Author: Frankie Sharp

How to Avoid Common Dock Repair Problems

Frankie Sharp Deck Building , , , , , ,

A dock is a structure that allows boats to be docked or moored. Like other structures, docks need to be repaired regularly to prevent structural damage and maintain safety.

Dock Repair

During routine inspections, owners should check for issues like foundation cracks or frame damage. Repairing these problems quickly can save money and time. Contact Lake Norman Dock Builder for professional help.

Wood rot is one of the most common problems that docks face. This is a fungal disease that eats away at the wood, and it can be difficult to spot in its early stages. It is also hard to repair and may require replacement of parts of your dock. If a large area of your dock has rot, you should call in a professional to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repair or replacement.

While it is impossible to prevent wood rot completely, you can take steps to slow down the process. You can do this by regularly cleaning your wooden dock with an environmentally friendly cleaner, and resealing any boards that have an open end. This will help to keep moisture from penetrating the wood and making it a breeding ground for wet rot fungus.

It is also a good idea to keep a wood filler on hand in case you need to patch up any damaged areas of your dock. These products, which look like cookie dough, are easy to pack into the holes left by rot and will bond tightly. You can find these products online or at any home improvement store. Once the rot is removed and the filler has set, you can sand the surface and paint or stain it to match the rest of your dock.

Another way to slow down the process is by replacing any rotting pieces of your dock immediately. This will avoid the rot from spreading and make the rest of your dock look better.

You should also regularly inspect your dock for cracking or sagging. These signs of deterioration are an indicator that the foundation of your dock is starting to fail, and it will need to be replaced as soon as possible. This could mean piering or polyjacking, both of which should be done by a qualified professional to ensure your dock is safe for boats and people to use for years to come.

Lastly, if you notice any rust on metal components of your dock, this is an indication that they are starting to corrode and need to be replaced. This can be an expensive project, but it is vital to keeping your dock safe for boats and people to use for years.

Cracks and Warps

Whether they’re made of wood, concrete or metal, docks are susceptible to damage caused by waves, currents, wind and other environmental conditions. This can cause cracks, warps and other deterioration that may lead to the need for repairs or even replacement of the entire dock. Oftentimes, these types of issues can be repaired by professionals, but in other cases, it’s simply a matter of replacing the dock entirely to prevent further damage and ensure safety for anyone who uses it.

Regardless of the material used, all docks must be regularly inspected for damage and to determine if it’s time for a repair or replacement. Cracks in the foundation of a dock or on the surface should be addressed immediately as they pose a serious safety hazard. Generally, the foundation of a dock can be repaired fairly easily by adding a new layer of concrete over the existing one to stabilize it. This can be done without disrupting any of the existing structure, which makes it a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to a major problem.

For docks that have wood components, the most common issue is wood rot caused by a fungus that can spread rapidly. In some cases, rotting wood can be repaired by replacing individual boards with new treated wood that has gone through a preservation process. It’s also a good idea to stain any replaced board to match the color of the existing ones on the dock to help conceal the repair work.

Warps and bends in the supports of a dock are caused by constant pressure from waves and currents that can be exacerbated by people running boats into the structure or hitting them while docking. Depending on the severity and where these problems are located, it may be possible to repair or replace individual sections of the dock, but in some cases, the whole structure needs to be replaced.

For metal docks, rust is another common problem that can quickly deteriorate the integrity of the structure. In some cases, rust can be repaired by repainting the affected areas with a high-quality marine paint. However, if rust is spreading to multiple parts of the dock or the foundation, it’s likely time for a replacement.

Rust

Docks are exposed to water, sun, rain and wind on a constant basis. Over time, these elements can cause wear and tear that requires repair. A well-established maintenance plan will keep your loading dock equipment functioning properly and reduce downtime and operational costs.

Dock maintenance includes regular inspections for rot, cracks and rust. Inspecting the structure at the beginning and end of each season is a great way to spot problems early on and address them quickly. A thorough inspection can also detect issues that may be brewing but haven’t yet become noticeable.

Rust is a common issue for docks, especially those that are located in salt water environments. Even galvanized metals can corrode and eventually need to be replaced. If rust is found on major components or a significant amount of the structure, it’s usually best to replace the dock completely to prevent safety risks.

Another sign that a dock is in need of repair is if it begins to sag. A sagging dock can create dangerous conditions for boaters and needs to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid serious structural damage. A sagging dock can also indicate that the foundation of the structure is deteriorating and will need to be replaced.

Wood rot is another common issue for docks and can be particularly harmful to boats. If the rotting is limited to non-load-bearing areas, it’s typically a simple fix that can be done by replacing the affected boards with treated lumber. It’s also a good idea to treat all piers and supports with a waterproof seal to help protect them from the elements and fungal decay.

Other common dock repair issues include a damaged foundation or extensive hurricane damage. A deteriorated foundation can cause the entire structure to collapse, which is a major safety risk for anyone who uses it. A qualified professional can assess the foundation and determine the most effective solution for repairing it, which might include piering or polyjacking. These repairs can be quite costly, but they are necessary to keep the dock safe for boaters and swimmers.

Pile Wrap

Pile wrap protects dock pilings from marine borers, which eat away at the wood and can cause structural problems for the entire dock. Our heavy-duty piling wrap is made of durable materials and affixes to the sides of a pile, shielding it from marine borers. It’s also easy to add to existing docks and can help extend the life of a pile.

The problem is exacerbated by the constant movement of water and the tide, which causes stress on a piling that’s being constantly exposed to the elements. This stress can make it a lot easier for the borers to find a hole in the piling and start eating away at it, which weakens it and makes it more susceptible to other damage.

This is why it’s so important to protect your pilings with either a piling cap or a piling wrap. Piling caps seal the tops of a pile and can be constructed of a variety of materials, including metals like copper, or plastics such as vinyl. While they’re labor-intensive to install, these caps can last for decades and help reduce the need for future repairs.

While the industry standard for new marine piles is to affix a thin black plastic wrap to them, this isn’t a great solution. Because the wrap is nailed to the pile, it’s vulnerable at points where marine growth builds up or as the nails start to rust and the wrap rips over time.

A better solution is to use a system like SnapJacket, which involves “snapping” plastic wraps around a pile and then sealing them with concrete. This is much more effective at protecting a pile from borers and can fortify decayed or eroded wood, too.

This type of repair can save you the cost and hassle of replacing your dock’s pilings in the future, and it’s also a much more environmentally friendly solution than digging out old pilings for replacement. To learn more about how our piling wraps can protect your dock and extend its life-time, contact us today. We’ll gladly answer any questions you have.

How to Choose an Asphalt Driveway

Frankie Sharp Concrete Contractor , , , ,

When it comes to getting a new driveway, you have several options. One popular choice is Paving Companies Summerville SC.

Asphalt is an attractive and durable paving material that can last many years with proper maintenance. It’s also quick and easy to install. Plus, it’s a good choice for areas with heavy traffic because it absorbs noise pollution and jigglings.

Asphalt is a popular paving material for both residential driveways and roadways. It has a long lifespan and is relatively easy to maintain. The type of asphalt you choose depends on your budget, climate, and other factors. However, there are some key things you should know before committing to asphalt.

First, you must understand how asphalt is made. It is a combination of aggregates bound together with bitumen or another adhesive substance. The mixture is heated before being rolled onto your driveway. The aggregates are commonly sand or small crushed stones. The asphalt must be properly prepared and compacted to ensure longevity.

An asphalt contractor will begin the process by grading the soil. The soil should be sloped toward the grassy areas of your property to avoid pooling water and ponding. A sub-base layer is then put down, followed by a binder layer. The binder layer is usually made of bitumen mixed with oil to make it durable and strong. Finally, the top surface layer is poured and smoothed.

In addition to being cheaper than concrete, an asphalt driveway is also more flexible. This flexibility helps it to resist the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. Concrete, on the other hand, can heave or crack during these extreme temperatures.

Another advantage of asphalt is that it holds up well against salt and is often used to melt snow and ice on the road. While asphalt will crack from exposure to harsh cold weather, these cracks are less noticeable than concrete ones.

Asphalt is also resistant to sunlight, which can bleach concrete. As such, it is a better choice for homeowners who want to protect their vehicles from the sun’s harmful rays.

The best way to prolong the life of your asphalt driveway is to have it regularly inspected and maintained by an experienced paving contractor. This will help to prevent early wear and tear, which can lead to costly repairs. In addition to checking the driveway, a professional can recommend maintenance and repair options. An asphalt driveway properly cared for can last up to fifteen or twenty years.

The size of the driveway plays a significant role in the final cost. Larger drives will require more materials than smaller ones, and labor is also a factor. An experienced paving contractor can provide precise pricing based on the plot and project needs.

An asphalt driveway costs less than a concrete one, but the cost can still add up quickly. It’s a good idea to budget for the entire project, including demolishing an existing driveway and any landscaping that will need to be moved or replaced.

A new asphalt driveway typically costs around $2,932 to $6,568, per Bob Vila, or $7 to $13 per square foot. This is roughly half the cost of a concrete drive.

When choosing a contractor, look for someone with experience and an impressive portfolio of past projects. An established company can offer a competitive price and guarantee quality artistry, which can make all the difference in a smooth, durable finish.

There are a few factors that can affect the total cost of an asphalt driveway, including the amount of base material needed and whether a thicker or thinner layer will be used. The underlying soils also have a major impact on costs, with sandy or gravel-rich dirt needing far less material than clay or loam. An asphalt thickness of two to three inches is standard, but some contractors may recommend a thicker layer if heavy vehicles and equipment are regularly parked on the surface.

Local costs and fees can also increase the cost of an asphalt project, as well as any upgrades or additional services that you want to include. For example, adding curbs and sidewalks will require extra excavation and removal of existing materials, which can significantly add to the overall cost.

Another consideration is the lifespan of an asphalt versus concrete driveway. Asphalt generally lasts 15 to 20 years, while a concrete driveway lasts up to 40 or more. If your asphalt driveway shows signs of deterioration, such as cracking or losing its shine, resurfacing it will help restore and extend its life.

Asphalt is an extremely durable material that can withstand the weight of vehicles and other traffic. It also resists damage from weather changes because it is pliable and can expand and contract without cracking, per the Asphalt Kingdom. It’s not as strong as concrete, however, so if your driveway sees regular heavy traffic from cars and trucks, consider using pavers or another heavier material.

It is possible to make asphalt more durable by incorporating a thicker layer in your driveway, but this requires additional time and money. This step is typically necessary if your driveway hosts large vehicles, such as RVs or large pickup trucks.

A professional contractor can tell you the best thickness for your driveway. Angi estimates that a three-inch layer can support small sedans and coupes for several years, but if you want to accommodate larger vehicles, you should go with a five-inch thickness. This is more expensive, but it will last longer than a thinner layer.

An asphalt driveway is easier to repair than a concrete one, and patched areas blend better with the surrounding surface. This is a big advantage if you’re looking to limit the cost of your home improvement project. However, it’s important to note that if your asphalt is exposed to a lot of sunlight, it can become hot and sticky, leading to more routine maintenance.

The quality of your asphalt will determine how long it lasts. It’s important to choose a company with experience installing and repairing asphalt, and you should ask them how they maintain their equipment and materials. You can also look for an asphalt contractor that uses recycled material to increase the longevity of your new pavement.

When selecting the type of asphalt for your driveway, you should look for a high-temperature grade that can withstand traffic and weather. Low-temperature grades do not meet these demands, and they can be prone to cracking. The TFHRC recommends avoiding additives that decrease the temperature grade of your pavement, as they will oxidize and lose their strength and resilience. These include used frying oil, corn stover residues, and treated swine manure.

Asphalt is a durable material that can withstand the elements, but it is not indestructible. It is important to inspect your driveway regularly to identify and repair small issues before they grow into larger problems. A properly maintained asphalt surface can last up to 20 years before it needs to be repaved or repaired.

A damaged driveway can become a safety hazard for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces create trip hazards, which can lead to serious injuries if someone trips and falls over them. Likewise, cars may become stuck in the cracks or can get side-swiped by an unsuspecting driver.

In addition to addressing safety concerns, asphalt maintenance is essential for preserving your investment. Regular sealcoating of your driveway helps to protect the pavement from sunlight, water, and chemical pollutants that can deteriorate the asphalt binder. It also helps to maintain the appearance of your driveway, making it look newer and more attractive for longer.

The frequency of sealcoating will depend on your climate and the traffic the driveway receives. Generally, a driveway should be sealed every two to five years. However, if your driveway is constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions and heavy traffic, it might need to be sealed more frequently.

Asphalt can be swept or pressure washed to remove dirt, leaves, and debris that can wear down the surface. It is recommended that you clean your asphalt driveway at least twice a year to prevent the build-up of these materials and keep it looking its best.

Unlike concrete, asphalt is less prone to surface flaking. This damage is usually the result of improper installation, overuse of de-icing salts, or poor preparation of the paving mixture. Asphalt can also be more easily repaired, with many repairs that can be done as a weekend DIY project for the average homeowner.

Whether you own a business, run a residential community, or manage an apartment complex, having a well-maintained asphalt driveway is critical for the image of your property.