May 19, 2020
The Best Boat Dock Decking in Door County
Boat dock decking is no longer a simple piece of wood laid on other pieces of wood. There are many types of materials used on piers and boat docks today.
Today’s options include open-deck plastic, solid plastic boards, aluminum, wood, and various composites.
What’s the most popular decking used today, and why?
Today, wise shoppers choose plastic with the open-deck configuration.
Why?
It’s simple. The best type of decking is a plastic deck. Today’s plastic holds it’s original color (within 3%). It also keeps it’s shape better. Plastics need less maintenance than any of the other types of decking.
Plastic decking requires no staining or painting. The surface does not flake or wear-off, nor does it lose its color with exposure to the UV rays.
Open-decking helps resist the growth of mold and mildew far better than wood or even another plastic deck. Plastic stays cool in the summer, repels rain and dries quickly. About 90% of the moisture runs off immediately while the rest simply evaporates.
What about other types of plastic boat dock decking?
If you are referring to the wood and resin-impregnated boards, over time, the wood fibers swell. The moisture can attract mold and mildew.
How about recycled plastic boards with no fiber in it?
Typical Plank decking
The recycled boards come with their unique problems.
If stored in shaded areas, HDPE plastic boards cannot escape the mold/mildew cycle. See how the mold/mildew cycle develops HERE.
What’s the most important thing about decking?
Recycled decking is an extruded board. That means, when cresting waves hit the bottom of the dock, there is no release for the energy waves produce. The bolted-down boards keep the decking from washing away. But this creates a virtual “solid” surface for the wave’s energy to push against. The frame structure must take all the energy from the wave.
How can you prove this?
Look at a dock that flipped over during a storm. You will notice that the legs bent in the direction that the storm originated.
Solid boards with a 1/2″ gap every 6″ does not relieve the pressure from the waves.
The result is the upward pressure from the waves lifted the pier high enough for it to move sideways. The legs were no longer vertical. They came down at an angle, and the legs bent. The continuing pressure from the waves then pushed the dock over.
Plastic is plastic – isn’t it?
Yes, they are all oil derivatives. But, there are many types of plastic made today. Some are super hard and act as “bearing surfaces,” while others are very pliable.
In general, plastics will outlive us. The shape and surface area of the plastic makes a big difference when it comes to decking.
How do you relieve the upward energy?
The only way to relieve the pressure on the boat dock decking is to provide enough open areas for the wave energy to pass through. 42% open area is the standard today.
At this percentage, almost one-half of the wave energy passes through the decking. The wave is less likely to lift the dock. Yet the decking is strong enough to walk on.
If you combine the most massive steel frame in Door County along with an open deck,
you get the PWS 3-Season Pier.
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.
4. Some employees are working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee exhibiting symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless and faster.
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.”
So, YES – WE ARE OPEN!
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
May 5, 2020
Sturgeon Bay business installs Rip-Rap
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has expanded its Sturgeon Bay rip-rap business to handle the increased installation demand on Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay. Installing rip-rap has prevented further destruction due to the high water levels. Pier & Waterfront Solutions has kept its excavators working through the winter to meet the demand.
PWS Co-owner, Dave Kalista, has been coordinating the work for the last two years. Dave recently reported that “As the waters continue to rise, the demand has risen with it. We recently added another excavator to handle the demand.” Dave went on to say, “With the additional excavator, we can better serve our customers in a timely fashion.”
As of Jan. 2020, local waters in Sturgeon Bay and the whole of the Door County Peninsula have risen 39,” year-to-year. 39″ exceeds records set back in 1986. Some experts predict water levels will increase by an additional 20″ by the end of summer.
Rip-rap could prevent this.
As a result, beaches are eroding at an alarming rate. The erosion is due to record-setting water levels and intense storms. Typical damage includes eroded beaches, lawns, and uprooted trees and vegetation.
How can you protect your Property?
Experts agree – rip-rap and seawalls are the best methods to protect against erosion. Of the choices, rip-rap is the least costly by far.
Contact Dave at (920) 905-2588 for more information.
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.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
Apr 24, 2020
The Ultimate Guide to Dock Sway
Define Dock Sway
Dock sway is the side-to-side movement experienced when you walk on dock decking. The higher a dock sits, the more likely it will occur. It can also happen on deeper inland akes, even though the deck is only a foot above the water. Sway is the direct result of the length of the legs and the size of the leg material.
We have published several articles to tell you about the continued rising waters on Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
https://wisconsinpws.com/rip-rap/ &
https://wisconsinpws.com/lake-michigan-water-levels/)
At the time of the most recent report, the water was 14″ higher than last year. Remember, last year was about 12″ higher than the previous year.
Since the most recent update, it has continued to rise several inches more. The upward trend will continue through 2020.
How Much Higher Will the Docks be This Year?
Long legs = dock sway
It will be necessary to raise the docks to adjust for storms. It’s the only way to escape the waves’ energy. The high waves we experience in Door County means it is always prudent to raise the dock accordingly.
What Causes Dock Sway?
The longer the legs are, the more likely you are to experience sway. Let’s look at two examples to explain this:
- A flagpole tends to sway when subjected to strong winds. If you raise the pole 10′ higher without increasing the diameter of the flagpole, you will see much more sway. The higher the pole is, the larger the width of the pole must be.
- If you step on a 6-foot step ladder, the first few rungs are pretty stable. You’re not high off the bottom. The higher you go, the more the ladder tends to sway.
We do not advise this, but if you place your feet on the top rung of the ladder, you need to start looking for a safe place to land.
How Can You Minimize Sway?
There are several things that you can do:
1. Increase the width of the dock. It’s more stable when walking on a wider pier. But, that’s not practical when you already have a dock.
2. The addition of cross-braces on the lower parts of the legs will reduce the swaying motion. Cross braces are rigid pipe(s) attached in an “X” pattern to make the dock stable. Usually, the cross brace attaches near the end of the dock, where the longest legs are used. The end is the most susceptible point on a pier when looking at sway.
3. New this year is the 3-Season Pier. This new pier will also be set high, but the legs are stronger (larger diameter), and the dock is more stable as a result. Cross braces would still be a good idea if your experience sway.
4. Give serious consideration to not installing all the sections you have available. See this article – Shorter Dock on April 28th.
Why Go Through Any of These Expenses?
You could let the waves destroy the dock and get a new one using the insurance money. Wrong!! If you re thinking this way, check out this article along with this article. Insurance will rarely pay for your damaged dock.
What Does the 3-Season Pier Use?
On the 3-Season Pier, we use 2″ schedule 40, galvanized steel pipe, which has an outside diameter of 2 3/8″.
Compare that with the legs used by some competitors, which are 1 ¼” pipe or even 1 ½” tubing. (Tubing is the lightest or thinnest of all the materials used. Tubing is used mainly on all-wood docks). Both of these have little strength, and docks should never use them.
One Last Suggestion
One final recommendation is to use “Flow-Through” decking (see this article on May 19th) This decking minimizes the effects of the waves on the dock. With 42% less deck surface, it allows much of the wave’s energy to pass harmlessly through the decking.
In conclusion
Give serious consideration to not installing the full length of your dock to avoid sway this year.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Also, 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 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:
- Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
- Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings.
- When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
- 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?
- Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
- Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
- We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
- Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
- 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?
- Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
- When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – WE ARE 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.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
Apr 21, 2020
What happened to Lake Michigan water levels?
Water levels continued to rise on Lake Michigan in February, and it dropped 1″ in March*.
According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit district, “February was drier across most of the Great Lakes. However, water levels remain above record highs for this time of year”. In reality, February saw another two-inch increase compared to February of 2019.
We projected a 10″ rise in water levels year to year. We missed that mark. It rose 14 inches, which represents 11 trillion gallons more water in the Lake Michigan-Huron water system since last year. Believe it or not, that included the 1″ drop in March.
Water levels usually peak in late summer or early Fall. At present, the Army Corps predicts the water level will continue to rise another 1-5″ before Fall.
With the high water levels, you should expect stronger storm action in the summer months. With this action, there will be more erosion along the exposed shorelines.
What can you do to protect your property from rising water levels?
There are TWO things you can do:
- Install rip-rap to help protect your shoreline. Residents of the Door County peninsula already trust PWS to do a professional job. Call Dave @ (920) 905-2588; and
- Look at the new 3-Season Pier. Call Jerry @ (920)-493-4404.
PWS is all about SOLUTIONS!
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 also.
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.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
*Credits: MLive and Huron Daily Tribune
Feb 29, 2020
Good Evening, Jerry
Tell your client they are welcome to stop anytime to check out the dock and lift.
Feel free to give them my contact information and I’d be pleased to tell them about my experience working with you. Everyone bent over backward to take great care of me.
All the best.
Casey C. Door County Peninsula, WI
