Dock install season usually starts around April 1 each year. We have a limited number of days available to complete the work with an April 1 start date.
Even then, we can only install selective sites due to ice conditions, but at least we can get a start. This year was abnormally cold, and the ice would not loosen its grip. Even the inland lakes remained frozen. The ice only allowed less than a handful of installs between the April 1st and the 17th.
However, that is just the beginning. To add to the problem, the saturated ground caused by the rapidly melting snow AND almost daily nighttime rain is making the situation worse. The wet ground means our machines cannot enter many properties without significant damage. Our crews have had to walk away from jobs due to standing water until it dries out.
We encountered numerous ice shoves which have to melt away also.
On April 17th we had to stop the installs completely. An unusually late blizzard hit the Door County Peninsula with 30” of new snow and freezing temperatures. These conditions kept the ice in place until the end of April.
The dock install business has resumed as of April 30th.
All crews are working six days a week to try to make up for lost time. Our new machine is also operational. We are actively recruiting employees, but the economy is very hot in the area. Unemployment is at record lows which makes recruitment very difficult.
We ask for patience as we try to work through a tough year. Everyone is in the same predicament.
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is always ready to serve your needs year round.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,
With all the materials available today for your dock – your decking choice is the most important decision you will make.
Cleaning wood decking
At one time, cedar or treated wood were your only choices. It wasn’t long before people realized the maintenance for a wood deck took time away from enjoying their summer.
As simple as cleaning a deck may sound, it takes time each year. Even painted, or stained and sealed wood requires maintenance. The costs and inconvenience mount up quickly.
In addition, a wood deck gets uncomfortably hot on sunny days. It also traps the dirt on its flat surface. This dirt needs to be washed off to prevent mold from forming.
Then, along came a better choice!
ShoreMaster Aluminum Decking
Aluminum
Aluminum cuts down the maintenance considerably. It solves the problem of painting or staining and sealing the wood. It only requires minimal washing to keep its appearance. No pressure washing or cleaners needed.
Plus, it does not get hot in the prolonged heat of the summer. It dissipates the heat quickly.
Are there problems with aluminum?
Despite those advantages, aluminum does make noise when walked on. You can correct this issue by applying a custom tape to the frame.
Additionally, like wood, it comes in a “board” form only. Why is that important?
Standard practice is to install a dock high enough above the water to keep waves from reaching the deck. Many times a storm will send waves crashing against the bottom of the deck or worse yet, over it.
With only a 3% opening between the boards, this puts virtually all of the wave pressure directly on the deck.
With a deck bolted to the frame, the pressure from the waves goes directly to the frame structure. In many cases, this results in the entire dock twisting or flipping over no matter how massive the dock is.
There had to be a solution for this problem.
So what’s the Solution?
Plastic.
“Flow-Through” Decking
But not just any plastic. Flow-Through decking from ShoreMaster.
It’s also important to understand that not all plastic decking is an actual plastic deck. Some people refer to a composite deck as plastic decking. That is NOT the case.
If the plastic contains wood fibers, it will eventually swell with moisture, despite the fibers being “encapsulated” in plastic. The plastic will wear off the surface and expose the fibers.
You must also understand that there are two basic styles of plastic decking:
1. The “board” style (similar to wood boards); and 2. “open” panels. (perforated panels)
Here’s why that’s important.
The board style has the same problems that wood decking has but without the maintenance required on wood.
The “open” style eliminates the build-up of water on the panels. It self-drains” and cleans itself everytime it rains. It cleans itself without the moisture buildup on the panels. You just have removed one of (3) ingredients for mold and mildew to form.
There are numerous reasons that plastic is the best choice for decking including:
• It’s lightweight; • Available in many colors and patterns; • Eliminates the need to clean the decking; • It can be mounted to the frame with a breakaway clip (recommended) or screwed down; • It’s cool in the summer heat; and • Most importantly, it has a 43% open surface.
The open surface allows the water to pass through the decking. These openings relieve the pressure on the dock when a wave hits it, unlike other decks.
In conclusion, if you want the BEST decking for your dock – look for
Flow-Through decking.
Where can you find Flow-Through decking?
At Pier and Waterfront Solutions, of course.
PWS is located at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection. Our staff is ready to assist year round.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you want to see an issue discussed on our site.
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 or Email Jerry@wisconsinpws.comwith any questions.
Ice shoves have stalled the Spring Install season.
Mother Nature has proven to be a real challenge in 2018. PWS was able to complete a few installs when winter returned with a vengeance!
Instead of a beautiful Wisconsin Spring as we had the last couple of years, the Door County peninsula got 10″ of wet, heavy snow. These events were followed by temperatures near freezing and even MORE snow!
Instead of this:
Relaxing on the dock
We see this:
2018 Ice Shove on Sun & Surf
LOOKING BACK
In 2016 we saw a few ice shoves like this:
Spring 2016 Ice Shove
Then, in 2017 we saw this:
Spring – 2017 Ice Shove
TODAY – we see the SAME boat house with an even bigger ice shove.
2018 Arrowhead Beach – Crushing a boathouse
It did not fare well as you can see.
2018 Crushed boathouse on Arrowhead Beach
The ice has heavily damaged this home even though there was a seawall and more than 100 feet between the house and shoreline. We won’t even talk about the trees and seawall damage occurring all along this stretch.
Ice shove lifting a deck and crushing a house
Ice shoves, caused by strong winds, are damaging sea walls and landscaping, That is not to mention, the docks and lift equipment stored on shore. The ice shoves are happening up and down the peninsula. See our previous article if you are not familiar with this phenomena. https://wisconsinpws.com/ice-shove/
What to expect in 2018
IF and WHEN the weather improves, the forecast for this year is to have up to an additional 10″ of water depth. There is still lots of snow in Northern Wisconsin and more coming. The snow will eventually melt and the Spring rains will come. (If we even have a Spring)
As of this publication date, the inland lakes and Bay of Green Bay are locked in ice. More near zero temperatures and heavy snow are in the forecast.
Is PWS ready?
Our trucks, trailers and All Terrain Forklifts are ready to go. Even our crews are getting anxious to start. They have a lot of work to do and not much time to do it. Even with additional crews and overtime, it is a real challenge this year.
Everybody is waiting for the ice to go out and stay out. Some areas open up in the morning. Then, later in the day the wind shifts and the ice comes back in the same location.
Bear with us and we will keep you informed in future posts.
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is always ready to serve your needs.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,
Yes, the 2018 install season has begun in Door County. Actually, we started delivering equipment and did some installs a week ago in certain areas. As more areas open up we will gain access to them. We will be expanding into more areas as weather permits. We’ve all been looking forward to this. What part will Nature play in the schedule?
Nature will probably throw a few curves at us (snow, wind, rain to name a few) but we will continue with our work. As most of you know we have added a third ATF, truck and trailer setup. We’ve also added additional crews to assist us with our growing customer base this year.
What changes have been made this season?
In early March we sent out an email announcing the addition of John Englebert as our new Service Manager and Scheduler. We encourage you to contact John @ 920-495-2860 or john@wisconsinpws.com with scheduling requests and questions.
John has been doing an excellent job of accommodating requests so far. As the season progresses the schedules will get tighter but John always seems to find a way to make it work (if Nature co-operates).
What we look forward to
No more of this
Looking for something new this year? Call Jerry or Dave. Have a repair that needs attention? Call John to schedule it!
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St. Hwy 42/57. That’s 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is always ready to serve your needs year round.
Don’t forget – Give us a call If you have a dock or boatlift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,
In part 1 of this 3 part series, we discuss Vertical PWC lifts. In part 2 we discuss the ShorePort Dock Platforms. Finally, in Part 3 we discuss a third option specifically for permanent piers.
Each type of PWC lift or Dock Platform has a distinct use depending on the body of water its used on. The ShorePort Dock Platform is the simplest, maintenance free option for rivers and lakes. It is ideal for bodies of water with minimal wave action.
What about a dock for use on the rivers or inland lakes?
Rivers and lakes are ideal locations for using the ShorePort PWC docks. What could be easier than driving directly onto the floating dock? You can stay dry when you step onto the floating platform.
The biggest Advantages include –
no wheels to turn – just drive right up onto the dock. So easy – Even the kids can do it!
ShoreMaster ShorePort PWC Dock
1. 1,150# capacity (easily handling the new 3 seat PWC’s);
2. Easy on and off;
3. A walking platform included for easy access; and
4. No winches or motors required.
Watch this youtube video for more information
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions Located?
We are located in the center of the Door County Peninsula at 7325 St Hwy 57. That’s just 1 mile North of County MM (Hwy 42) and 3 miles South of Sturgeon Bay. Look for the Idlewild Road intersection.
Our staff is always ready year-round to address your needs.
Give us a call If you have a dock or boat lift topic you would like to see addressed on our site,
