as little as an hour or two, while others require more detailed planning and prep. If you’re just looking to make a minor repair on your dock boards, for example, you might just need to replace a couple decking screws. The bigger projects take a little more skill. But with the right can-do attitude, you’ll be all set.

General Dock Building Tips

To start, it always helps to have a plan so you can map out what parts you’ll need. Take stock of what you’ll need for your dock, and try to think ahead so you can adjust accordingly. Do you think you’ll want a kayak launch in the next few years? Consider building that into your design now. Then you won’t have to change the layout or end up purchasing sections you’ll only replace later.

Another good rule of thumb is to keep things simple. If your waterfront is pretty flat, you can check out a lot of great floating dock systems. We really like working with EZ Dock because their equipment is user-friendly and adjustable. Because it’s a modular unit, you can modify the layout easier that other traditional floating dock styles.

On the other hand, some shores can have a significant drop-off. If that’s your case, a DIY approach might not be your best option. You might need to start with a contractor to help anchor your dock equipment to the rock bed. Determining your project cope upfront can help avoid any trouble down the line.

Dock Equipment and Supplies

Whether this is your first major dock projects, or you’ve been honing your skills for years, it always makes sense to try to get the best deal on your dock supplies. Purchasing your equipment used (or like-new) can go a long way in making your new dock cost-effective.

You can even order your EZ Dock materials through a supplier and do the install yourself. For those looking to purchase equipment at discount, we also have a variety of dock materials on hand for your own DIY project. Whether it’s materials from another client’s site, or spare parts for your anchoring or coupling, we can probably set you up with the right tools for your job.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions about our current supplies. If we don’t have what you need in stock, we’ll be happy to place an order for you. Then it can ship directly to your address for a truly hassle-free process.

DIY Dock Building Help

At Deaton’s Waterfront, we’re always available for design consultations. Even if you don’t need help with the install itself, utilizing our design services can help you get started on the right foot by choosing the layout that’s perfect for your needs and waterfront.

If you have any questions about how to get started on your DIY dock project, give Deaton’s Waterfront Services a call at (317)-747-4933. From consultations to easy dock supply orders, our team is always happy to help. Contact us today to get started!

Dock Material

What’s the Best Material for My Dock?

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There’s a lot to think about for a new dock structure. As with any new building project, you want to consider the material’s cost and durability to make sure it’s worth your investment. This decking material overview can help point you in the right direction—whether you’re on a budget, or just focused on performance and upkeep.

Floating Dock vs. Stationary Dock

Knowing your water table’s depth is one of the first steps in the deck design process. High flow areas typically use floating docks. Those systems require a special installation process with framing to keep the dock stable year-round. Lower water zones (depths about 10 feet or less) often use stationary docks. If your water table fluctuates higher than that, you’re probably better off with a custom floating dock.

Project costs can vary based on the type of dock system you need. So when comparing deck materials, it’s important to remember their application. Each material has its own benefits, but you might prefer one style over another depending on your dock type and how the end result will look.

Decking Material for Docks

Concrete

This material is typically only used for floating docks—so if you need a stationary dock, feel free to skip ahead. The maintenance required for wood decking doesn’t always sound appealing, and concrete offers a solution. Because there’s no chance of it rotting, these types of floating docks often boast a much longer life-span.

Pros: Concrete dock setups are really solid. Even in stormy weather and high waters, a concrete deck is going to feel level. Plus, they won’t put the marine ecosystem in danger. Unlike treated wood, concrete can’t release any toxins into the water.

Cons: Of course, concrete may not be for everyone. Because it’s built to be tough, concrete may not be as “attractive” as other decking materials. That might be perfectly fine for commercial or industrial use, but if you want a dock to lounge around on, you might be better off with another option.

Composite

Made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, composite decking tries to give docks the best of both worlds. These materials tend to last longer and require less maintenance than regular wood, yet still come up cheaper than aluminum decking.

Pros: Composite gives you the look of wood without the upkeep. You still get the appeal of a natural wood grain style for your deck, but there’s no need to stain it every few years. Composite can be a great middle-ground if you want a classic look with a little more durability.

Cons: Composite decking needs to be washed occasionally to prevent mildew stains—especially if the dock is in a shady area. The wood fibers in some types of composite material can start to decay if they’re not properly cared for.

PVC

PVC decking is a light-weight option for both floating and stationary docks. The plastic polymer is gaining new fans in the waterfront industry because it’s easy to clean and has great options for non-slip deck surfaces.

Pros: This material puts an end to all the major maintenance worries. It’s completely mold- and mildew-resistant (unlike wood and certain composites) and won’t even fade in the sun. With PVC, what you see is what you get. No staining or re-painting required.

Cons: On the flip side, PVC decking can end up being more expensive than a composite material. It also comes with that plastic feel underfoot. It’s great if you don’t want your dock to get too hot, but the hollow PVC versions can also feel less sturdy than say, a concrete platform.

Aluminum

As another low-maintenance decking option, aluminum is often the material of choice for dock owners who want versatility. Aluminum can be left plain or powder coated. The coating options are long-lasting and some can even get the aluminum decking to resemble wood.

Pros: As with PVC, aluminum decking won’t decay. As an added bonus, aluminum won’t warp or twist. The lightweight panels have an excellent durability rating and can be easily removed whenever the dock frame needs to be inspected.

Cons: Similar to concrete, going with aluminum might be better choice for industrial or commercial dock needs. It’s expensive, and applying a powder coat can also add to the dock cost. But in the end, aluminum might still be worth it because it doesn’t require regular maintenance.

ThruFlow

The unique panel design of ThruFlow decking systems lets sunlight pass right through the dock surface so marine environments can still get the sunrays they need to thrive. For the environmentally-conscious, a ThruFlow setup is often the way to go.

Pros: The grated decking structure helps keep dock surfaces dry. Water and sunlight can move through the dock with ease, and the anti-slip surface makes it a safe choice for all types of waterfront activities.

Cons: ThruFlow docks are low-maintenance like aluminum and PVC decking, but they too come with some setbacks. Their grated design openings, although narrow, can mean that a dropped key or fishing lure might be gone for good—at the bottom of the water.

EZ Dock

An EZ Dock system doesn’t use any fillers or foam to stay afloat. The thick polyethylene sections and unique chamber design keep the dock sections buoyant and stable in all types of weather. These docks come with non-skid textures and have grooves molded into each section. You get great footing on deck—even when the surface is wet.

Pros: Modular dock sections give you an easy way to change your setup. Even if you want to stay small now, you’ll have the option to expand or reconfigure your dock down the road.

Cons: Some dock owners may still prefer a wooden deck’s aesthetic, but we like EZ Dock because it combines low-maintenance with long-lasting durability. What else is there to critique? It’s kind of win-win dock setup.

Whether you’re looking to install a new dock or need an upgrade on your current setup, choosing the right decking material is key. Different materials have inherently different benefits, but once you’ve weighed the options you’ll be ready to start planning for your project.

If you have further questions about the best decking materials for Indiana lakes and marinas, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’re always happy to provide a free consultation for your dock design or new installation.