Signs Your Dock Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

If you own a dock on the shores of Lake Arrowhead, you know how much joy that dock can bring to you or your family. Not only can you use it as a place to store and launch your boat, but it can be used as a spot for activities, or an area to lounge on hot summer days. It’s the platform that upholds your summer.

With prolonged use, however, your dock can start to show signs of wear and tear. If necessary repairs are neglected, they can pose a serious hazard to anyone that uses it. With that in mind, there are some obvious warning signs that you should be looking out for, including:

• Drooping finger ends
• Splits or cracks in fascia
• Loose or wobbly fingers
• Fascia sitting low on water
• Rotting Beams
• Loose decking boards
• Loose cleats
• Excessive play in connections
• Broken welds and worn connection points
• Chaffing on dock bumper and slings

Let’s dive into the various signs that indicate your dock needs to be repaired or replaced. Not only will this help you get any necessary repairs done before summer, but it will also help you  prevent damages in the future!

Drooping Finger Ends

If you notice that your dock fingers are starting to droop into the water, it’s likely that they’re no longer stable and unsafe to walk on. Given that they’re used whenever you step on or off your boat, they should sit at an even height from the main dock to make it easy for all passengers to safely exit any watercraft.

Splits or Cracks in Fascia

The fascia is the main structural support on  your dock. If you notice any damage such as cracks or splits to the fascia, it’s vital to get that damage repaired immediately. When the fascia is damaged, the rest of your dock becomes vulnerable.

Loose or Wobbly Fingers

If you notice your fingers seem loose or wobbly it’s a sign that there is either lose or broken hardware causing the excessive play or one of the other  structural members has broken loose. This is another critical sign that needs to be repaired immediately before the rest of your dock or boat is damaged further.

Fascia Sitting Low on Water

With your fascia sitting low and drooping into the water, an important line of defense is removed. This indicates there is no longer sufficient flotation for your dock.  This can be caused from failing flotation or water saturation to the dock itself. As the dock sits lower in the water it becomes more susceptible to wood rot which will eventually cause imminent failure.

Rotting Beams

Beams form the foundation of your dock, and when they start to rot they become susceptible to damage. Essentially, the weaker your beams, the weaker your dock.  All beams and decking are vital to the overall structural integrity of the dock and should be repaired or replaced if any rot or damage is noticed.

Loose Decking Boards

The decking boards are generally  the most noticeable part of your dock. They are used for lounging, walking, and all other activity that takes place; they pose a great risk to the safety of dock users if they become loose. Keeping them secure and in good condition is perhaps the most vital step to ensuring that your dock remains free of hazards.   

Loose Cleats

If the cleats on your dock are loose and the decking screws are pulling up, that might indicate the boards beneath are starting to rot or there  is excessive play an the structural members of the dock. Loose cleats also increase the chance that your boat will bang against the dock, or even rip off the dock in rough conditions.

Excessive Play in Connections

Loose connections on your dock will only compound problems that are preexisting. While the waters of Lake Arrowhead are generally calm, if your dock is loose at connection points, everything from rapid fascia damage to unnecessary boat damage will occur at a faster rate. It can also make it difficult to stand on your dock by giving way to constant instability.

Broken Welds and Worn Connection Points

The connection points on your pier and dock are subject to a lot of wear and tear from the constant movement caused by boat wakes and wind. If sway chains or anchors are not set correctly then these points are subject to failure so its critical they are set correctly. These connection points on either side of the gangplank and at the sway bars should be checked frequently. If you notice any signs of a welds starting  to break or the connection points start to wear down, the structural integrity of your dock is quickly jeopardized. Fixing this damage should be a priority for all dock owners.

Next Steps

While it may be distressing to notice any damage(s), some of these problems are easily remedied.  That’s why we recommend letting us know anytime you notice any of the above signs so they can be addressed before further damage is incurred.

However, if you’ve noticed a severe problem like rotten wood or unstable fingers, it might be time for a new dock. There are different ways to identify rotten wood beyond spotting dark, soft patches on the wood. For example, loose cleats are often the result of screws that have been pulled up through the wood, which suggests that the wood beneath is no longer healthy enough to keep them snug.

It’s paramount that you conduct annual checkups on your dock, especially right before busier seasons. By staying on top of it, you can prevent any damage from occurring and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, safe, and well-kept dock!