Signs for Dock Repair or Replacement
It can be hard to know if your Kalamazoo dock needs repair or replacement because issues aren’t always visible. Here at Pier Perfection, we believe that knowing when to repair or replace your dock is important for safety, preventing dangerous structural collapses or falls, as well as cost savings by addressing minor issues before escalating into expensive major repairs or replacements.
In this month’s blog, we’re discussing the signs that you should be aware of for when your dock may need repairs or a full replacement services.
Structural Issues
Movement, misalignment, and uneven surfaces often indicate problems beneath the docking that will not resolve on their own and can worsen with waves and seasonal ice. Our team evaluates load paths and connections, so minor defects are connected before they become safety risks.
Some signs that your dock is in need of repair services are:
- Noticeable sway or bounce when walking on it
- Leaning piles or shifting footings after storms
- Cracked stringers, split joists, or warped headers
- Loose, lifted, or missing fasteners
Material Decay
Wood, aluminum, and composite all fail in different ways, and early signs are often subtle until moisture, UV exposure, and temperature changes accelerate damage. In order for our pier technicians to check out your dock for potential replacement, look for these signs:
- Soft, spongy, or splintering deck boards
- Rot at joist ends
- Rusted bolts and corroded brackets
Other Warning Signs
Operational clues can be as telling as structural ones, especially when routine adjustments are no longer holding or the dock behaves differently across water levels. We review performance issues alongside code and electrical considerations by looking for these signs:
- Floats that waterlog, sit low, or create uneven freeboard
- Gaps between opening sections
- Excessive creaking or popping
Request a Pier Perfection Assessment
If any of these conditions sound familiar, then contact us here at Pier Perfection today for more information in how we can visit your dock, inspect it, and move forward with next steps.
