Understanding the pier repair basics

by | Apr 13, 2017 | Construction & Maintenance

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The pier will make it easier to access the water and the view beautiful. Still, even the water, as still and as peaceful as it seems, packs a mean punch. It has powerful erosion power over time, meaning the dock will likely have a considerable amount of wear and tear. Even though regular maintenance is necessary, do not commit to any Dock Building and Repair in Charleston, SC without first understanding the basics.

Wooden parts
First, it is important to understand that most of the pier is made up of wooden parts. Wood is fundamentally weaker, and can deteriorate over time. It will, therefore, need constant repair and replacement. The first thing to think about is the sealing of the wood. Every year, make sure the wooden parts are cleaned using pressure cleaners, which remove the mold. They should then be sanded to remove debris, and resealed. Also, make sure all the holes in the wood are repaired and sealed. Make sure the repairmen check for dry rot, which is one of the most common and devastating sources of disrepair.

Support systems
The support system is everything when it comes to the dock, and making sure it is intact is a priority. The way a pier support system is handled obviously depends on its fundamental design. For the floating piers, this could be barrels and chains. They must be checked for buoyancy and be replaced when necessary. The chains that hold the barrels together are prone to rust, so make sure to have them lubricated or welded if they break.

Electrical work
The third element of pier maintenance is the electrical work. Many piers will have some sort of electrical works within them so that boaters might see them at night, as well as electrical systems like boat lifters. Depending on the design, there might be outlets for equipment one might use, like pressure washers. The electrical component must be taken care of, and not just for convenience but for safety purposes. The safety line is very thin when it comes to electrical materials in the docks, especially for families with young children or pets.

Be it repair of the wooden part, the support system or the electrical component, trust Carolina dock and marine to get the job done. Call 843.557.1234 today for more information.