Building a dock is expensive so the last thing you want is to watch it wear down and start to look unkempt. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your wooden dock against the elements and increase its longevity. With our years of experience in dock repair, we recommend sealing your wooden dock as an effective preventative method.
How to Protect Your Wooden Dock
Since your dock is on a waterfront, it’s directly exposed to water and weather elements. Waves can quickly ruin your dock if you don’t make an effort to protect it. Add in rain or hail, and you’ll probably need to update your dock every year.
To protect your dock, you should invest in a weatherproof seal shortly after you build and install it. The sooner you get the seal on your dock, the less damage will show over time. That’s not the only reason you should seal your dock, though.
Why You Should Seal Your Wooden Dock
Prevent Dry Rot
Dry rot is a significant problem for wooden docks. Since the wood is constantly exposed to water and sun, it’s only a matter of time before dry rot sets in if you don’t treat and seal your dock.
Sealing your wooden dock prevents the unwanted fungi that cause dry rot from making their home in your dock.
Keeps Your Dock Looking Nice
Sealing your dock will help it maintain a nice, healthy color for a longer amount of time. Unsealed wood will quickly dull and begin to look old. Sealing your dock protects it and provides a shield between the wood and the harsh weather.
Save Money in the Long Run
Although sealing your dock can seem like a significant investment, it will actually end up saving you money in the long run. This is because sealants protect your dock from moisture. Long-term exposure to moisture makes your dock unstable, and you’ll need to repair and replace it much more often.
Additionally, there are many cost-effective methods available. You don’t have to purchase the most expensive sealant for it to be effective. Most contractors have a variety of options that you can choose from so that you aren’t forced to spend more than you can afford.
Can Be Used With Stain
Maybe you want to stain your wooden dock and are afraid that it won’t work with a sealant. Fortunately, you can use both stain and sealants together. You can even find a sealer that has stain pigmentation in it so you can complete both projects at once.
Staining and sealing your dock can add even more protection to your wooden dock than using one or the other. If you want to do both, it’s possible.
Prevent Mold
Mold can lead to your dock becoming spongy and needing replacement. Since replacing even a part of your dock can be expensive, it makes sense that you should work to prevent this as much as possible.
Sealing your dock protects it from moisture and bacteria that often cause mold problems. As sealing your dock is much cheaper than replacing it, it should certainly be your first choice.
Conclusion
Sealing your wooden dock is the best way to preserve its natural beauty and ensure it lasts as long as possible. In addition, by preventing moisture-related damage, mold, and dry rot, your dock will be much better prepared to handle the elements after being sealed. Call us today to talk about sealing and protecting your dock.
