Docks and Seawalls can last 40 + years if well maintained however most are not and won’t last 25 years. Subject to extremely harsh conditions like massive water pressure, submersion, wind, salt, sun, ice, waves, and water dwelling parasites it makes sense that these structures would require much more maintenance than land structures. Preventative maintenance can save significant costs.
MAINTAINING DOCKS
Wooden docks and piers should be sealed with Wood R/X Sealer Stain, once every 3 to 5 years.
Wooden decks, railings, and other wood surfaces require periodic oiling (for South American hardwoods) or staining and sealing for protection, even though pressure-treated wood is used.
Pilings must be inspected, repaired, and protected. If you don’t already have polyethylene wrapping on your pilings, it is highly recommended. Wraps should double the life of any wood piling by protecting it from marine borers and rot. If your pilings are damaged, Forma-Pile piling restoration can be used to extend their useful life.
MAINTAINING SEAWALLS
When the ground is saturated, water pressure pushes on your seawall to equalize pressure. Installing weep holes allows some of that water to drain, making your seawall last longer.
Adding footers can save a seawall that has been undermined.
Dirt can leak out of the seams in a seawall. Adding hydraulic cement where pilings meet seawall panels to keep dirt from leaking out.
MAINTAINING BOAT LIFTS
Maintaining your boat-lift makes it work better and last longer. Maintenance includes greasing, checking cables for burrs, and cleaning marine growth (oysters, barnacles, algae) on the track.
INSPECTING DOCKS
We do a general visual inspection and assessment including photos and written narrative comments about any defects and deficiencies observed at the time of the inspection. What we inspect on docks includes but is not limited to:
- visual inspection of pilings, piling caps and fenders
- visual inspection of supporting collars, stringers, joists and their connections
- visual inspection and comments on the conditions of the decking
- general conditions of tie down cleats, fish tables, ladders and all electrical circuits and outlets
- visible components of water and electric service, if present. (Standards of Practice for Electrical Systems and Plumbing Systems apply)
- visual inspection of boathouses and canopies. (Standards of Practice for Roof Systems apply)
- visual inspection and assessment of Gondolas, Screen Houses and Tiki Huts
- visual inspection of any handrails
- visual inspection of steps and ramps
- comment on the general remaining life expectancy
- comment on any environmental issues
INSPECTING LIFTS/DAVITS
General visual inspection and assessment including photos and written narrative comments about any defects and deficiencies observed at the time of the inspection. What we inspect on lifts includes but not limited to:
- visually inspect motor covers
- visually inspect belts or chains
- visually inspect pulleys
- visually inspect frame channels
- visually inspect control boxes
- visible components of electric service, if present. (Standards of Practice for Electrical Systems and Plumbing Systems apply)
INSPECTING SEAWALLS AND BULKHEADS
Typical types of seawalls in the area consists of but not limited to:
- vinyl
- polymer/fiberglass
- steel/aluminum
- wood
General visual inspection and assessment including photos and written narrative comments about any defects and deficiencies observed at the time of the inspection. What we inspect on seawalls includes but not limited to:
- visual inspection of any soil loss or erosion behind the wall
- visual inspection of any tilting or leaning of seawall panels
- visual inspection for the degradation or spalling of the concrete seawalls and or caps
- inspection of the visible portions of the toe of the seawall from land
- visual inspection of rip-rap
- comment on the general remaining life expectancy
- comment on any environmental issues
Note: All inspections are conducted from land and/or the dock. We do not enter the water at any time unless discussed in advance. Inspections are ideally conducted at mid-low tide.
PRICING
Please call the office 804-815-4444 for a price on your seawall and or dock inspections. Each inspection site is different. Inspection costs on older marine structures and or marine structures with more components are typically more complex than those that are newer and or are limited in scope. We will request some pictures and a couple rough lengths prior to giving you an inspection price.