Dec 16, 2025
Winterizing piers and waterfront property require specific preparation to protect against severe cold, heavy ice formation, and fluctuating water levels. The fundamental methods involve removing or securing movable structures and implementing ice management systems for permanent installations. General maintenance and evaluation of damage sustained to piers during the boating season should also be addressed prior winter.
Ice Shove
We understand that it may be inconvenient to work around the stored pier. There may be brown grass spots under the footpads in Spring. However, nature recovers quickly. That is not true for your pier.
General Preparation
Dock Inspection and Repairs: Before winter, thoroughly inspect all components (pilings, decking, hardware, electrical) for existing damage. Schedule repairs to prevent further damage from snow and ice melt.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions service crews have the ability to make repairs on all brands of docks and boat lifts.
Remove Accessories: Disassemble and store all removable items on dry land. This includes ladders, ramps, benches, boat lifts (if possible), storage bins, and furniture.
Utilities: Disconnect and blow out any water lines to prevent freezing and bursting. Remove power sources to non-weatherproof outlets and turn off breakers. Inspect cords and junction boxes for damage.
Pier and Dock Specific Measures
The winterizing approach depends heavily on whether you have a permanent pier, a three-season pier, or a floating dock system.
Permanent Piers
Accommodate Water Levels: Lake and river water levels can fluctuate. Ensure that the fixed structure is designed to handle potential changes. Reduced water levels might leave supports exposed or strained. High water can lead to excessive ice buildup.
Ice Management: Fixed pilings are highly vulnerable to “ice-jacking.” Pier ice-jacking refers to the upward force exerted by freezing ice on dock pilings or other piers when water levels fluctuate, causing them to be lifted out of their foundations. This phenomenon is caused by rising and falling water levels, and it can lead to significant damage to docks and other structures. The best way to prevent this is to maintain an ice-free zone around the structure. Installing a dock de-icer or bubbler system is recommended to keep water moving around pilings and the structure, preventing solid ice formation in critical areas.
Monitor Ice and Snow Load: Fixed docks bear the full weight of ice and snow accumulation. Regularly remove excessive ice and snow to prevent structural overload.
Three Season Piers
Three season piers installed by Pier & Waterfront Solutions are removed in the fall and reinstalled in the spring. We recommend that you allow us to place your equipment further up on your property due to the possibility for substantial damage encountered in the spring due to ice shoves.
Improper storage too close to the water Proper storage further from the water
Floating Docks
Removal is Best: For floating docks, the safest and most effective method is often to completely remove the sections from the water and store them on dry land. This eliminates the risk of ice damage altogether.
If Left In: If removal is not feasible, floating piers need to be disconnected from shore and allowed to move in the ice. They must be securely anchored with extra slack in the lines to accommodate shifting water levels and ice movement. Monitor the dock during winter, especially after severe weather events or rapid temperature changes, as fluctuating water levels and ice pressure can quickly cause damage.
Bubblers use an air compressor to create a curtain of bubbles and are more energy-efficient and effective in shallow water.
Propeller deicers use a submerged propeller to draw warmer water up to the surface, which is more effective in deeper water.
Boat Lifts and Equipment
Raise and Disconnect: Raise the boat lift cradle completely out of the water.
Lubricate and Secure: Lubricate all moving parts with marine-safe grease. Remove the power source and secure all lines.
Boat lifts have many of the same requirements as piers depending, if they are permanent or seasonal. Bubblers and deicers do the same thing but are very different products that can be used for piers and piles or lifts.
Consult with Pier & Waterfront Solutions for service and specific advice for winterizing your Pier and waterfront.
Nov 3, 2025
Waterfront enthusiasts!
The 2025 season may be coming to an end, but now is the best time to start preparing for next year. Pier & Waterfront Solutions recommends planning early by ordering new products in the fall or early winter for installation the following spring. Lead times for new products vary, and planning ahead is crucial for custom designs, special materials, and scheduling a professional installation. Ordering early saves money and avoids delays.
- Dock and pier systems
- Aluminum docks
- Steel docks
- Permanent piers
- Boat lifts
- Cradle lifts
- Free standing lifts
- Elevator lifts
- Canopies
- Steps and stairs
- Many accessories
- Shoreline work
- Riprap
- Dredging
- Barge work
- Rock drilling
- Piles
We specialize in installation, removal, and shoreline solutions for Door County and other Wisconsin waterways.
PWS provides sales, delivery, and installation of piers, lifts, and other waterfront equipment, and accessories. Call now to have your pier designed, built and installed for next season.
Pier and Waterfront Solutions will design and manufacturer custom-built docks and floating piers for both residential and commercial applications. Customized docks and piers require additional time for engineering, design and manufacturing. Ordering early will ensure your products are ready for spring waterfront activities.
The first step to enjoying your waterfront is getting there! Waterfront Steps and Stairs are a valuable property addition. They provide safe, convenient water access while enhancing aesthetics, and boosting property value. Besides design and manufacturing, most steps and stairs require installation planning and preparation of the site. Order now to transform your “water-view” property into a waterfront adventure.
Consider accessories to include when ordering you’re your pier:
Boat lift accessories: Winch motors, canopies, and solar charging systems.
Pier accessories: Benches, ladders, bumpers, and cleats will make your pier ready for family and friends.
Toy accessories: Paddleboard/ Canoe/ Kayak Rack and Personal water craft docks make space for children and grandchildren and their toys.
How PWS can help:
- Schedule a site meeting: consider the type of pier (three season, permanent, or floating), your lakebed, shoreline work, and the accessories you want installed. Review example drawings and photos of pier and waterfront configurations.
- Request a quote: Reach out to PWS to discuss your project and a firm price. Since it is currently November 2025, contact us as soon as possible to meet the timeline for your spring 2026 installation.
- Annual follow up service: Ask about annual installation and removal for the pier products you are interested in.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions is your single source for waterfront excellence. We handle everything from design to construction and after-care, so you can focus on effortless waterfront living and cherishing every magical moment on your pier.
Don’t settle for an ordinary pier. Let’s design your waterfront masterpiece together. Contact us today at 920-493-4404 for a free consultation and unlock the full potential of your waterfront property.
Aug 31, 2021
DOCK SWAY BRACE
Is a sway brace used on your dock? If not, does your dock sway as you walk on it? There are several reasons this can happen to any dock or pier.
There are main TWO reasons for dock movement.
You need to distinguish between the two types of movement. Is it an up and down movement, or is it a side to side movement?
First, Let’s tackle the Up and Down movement.
When installed, PWS makes sure the legs are firmly on the bottom. This typically makes the dock stable for most people.
Yet, over time, storms can wash out or move the sand or rocks under the footpads. Sand is more susceptible to this action.
It’s the same effect that erosion has on the shoreline. First, it washes away sand and small stones from under the footpad. Then, it continues to work on the remaining stones and rocks. When enough materials are removed, there is nothing left to support the leg.
At this point, you may experience the sensation of up and down movement as you walk.
How do we prevent it from happening?
There is no way to completely prevent washing out of the footpads. If we disturb the lake bottom too much, it weakens the tightly packed base. Disturbing the lake bottom makes it easier for the wave action to wash the sand away. The sand (or small stones) are loosely packed and have small openings in them.
The only “cure” is to reset the legs firmly on the bottom. We notice this frequently occurs after strong storms. The “white caps” you see are moving the water under the surface also.
The second type of movement is actual “sway.”
“Sway” is the side-to-side movement when the dock is set higher above the water.
The current water level is still above average even though it is down from 2019 and 2020. This is evidenced by the continued erosion happening up and down the shoreline.
PWS raises your dock up to protect it from high wave action during the summer. When the frames are adjusted higher, the pier becomes less stable. Walking on the dock will cause a side-to-side movement because the center of gravity is higher.
Think of a simple fishing pole. When the pole moves at the bottom, the movement is amplified at the top of the pole. The higher the frames are raised, the more side movement will occur.
See this link for more information.
There is a solution.
A sway brace on the legs reduces the sway side sway. You’ll feel more secure as you walk the length of your dock.
Sway Brace
Does every set of legs need sway braces?
No. PWS will make recommendations based on the heights and lengths of your dock or pier. Often, we add a single brace on a pair of legs. Next, we alternate the position in the opposite direction on the next set of legs.
One brace is attached near the bottom of one leg and clamped higher up on the opposite leg. This depends on the height of the legs.
It may involve a crew member having to submerge in the water to reach the bottom of the leg. In spring, that is not something anyone wants to do.
Does it matter if I have an aluminum or steel frame?
A steel frame is less likely to need braces than an aluminum frame due to its own weight. Different configurations are available for aluminum frames, but the principle is the same.
Braces are available for new installations, as shown here. There is an add-on version (independent components) for existing frames. They can be added to existing dock legs if needed. Either version will help stabilize your dock in deeper water.
Will sway braces help your dock?
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more details.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.” We have implemented measures to help ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. PWS continues to work to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these preventive measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.” Remain at a safe distance.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jul 6, 2021
Today we have a request for YOUR assistance.
As you may know, we have written several articles about the Glacier Flow Thru and Sun Walk decking used on the ShoreMaster docks and PWS‘s own 3-Season Pier, respectively. (We use two deck brands due to the different widths of the docks.)
Open Decking by ShoreMaster
Each time we write an article about decking, we try to write a better description of what open decking is all about.
Like the old saying goes-
“A picture is worth a thousand words,
But a video is worth a whole lot more.”
(OK, we expanded on that old saying)
We can’t predict when and where the next big storm will hit. When and where will the waves be breaking through the decking? What does it look like when the wave is so high it actually tries to lift the decking (and the dock if you have planks instead of open decking) but ends up being dispersed as it goes through the decking instead?
Why does the 3-Season Pier stands up so well to storms? We can try to describe it in words all day long but a photo or video is much more effective.
An actual demonstration of open decking doing it’s thing is important to new customers and people considering re-decking their existing dock. They want proof that their dock stands a much better chance of weathering the storm?
Have you taken photos or videos of a dock in a storm?
During a severe storm, many people take photos or videos to show friends and neighbors what happened. Maybe you saw a dock floating into a boat lift or waves crashing through the decking. Perhaps a loose boat hit a dock, and you got the video.
We want to publish those pictures and videos. If you have these or are willing to take photos or videos (safely, of course), we ask you to email them to us. Time permitting – we’ll try to email the article to you before it’s published.
Email them to: mike@wisconsinpws.com
In the past, we received and used a great video of the wave itself being destroyed by rip-rap placed on the shoreline. The waves actually melt away harmlessly. The real demonstration starts at :30 seconds.
We want your images of a storm trying to destroy a dock.
We prefer no audio at all.
If you want credit for the videos or pictures, just let us know. With your permission, we will include your first name and the first letter of your last name, along with a general location like this – “credits: John B., Sister Bay.” We’ll post them on YouTube also. Be the first to get published. Our readers include countries other than the U.S.
Finally – a THANK YOU!!
We would like to acknowledge the notes and testimonials we have received over the years. Our crews work hard to do the job right the first time. They sometimes fail, but we always take care of our customers if it happens. We always bring your notes to their attention when you mention their name.
We post these notes in the “Customer Testimonial“ section – word for word, as written – on our website.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you?
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
May 28, 2020
Is Your Pier Missing a Dock Storage Box?
Is a Dock Storage Box on your summer shopping list? How many times do you walk to your pier, only to kick yourself because you wish you had a storage box? Do you always forget something? Every time you set foot on your dock, do you think of all the equipment you could store in it? Where do you store the life preservers? Wouldn’t a dock storage box be convenient?
What Makes A Great Storage Box?
Unsure of what to look for in a storage or dock box? Are you afraid to purchase one because you don’t know enough about them? Read on to find helpful info about storage boxes. They will make life much easier for you.
Does the Storage Box Have Tight Fits?
Water Laser Cutting Technology, used on the best dock storage boxes, ensures the best fit. This process offers a consistent, precision cut for all the various pieces. This precision makes for a superior fit. Precision cuts and quality hinges fit together better. The box is less likely to suffer from leaks or damage.
Additionally, these dock storage boxes constructed from fiberglass provide a far superior product.
What’s The Alternative?
The alternative, polyethylene (plastic) storage boxes, fade, discolor, and warp in sunlight. As a result, this depreciates its usage and aesthetic value.
Fiberglass dock storage boxes also come with a gel-coat finish to add an extra layer of protection. Like polyethylene dock boxes, the gel-coat finish will oxidize in sunlight. So what’s the difference then? The difference is, you can buff and wax the oxidation off of the box to keep it looking brand new, year after year.
Buffing and waxing increase the durability of the box in the form of scrape and cut resistance. You can buff and wax any imperfections with a rubbing compound and watch them disappear. The process is like cleaning the hull of a boat on a smaller scale.
Do Polyethlene Dock Storage Boxes Have Gel-Coating?
Polyethylene dock storage boxes do not have a gel-coat finish. Once the sun damages the plastic material, it’s impossible to restore the surface to a like-new finish again.
The failure of the polyethylene storage boxes to withstand the sun will cause you to consider buying a new dock box. This type of failure will happen much sooner with a Polyethylene box than if you had chosen a fiberglass dock box initially.
Choose quality first to save time and money.
Assorted Dock storage Box sizes
Dock storage boxes come in many sizes including:
98″ x 22″ x 24.5″ H 85″ x 22″ x 24.5″
72″ x 26.5″ x 27.5″ 74″ x 38″ x 36″
71″ x 22″ x 24.5″ 33″ x 24″ x 18″
44.5″ x 26.5″ x 27.5″ 39.5″ x 19.75″ x 21.5″
Triangular and Low profile versions are also avaiable. Call for more information.
Not enough room to mount a dock box on your dock?
PWS has alternatives including, side mounts, for the boxes.
NEW – this year!
This year PWS has another alternative that was not available in the past. Talk to Jerry about trading your dock for the new 3-Season Pier, which we are now offering.
This new steel dock can handle storms better due to it’s higher weight and the “open” decking we use. Combining these two features makes it the heaviest pier on Green Bay. It has survived installations on Lake Michigan also.
An additional feature is the 4′ x 10′ “L,” which is standard on the 3-Season dock. This allows 16 sq feet more than lesser docks. It makes it easier to mount a dock box, enter a boat lift, and entertain your friends.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions is staying “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
Is there More?
4. Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can you do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – ARE WE OPEN?
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
