Tired of Maintenance? Install an Aluminum Dock.
The great thing about installing a dock is the promise of enjoying the water in new, fun ways. The difficulty with installing a dock is, well, also the water.
Over time, the smallest waves and currents can wear down even the most robust docks. In particular, wooden docks are susceptible to the many rigors of lakes and rivers, since wood soaks in water over time, softening it. By contrast, alternative materials can achieve at least as much reliability as wooden docks without the drawback of drawing in water. In this month’s blog post, we’ll be discussing aluminum docks as an alternative, and why you should consider getting one installed this upcoming spring.
How Aluminum Interacts with Water
One of the most important benefits of aluminum docks are their resistance to mold and mildew. Wooden docks that host molds can become surprisingly slick, and even pose a risk of slipping and falling. However, aluminum doesn’t have that problem. Where wood is a prime host for molds, mold doesn’t mesh well with aluminum, and you won’t have to spend nearly as much time performing maintenance on your dock to keep it safe and easy to use.
Longevity of Aluminum Docks
Another great benefit of aluminum docks are their longevity. Where wooden docks tend to last an average of 15 years, aluminum docks can last between 30 and 50 years. In other words, you could install an aluminum dock at age 50, and your grandchildren could be using it on their own 50th birthday. How’s that for a lifetime guarantee?
No Splinters, No Stubbed Toes, No Mess
Because of the humidity and how the material reacts to the temperatures of the different seasons, wooden docks tend to warp over time. While this may not seem like something you’d notice, believe us: you most certainly would. The warping of wooden planks over time creates an uneven, rugged surface as the years go by. That means that in as little as 5-10 years, you and your family could be routinely stubbing your toes on the altering wooden planks.
At the same time, the warping wood also creates a prime environment for splinters, meaning you’ll need to keep the tweezers at the ready. And trust us—nothing ruins the relaxation of a waterside afternoon like splinters and stubbed toes, especially if you have children at home.
Whether you’re investing for the short-term or for future generations, an aluminum dock is the best option for any lakefront property in Kalamazoo. To start planning for your aluminum dock today, click here to contact the Pier Perfection team today.
