Dock Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Investment Before a Storm

If you’ve invested in a floating dock, you know how important it is to take care of it, especially when storm season rolls around. A dock isn’t just a nice feature on the water. It’s a key part of your home, marina, or business. Keeping it in good shape with regular dock maintenance helps you avoid expensive repairs and extends the life of your dock.

Storms can hit fast and hard, and the last thing you want is to scramble at the last minute. That’s why taking time to prepare your dock ahead of bad weather is one of the smartest things you can do. In this blog, we’ll walk you through helpful tips to get your dock storm-ready. We’ll also include a dock maintenance checklist so you don’t miss a step.

Why Dock Maintenance Is So Important Before a Storm

A strong storm can bring high winds, heavy rain, big waves, and rising water levels. All of these things can damage your dock if it’s not ready. Loose parts, weak connections, or even clutter left on the dock can turn into bigger problems when the weather turns rough.

Doing regular dock maintenance helps catch small issues before they become major ones. And when you know a storm is coming, doing a quick but thorough check can save you time, money, and stress later.

1. Look Over the Structure

Before a storm hits, it’s important to check every part of your dock. Start at one end and slowly walk to the other, inspecting each section as you go. Don’t rush, this step helps you catch small problems before they turn into major damage during bad weather.

What should I look for during a dock inspection?

Here are the main things to check:

• Loose or missing bolts and screws: These help hold your dock together. If they’re loose, rusted, or missing, your dock could shift or fall apart in rough water.
• Cracks or warping in the decking: Cracked boards or bent planks can get worse when water and wind hit them hard. Damaged decking should be replaced before the storm.
• Rust or wear on metal parts: Rust can weaken the frame and fasteners. If you spot any rusty brackets, hinges, or bolts, it’s a good idea to clean, treat, or replace them.
• Soft spots in wood or composite materials: Press gently with your foot or hand. If the surface feels spongy or gives under pressure, there may be water damage or rot underneath.
• Wobbly or unstable sections: If a part of the dock feels like it moves too much when you walk on it, check the connections. Movement like this could mean something is loose or broken.

What if my dock is modular or floating? If you have a modular floating dock, like the ones from AccuDock, make sure each section is properly connected. These docks are made to be flexible, but they still need strong, secure joints to stay in place during rough conditions. Check that each module is tightly locked, especially around hinges and corner connections.

Why is this step so important? Storms put a lot of stress on your dock. Wind, waves, and rising water can turn a small issue, like a loose screw, into a broken deck or even a floating piece of debris. A quick fix now can prevent serious damage later. Think of it like tightening your shoelaces before a long hike. It only takes a minute but makes a big difference.

2. Check the Flotation

The floats under your dock are what keep it stable and above the water. Without proper flotation, parts of your dock could tilt, dip, or even sink, especially when the water gets rough during a storm. That’s why checking the floats is one of the most important parts of dock maintenance.

What are dock floats made of? Most floating docks use foam-filled plastic floats or sealed, hollow plastic chambers. These are built to resist water, but they can still get damaged over time, especially in saltwater environments or areas with a lot of boat traffic.

Here’s what to check:

• Cracks or holes in the floats: Even small cracks can allow water to seep in, which adds weight and reduces flotation. Look carefully at the corners and seams.
• Signs of water inside the floats: If a float feels heavier than usual or makes a sloshing sound when moved, it may be filling with water. This is a red flag that it needs repair or replacement.
• Uneven or tilted sections of the dock: Your dock should sit flat on the water. If one side looks lower than the other or wobbles when stepped on, the flotation may be failing underneath.

Can I still use the dock if it’s floating unevenly? You might be able to use it for a little while, but it’s not a good idea to ignore the problem, especially before a storm. Uneven flotation can throw off the balance of the whole dock and make it more likely to twist, break, or detach in bad weather.

What’s the fix for a damaged float? If a float is cracked or taking on water, it should be replaced. Depending on your dock setup, you might be able to swap out just the affected piece. AccuDock’s modular dock systems make this easier, since each float is part of a section that can be removed and updated individually.

Why does flotation matter so much in storm prep? During a storm, your dock will rise and fall with the waves and surge. If it’s not floating evenly or loses buoyancy, it could tilt, twist, or even break apart. By keeping the flotation system in top shape, you help your dock stay steady and strong, no matter how rough the water gets.

3. Secure the Anchors

One of the most important things you can do before a storm is check your dock’s anchors. These are what keep your floating dock in place when strong winds, fast-moving water, or waves hit. Even a well-built dock can be pushed around if the anchor system isn’t doing its job.

What do dock anchors do? Dock anchors prevent your floating dock from drifting, rotating, or breaking free during storms. Without secure anchors, your dock could slide away, get damaged, or even become a hazard to nearby boats or properties.

What kind of anchoring system do I have? The type of anchor you have depends on your dock setup. Here are the most common ones and what to check:

• Pipe brackets: These are vertical pipes that slide through brackets on your dock, allowing it to move up and down with the water level. Make sure the brackets are tightly fastened and free of rust. If the pipes are loose or corroded, they could fail when the water rises or falls quickly.
• Piling hoops: These hoops wrap around stationary pilings and help your dock move with the tide. Check that the hoops move smoothly but snugly. If they’re stuck, bent, or too loose, your dock might not adjust properly as the water level changes.
• Chain or weight systems: Some floating docks use heavy-duty chains or concrete blocks to hold them in place. Check for signs of rust, stretched or broken links, and make sure the anchor lines haven’t shifted or buried unevenly in the bottom.

How do I know if the anchors are strong enough? If your dock wobbles more than usual or shifts a lot with minor waves, that’s a sign your anchors may not be holding properly. During storm prep, give all anchor points a good visual check and apply light pressure to test their hold.

Should I add backup anchors? Yes, especially if a strong storm is on the way. Backup anchors offer extra support and help reduce the strain on your main system. You can use temporary weights, sandbags, or extra lines to add strength where needed. It’s always better to be over prepared than underprepared.

Storms don’t just test your dock, they test every part of your setup, including what’s underneath. An anchored dock is a safe dock. Don’t skip this step!

4. Clear Off the Dock

When a storm is on the way, it’s easy to focus on the big things like anchor systems and flotation. But one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your dock is to clear off anything that isn’t permanently attached.

Why do I need to clear the dock? Loose items like chairs, storage bins, or tools can become dangerous in high winds. They might get tossed into the water, slammed against your dock, or even damage nearby boats or buildings. Clearing the dock helps protect both your property and your neighbors’.

What should I remove? Before a storm, take a walk along your dock and remove or secure anything that could move.

• Bring inside: Chairs, tables, coolers, or anything lightweight and portable should be stored indoors or in a secure shed.
• Tie down: If you have larger items like dock boxes or benches that can’t be removed, use heavy-duty ropes or straps to secure them tightly to the dock.
• Pick up small items: Remove ropes, fishing gear, tools, or loose hardware. These may seem small, but in a storm, even light objects can cause damage.
• Sweep off debris: Clear away leaves, branches, and trash. This keeps drains from clogging and reduces the chance of slipping if you return after the storm.

What about boats or jet skis? If you have small boats, kayaks, or jet skis on or tied to your dock, it’s safest to move them off and store them somewhere secure on land. If you must leave them in the water, double-check the lines and use extra fenders to prevent damage.

Can I just tie things down instead of removing them?  Tying things down is better than leaving them unsecured, but if it’s light enough to carry, it’s safer to remove it. Even well-tied items can break loose in a severe storm.  Taking 30 minutes to clear your dock can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything you can to prepare.

5. Turn Off the Power

If your dock has any electrical features, like lights, boat lifts, charging stations, or outlets, shutting off the power before a storm is a must. Water and electricity are never a good mix, and during a storm, that combination can quickly become dangerous.

Why do I need to turn off power to the dock? Storms bring rain, flooding, and sometimes saltwater spray, which can easily reach your dock’s wiring and fixtures. If power is still flowing through your electrical system when water gets in, it can cause shorts, equipment failure, fires, or even pose a risk of electric shock. Turning everything off before the storm arrives keeps you, and your dock, safe.

How do I safely shut off the power? Here’s what to do:

• Shut off the power from the main breaker panel: Most docks are connected to your home or property’s electrical system. Find the dock’s circuit at your breaker box and switch it off.
• Unplug everything: Even if the power is off at the breaker, unplug devices like chargers, radios, or dockside tools. Water can still damage the plugs or outlets if they’re exposed.
• Inspect electrical components: Take a quick look at all dock outlets, lighting fixtures, and power cables. Make sure they’re sealed properly and that there are no signs of wear, exposed wires, or corrosion.

What if I don’t know how my dock is wired? If you’re not sure where the breaker is or how your dock’s power system works, it’s best to call a marine electrician. They can safely disconnect power and help make sure everything is up to code.

What can I do to prevent future electrical problems? You can upgrade to weatherproof or marine-grade outlets and light fixtures. Solar-powered dock lights are also a great option, no wiring, no power needed, and they work even when the power is out.

Even if your dock’s power system seems fine, storms are unpredictable. A simple shutoff now can prevent big problems later. It’s one of the easiest steps in dock maintenance and one of the most important for safety.

6. Use a Dock Maintenance Checklist

With so many moving parts involved in storm prep, it’s easy to forget something. That’s where a good checklist comes in. Having a step-by-step dock maintenance checklist makes the whole process faster, easier, and more reliable, especially when you’re under time pressure.

Why use a checklist for dock maintenance? A checklist helps you stay organized. Instead of trying to remember every little detail while a storm is approaching, you can simply go down the list and check things off. It also helps prevent costly mistakes, like forgetting to secure a float or shut off the power.

What should go on my dock maintenance checklist? Here’s a simple version that covers the most important tasks:

Dock Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect the dock structure: Walk the length of your dock. Look for loose bolts, cracks in the decking, rust, and anything that feels unstable.
• Check floats and flotation systems: Make sure your dock is floating evenly. Look for waterlogged floats or signs of wear that could affect buoyancy.
• Secure the anchor system: Inspect pipe brackets, piling hoops, and chains. Tighten anything that’s loose and add backup anchors if needed.
• Clear the dock surface: Remove chairs, coolers, tools, and anything else that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shut off the electricity: Turn off the dock’s power at the main breaker and unplug all devices or dockside equipment.
• Take photos of your dock: Document the condition of your dock before the storm. These photos can help with insurance claims if damage occurs.
• Keep emergency contact info handy: Have the phone number for your dock installer, electrician, or local marine service provider saved and easy to find.

Do I need to do this every time there’s a storm? Yes. Every storm is different, and even a small tropical system can cause damage. Use the checklist before every storm watch or warning, even if it ends up being a false alarm.

Can I print this checklist out? Definitely! Keep a printed copy in your garage, boathouse, or dock storage box. You can also save a digital version on your phone or computer to access quickly when needed.

A checklist makes storm prep feel more manageable. You won’t have to guess what to do or worry about missing a step. It’s a simple tool that helps you stay ahead of problems and protect your dock investment with confidence.

7. Take Photos for Insurance

When a big storm is heading your way, your first thought is probably how to protect your dock. But it’s also smart to think one step ahead, what if your dock gets damaged? That’s where having photos can really help.

Why are pre-storm photos important? If your dock is damaged during a storm, your insurance company will likely want proof of its condition beforehand. Clear, detailed photos make it easier to file a claim and show what was damaged. They help speed up the process and improve your chances of getting fair compensation.

What should I take pictures of? The goal is to show the full condition of your dock before anything happens. Here’s what to capture:

• Wide shots of the whole dock from multiple angles, get the front, sides, and even some overhead if possible (using a drone or second-story window).
• Close-ups of anchor points and flotation systems, this includes pipe brackets, piling hoops, and floats.
• Any recent upgrades or repairs, if you’ve replaced hardware, installed new decking, or added custom features, photograph them too.

Should I take photos with a phone or camera? Either is fine, as long as the pictures are clear and detailed. Make sure your device records the date and time the photo was taken. If possible, turn on the timestamp feature in your camera settings or use a phone app that adds it automatically.

Where should I store the photos? It’s important to save them somewhere safe:

• Upload to cloud storage (like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox) so you can access them even if your phone or computer is damaged.
• Email them to yourself or a trusted contact as an extra backup.
• If you prefer printed copies, store them in a waterproof folder indoors.

Do I need to keep records of repairs too? Yes! If you’ve done any maintenance or upgrades, keep the receipts, invoices, or service records. These can help prove the value of your dock and the work you’ve invested in it.

No one wants to deal with storm damage, but if it happens, being prepared can make a stressful situation a little easier. Clear photos and good records give you peace of mind, and a strong backup when working with your insurance company.

8. Call in the Pros If You’re Not Sure

Let’s be honest, dock maintenance can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with all the parts and systems involved. And when a storm is on the way, the last thing you want is to miss something important. So here’s some good advice: if you’re unsure, call in the pros.

When should I ask for professional help? You should reach out to a dock expert if:

• You notice damage or wear that you’re not sure how to fix
• You’re not confident about your anchor system or flotation setup
• You’ve never done storm prep before and don’t know where to start
• You want a second opinion to double-check your dock’s readiness

Even if everything looks fine to you, a trained eye might spot problems that aren’t obvious. It’s better to ask now than deal with preventable damage later.

What kind of help can a professional provide?
A dock maintenance expert can:

• Inspect your dock and flotation system
• Evaluate your anchors and suggest reinforcements if needed
• Check your electrical system for safety
• Recommend upgrades or parts if something’s wearing out
• Help create a maintenance plan for future storms

Why choose AccuDock for expert advice? At AccuDock, we don’t just build floating docks, we build smart, storm-ready systems that are designed to last. Our docks are fully customizable, built in the USA, and made with high-quality materials that stand up to rough conditions.

If you already own an AccuDock system, we can walk you through how to check it before a storm and answer any questions you have. If you’re thinking about upgrading, we’ll help you design a dock that fits your needs and keeps you protected.

Trying to figure everything out on your own can be tough. But you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s your first storm season or your tenth, getting help from professionals gives you extra confidence and helps protect your investment long term.

Stay Ahead of the Storm With Smart Dock Maintenance

Your dock is an important part of your property, and it deserves the same care as your home or business. With the right dock maintenance, you can help your dock ride out the storm and keep your investment safe.

Want to make sure your dock is ready for anything? Contact us or explore our floating dock systems to see how we can help. At AccuDock, we’re here to help you prepare, protect, and enjoy the water, no matter what the forecast says.