Oct 27, 2020
Does Shoreline Stabilization Work?
Creating shoreline stabilization sounds pretty easy to do. Just throw some big rocks on the shore. Right!? But when you leave your shoreline, do you really think it will do the job you intended it to do?
In reality, it is labor and equipment intensive and requires special equipment and permits.
What do I have to gain by stabilization of my shoreline?
You have a lot to gain from shoreline stabilization. Waterfront property is always more expensive in comparison to a property with no waterfront. Therefore by installing erosion control (in this case, riprap), you are protecting your investment. If the shoreline is washed away or damaged, your property values diminish along with it.
Shoreline Stabilization required
Shoreline erosion can happen from numerous conditions. The typical way is from waves crashing into the shoreline. As this happens, the waves begin to undermine the foundation of the beachfront. When the shoreline is not stable, you’ll lose your lawn, trees, shrubs, and your waterfront. When a bank is unstable, it’s not safe.
There are different ways to “shore” up a beach. The two most common ways to stabilize your shoreline – riprap (limestone or granite) and steel sheet piling.
The riprap method consists of using 8″ – 30″ stones to cover the shoreline’s exposed areas. Adding riprap allows the waves to lose their energy as they pass over and into the rocks.
NOW for the proof!
Pictures are worth a thousand words!
Have you ever watched riprap in action?
Thanks to one of our many customers, we have a short video that demonstrates how riprap works. Press below –
Notice how the waves start to climb the riprap, but they dissipate in the rocks’ openings. Once the water drops below the riprap’s outer surface, it is further dispersed by more rocks under the surface.
In a major storm, some waves go so high that the spray from the waves will break over the top, as shown near the end of the video.
Be sure to call Pier & Waterfront Solutions if you would like information about the design, permitting, or erosion control estimates.
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, we provide a free site survey to determine the best material and design for your next dock.
Want to learn more about rip-rip?
Follow this link.
Contact Dave today to get started!
Call 920-905-2588 or email Dave@wisconsinpws.com
Where are we located?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in expert rip-rap installation from beginning to end. We are located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57 south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. We look forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
Oct 22, 2020
Outstanding project work. Alex is magical on the forklift and Ben is a strong extra. Nice work, it’s exactly as I hoped it would turn out. I’m hoping to get Paul Hockers to mortar some of those stones before the ice comes in.
Thank you very much, you saved my lower deck. It would not have made it through the winter.
All the best,
QB
Oct 20, 2020
Today, we have an introduction for a new employee – DJ (Dave) Meier.
DJ Meier
DJ comes to us from Cottage Grove, WI (near Madison). He has been a valuable asset to our sales team for the past several months.
DJ went to school for Mechanical Design and has worked at several engineering firms in the Madison and Milwaukee area over the years.
Many of you already met DJ from his work in our Shoreline Stabilization (rip-rap) area.
DJ is now a resident of Sturgeon Bay.
Oct 15, 2020
In response to an inquiry about a sling lift from Montross, VA, I received this back:
Thanks, Mike!
I appreciate the detail you put into this—very informative! Thank you very much.
Stewart
Oct 13, 2020
Steel or Aluminum Docks – Is Steel your best choice?
Aluminum ShoreMaster Dock
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has strongly recommended aluminum docks from ShoreMaster for years.
Today, the rising waters and intense storm activity has forced us to re-examine our customer needs.
What was the result?
If you’re in a protected or semi-protected area, we still recommend aluminum docks from ShoreMaster. These are the strongest aluminum docks on the market. When combined with their Flow-Thru decking, you have a winning combination for most needs.
But what if you aren’t in a protected area? Is steel a better choice?
Steel 3-Season Pier
The high waters have changed the environment in the last several years. For Lake Michigan and Green Bay customers, we saw a need to develop a new version of a dock. In March 2020, we announced the latest innovation from Pier & Waterfront Solutions – the steel 3-Seasons Pier.
When did this come about?
Initially developed in 2017 and 2018, the first docks were built and tested in 2019. In 2020, we put the 3-Season Pier in our sales area, where it quickly sold out.
Imagine having the most massive steel dock in the state to withstand the waves. Now, combine that with SunWalk decking, and you have another winning combination.
What else is different about the Steel 3-Season Pier?
It comes with 20-foot ramps – not the typical eight or 10-foot ramps you are accustomed to. Why is this important? A 20-foot ramp means you have a gentle rise up to the dock, and you don’t have to get a running head start to get there. It’s easier for young and old to access the pier.
Anything else?
Instead of having a mere 4′ x 8′ (32 square foot) “L” section to socialize on, you have a 4′ x 10′ (40 square foot) “L” section. The kids will no longer trip over your feet as they run around.
There’s 25% more room to sit or socialize on. The massive “L” section will also get you away from the boat lift area and the supplies you want to load.
What’s important when deciding what material to use?
When deciding on the type of material to use on your dock, it is essential to use strong materials that will last season after season.
Even the legs are massive. They measure 2-3/8″ outside diameter versus the next closest one 1-7/8″.
You can follow this link 3-Seasons Pier for the technical details of why it’s the strongest and best dock for you.
Aluminum Docks
Aluminum docks have always been popular due to their low maintenance and durability. Some people choose to install and remove their piers themselves, and the lighter weight helps.
Aluminum Dock Pros:
- Low Maintenance & Durability – Aluminum frames do not rust.
- Light-weight – Aluminum docks are easier to install.
Cons:
- More expensive – The biggest drawback for aluminum docks is that it can be more costly than it’s steel counterpart.
Steel Docks
Steel docks are popular because of their cost efficiencies and superior strength,
Pros:
- Strength: For heavily used piers, steel will be the best option for its strength, which will withstand constant use.
- Galvanized steel: At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, we use galvanized steel to prevent rusting.
Cons:
- Heavier weight: While the dock is known for its superior strength, the weight can also prevent buoyancy issues.
Ready to learn more?
At Pier & Waterfront Solutions, we provide a free site survey to determine the best material and design for your next dock.
Contact Jerry today to get started!
Call 920-493-4404 or email Jerry@wisconsinpws.com
Where are we located?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in ShoreMaster aluminum docks and now the 3-Seasons
Pier by PWS. We are located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57 south Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
