Feb 9, 2021
Gray Dock Decking – Absolutely Stunning Docks
Decorators across the country have embraced gray as the hottest color for your home. Throw pillows, wall colors, furniture, and more now use gray as the primary color.
Thanks to ShoreMaster & Pier & Waterfront Solutions, you can have this stunning color on your dock too!
Gray Decking
In the 2020 season, PWS introduced gray options as a custom color for our decking.
Today, gray is no longer a custom color for us. PWS stocks gray Glacier flow-through decking along with the ever popular – tan decking.
PWS also offers gray dock furniture options and benches.
Isn’t Gray decking a sad color?
On the surface, gray may seem like a somber color. Homeowners (and dock owners) love gray as it plays so well with the surrounding colors.
Gray offers a neutral color palette that highlights other colors very well. It is especially true of all the colors present at the lake. Think of the canopy, the landscaping, blue skies, and the water.
Gray also goes GREAT with blues – especially ShoreMaster & PWS blue.
One of PWS‘s most significant advantages in the dock market has always been the number of color options we provide. This new color choice presents yet another opportunity for dock owners.
If you haven’t had a chance yet to check the new gray options, check out the color offered at PWS. Please stop in to ask about our new gray options.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. It’s 1 mile PAST the intersection with County road MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks.
The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
Red Tag
PWS will provide estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Feb 2, 2021
Top Signs You Need a New Dock
Time for a new Dock? Piers and docks that are more than ten years old may show some signs of wear or damage. Without proper maintenance, your dock system may not look or perform properly. Remember, it is possible to repair minor damage at a reasonable cost.
New Dock Needed
Be sure to contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for an inspection if you have damage and you aren’t sure what repairs to make.
If your dock is getting dangerous, unsteady, replacement may be the only option.
Here are the five signs that you should think about when investing in a brand new pier.
Widespread Rust
Some metals exposed to water will rust. Small amounts of rust can be an easy fix. If possible, replace or repair an individual part before it gets out of control.
Larger rust areas could spread, which can lead to structural failure in the future. In cases like these, a completely new pier might be necessary.
Aluminum docks made of durable, rustproof metal are more resistant to rust than others. Aluminum is an option when considering upgrading or replacing a failing wood dock.
Wood Rot
Wooden docks can rot when the water has been allowed to seep in. Moss, mildew, algae, and other growth can trap moisture in a wood dock, worsening the problem. You can solve or prevent this problem by keeping your pier clean and well maintained.
If the damage involves minor areas, replace the components with new, treated lumber. But, when several locations are rotting, it’s time to replace your dock.
Consider replacing a wooden dock with different materials. Those materials include aluminum painted to look like wood. These are some of the premium ShoreMaster decking options.
Cracking or Warping Dock Supports
Certain support materials can become cracked or warped thanks to pressure from waves.
Accidents can also happen. If a boat or a large floating object hits the pier, cracks may appear on the legs or structural components. PWS can make the repairs.
But, stay safe, replace the entire structure when significant damage occurs. If the damage involves the legs or critical structural components, it may be time to replace the whole section or structure.
Tip: Prevent damage from boat collisions – install bumpers on the perimeter of your pier.
Damaged Foundation
Permanent docks sit on posts that support the pier. Assessing the damage below the waterline is difficult. Repairing it requires specialized equipment. PWS can help.
Pier foundations are subject to shifts causing severe damage. Any cracking is a sign that further investigation and possibly replacement is necessary.
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for an inspection.
Can’t Secure the legs Properly?
Permanent dock systems have supports to hold them up. Supports are driven into the ground until it hits a stable area for stability. In some cases, depths reached can be as much as 100 feet.
A floating pier might be a good option if you do not encounter large waves. The advantage of a floating dock is that it compensates for changing water levels as they occur.
In some cases, a floating dock can remain in the water throughout the winter months IF there is no ice movement. The pier may be released from its shore anchor points in small harbors, moved into deeper water, and tied off. The pier is allowed to float with any minor ice movement, but it stays secured until spring.
Custom Boat Docking Systems by PWS.
If it’s time to replace or upgrade your boat docking system, PWS can help.
PWS has helped many shoreline owners find their perfect dock and boat lift solution.
Need a repair, a completely new pier or boat lift system, or the ideal accessory? PWS‘s customer support team can help.
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for more information. We know what works best for your area.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
PWS, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST County road MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks
The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS provides estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jan 26, 2021
How to Get Rid of Algae on Your Dock
An Algae free dock or pier is vital for a beautiful waterfront, not to mention safer for you and your family. Piers are a great place to entertain your guests. Did you ever notice your guests soon find their way down to the pier? Your guests can’t resist the water.
Typical Plank decking
Algae buildup on your boat lift, decking, and accessories is unattractive and slippery.
One of the biggest appeals of a dock or pier for many boaters is getting away from day-to-day life. We all want to enjoy and connect with nature.
That could be as simple as taking in the scenery, fishing, or watching wildlife.
It’s also the reason everyone must do what we can to keep the waterways healthy. That way, we can all enjoy nature’s beauty for years to come.
It’s essential to clean algae when you see it. It’s even more critical to prevent it from growing in the first place.
First, it’s essential to understand how mold and mildew form in the first place. To do that, we recommend that you follow this link:
https://wisconsinpws.com/cleaning-wood-decking/
Dealing with algae, mold, or mildew doesn’t mean investing in expensive solutions.
Removing moisture and the “food sources” mentioned in the article, go a long way to cut mold and mildew.
With these three tips, you can do it yourself.
Invest in the Right Dock
No dock will be immune to algae growth. Anything exposed to water will be affected by algae. But, aluminum boat lifts and docks can help cut algae growth. Aluminum is better at resisting algae growth than other materials like wood. Additionally, aluminum is easy to clean.
Choose Safe Products
When cleaning your dock and boat lift, use a non-corrosive cleaning solution. Cleaning can be as simple as using baking soda or a few drops of water-based dishwashing liquid. You already have these in your home.
The EPA’s Sager Choice Standard can help determine which products are best to use. Unfortunately, only a government bureaucrat can understand the standard without rolling their eyes. The government does not endorse products by name, so you have to make the judgment yourself.
Pick something:
Biodegradable:
Phosphate-free:
Having a neutral PH: and
Rub the surface of your dock and lift down
with a soft cleaning pad or brush.
When done, rinse with clear water or blast the dock surface with a pressure washer.
KNOW WHAT TO AVOID
Some cleaning products have environmental and health risks. Thus, it’s essential to watch what you put in the water. Ordinary household cleaners will increase nutrient pollution in lakes and streams. The result is algae blooms and oxygen depletion, which hurt the water and wildlife. In general, you should avoid any cleaning products that contain these hazardous ingredients:
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- Antibacterials and disinfectants
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- Butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, or monobutyl
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- Phosphorous and phosphates
Major pollutant
Proper Fueling
Carefully refueling a boat keeps oil and gas out of the waterways. It’s illegal to discharge petroleum products into United States waters.
It’s against the law to use chemicals to disperse a spill. Dispersants cause the petroleum to sink to the bottom. It then permanently damages the bottom sediments.
Sewage Treatment
We know no one wants to think about sewage, but it’s an essential part of human and waterway health and safety.
It’s also illegal to discharge untreated wastewater on inland waters.
Use onshore facilities whenever you can. Dispose of human waste in:
1. Porta-potties:
2. Composting heads, or
3. An installed toilet with a required
marine sanitation device.
Waste Management
For all other waste, recycle what you can and properly dispose of what you can’t.
Recycling materials like plastics, paper, metal, and glass keep them out of landfills and off our beaches.
We now know that plastics in the water are a significant pollutant. Plastics are already affecting the waters of the Great Lakes.
Dispose of all waste materials properly. Make sure nothing goes overboard, including cigarette butts. Provide waste and recycling containers on your boat and piers.
Keep everything tied down when you’re moving on the water or the highway. Participating in a cleanup event accessible only by a boat can also be a rewarding day to protect the water.
Walking your shoreline and picking up these materials can help the environment.
Boat Maintenance and Cleaning
Prepare a comprehensive boat maintenance checklist. Changing engine oil and checking your fluid levels keep your boat running smoothly. This, in turn, makes it less likely to pollute.
Check for leaks from steering cables, drips from your oil changes, or fuel from leaky fittings. All these contaminants can find their way into the bilge.
Change engine oil and other fluids carefully. Dispose of used filters, oil, absorbent pads, and rags properly.
Keep your boat clean, and avoid soaps and harsh cleaners. Save heavy-duty pressure washing for designated wash-down areas at boat launches.
Yes, keeping the environment clean involves some work.
Your property is expensive because it’s on the water. Why let waste products deteriorate the value of your property. A little work goes a long way toward keeping the water beautiful for future generations.
ShoreMaster and PWS have been here for years, and we plan on being here for many more. We want you to enjoy everything nature has to offer. Let’s all work towards the same goal – a clean environment.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
PWS, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST, County road MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks
The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS provides estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
