Those living on the lake front have plenty of pride and joy, not to mention funds, invested in their dock, so it’s important to know what steps to take to safeguard that investment from the winter months and the crushing forces of lake ice.
A dock system at a lakeside home or cabin is a key part of enjoying lake life in the summer, from providing a place to tie off a boat or canoe to serving as a launchpad for epic cannonballs into the drink. In order to keep that dock system in good shape, it’s important to keep several aspects of winter in mind and get ahead of the cold season to prevent costly damage.
According to Canadian Waterfront Services Ltd., an Ontario-based company that specializes in waterfront design services, including docks and boathouses, there are plenty of things to do to keep your dock in tip-top shape during winter. First off, they recommend clearing off all of the equipment, furniture, structures and any other elements of lake life that were not originally designed as part of the dock system. The next step is to disconnect and remove from the water any removable sections of the dock to prevent damage from seasonal ice movement. These elements can include boat lifts, floating dock extensions and other add-ons. Be sure to remove ramps as well, particularly ramps that are built into the dock system, by removing all of the applicable boards and deck panels, disconnecting the ramp from the fixed structure and placing the ramp on shore where it will be safe for the winter months.
For floating dock systems, in addition to the previously mentioned steps, its recommended to loosen all anchor chains approximately 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimetres) to allow for fluctuations in lake levels during the winter months. It’s also a good idea to attach an additional “safety” line from the dock to a fixture on land to prevent the floating elements of the dock from detaching in high water and floating away, which can be a significant hazard to boaters and others who make use of connected waterways.
For the rest of a permanent structure, it can be worth considering installing ice protection measures to help safeguard the dock pilings, bracing and sub-structure. These countermeasures include bubblers, de-icers and internal heating coils.
It’s beneficial to inspect your dock for any apparent defects or damages during the summer months ahead of winter, which will allow you to get ahead of any serious problems or monitor less significant issues should they worsen over the course of the winter. Look for signs of wear, damage, corrosion, rot or decay, as well as loosening boards, fasteners and connections in your dock’s boards, piles, beams, joists and hardware, and make appropriate repairs where necessary. If you have any electrical systems installed on or near your dock, it’s also a good idea to make sure they are appropriate for outdoor winter use, and inspect them regularly and ahead of winter for any signs of damage, corrosion or malfunction.
You’ve spent a lot of time, money and effort on your dock, and by taking these steps ahead of the long winter months, you can continue to enjoy your lake or riverside dock for years to come.
