Boat Dock Lift Repair Basics

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Boat Dock Lifts Charleston SC endure a lot of pressure. That’s why performing routine maintenance is important to catch any issues early and avoid more costly repairs.

Aluminum is less vulnerable to galvanic corrosion than steel because it only surface oxidizes. That’s why most modern lifts feature aluminum top beam structures.

boat dock lifts

A boat lift is designed to keep your vessel off the water surface and out of harm’s way when not in use. Unfortunately, the equipment isn’t invulnerable to wear and tear, and repairs are often necessary. A few of the most common boat lift problems include mechanical issues, electrical issues, and cable malfunctions. The best way to prevent these problems is through regular maintenance.

Boat lift motors often experience electrical issues as a result of corroding mechanical parts and constant exposure to the elements. A screeching sound from the motor may indicate a lack of lubrication, while a humming noise could point to a centrifugal switch or bad start capacitor. In addition to the motor, you should also check for proper hoist plate installation and the power supply to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Like all mechanical parts, boat lift cables require routine lubrication. You should lubricate the drive pipe bearings (usually four to six per top beam) and the motor itself every month or two. You should also wash the cables with fresh water after each use in saltwater to minimize corrosion and extend their life.

Another concern with cables is that they are constantly subjected to up-and-down movements, causing them to wear out over time. For this reason, it’s important to inspect your lift cables regularly for signs of wear and replace them every two years or 200 up-and-down cycles, whichever comes first. Choosing a lift that utilizes grooved aluminum cable winders can help reduce the risk of damage by minimizing metal-on-metal contact.

Rough water locations are also more prone to wear and tear, and as a result, the equipment requires a more heavy-duty system. Many different manufacturers offer specialized lifts to address rough water locations, and these lifts feature stronger arms, mechanisms, bolts, and bracing.

Elevator lifts can experience additional maintenance concerns because the elevator tracks are permanently installed in the water and are susceptible to galvanic corrosion. One way to help prevent this is by using sacrificial zinc anodes on the tracks. You should also check and replace the anodes periodically, as needed.

The cables that connect a boat lift to the cradle allow the lift to raise your water vessel. Although not as exciting or impressive as the motor, the cables are equally important and play a major role in keeping your lift functioning properly. There are different types of cable, but the two most common are stainless and galvanized steels. The stainless steel is the better choice for marine environments and will last longer than the galvanized cable. Nevertheless, both are durable and will last a long time if they are properly maintained.

Galvanized steel cable is less expensive and has a thin layer of zinc oxide that helps it resist corrosion. It is also more resilient to work hardening and is better able to resist abrasion than stainless steel cable. However, galvanized steel does not offer as much resistance to rust as stainless steel, and it is not recommended for use in salty water or for submersion for extended periods of time.

If you own a boat dock with a galvanized lift, the best thing you can do to protect your investment is to rinse the cable regularly with freshwater to remove salt crystals, algae and barnacles. In addition, you should not leave the boat lift in the water for extended periods of time, especially when you are away from home. This will help prevent the buildup of barnacles and electrolysis.

It is also helpful to apply a squirt of penetrating oil on a regular basis to the stainless steel cable strands to reduce the amount of internal friction caused by abrasion. However, be sure that the lubricant you choose does not contain grease, as this can trap moisture inside the cable strands and cause abrasion.

When you are removing the cable from the winch drum, make sure you have enough length to rewind it without any kinks or twists. This will prevent damage to the cable and to the winch drum. Additionally, if the cable has been cut too short, you should be sure to put in a copper stop and a wire rope clip to prevent it from pulling loose or coming off the winder bar.

There are several parts to a boat lift, but none more critical than the brackets that connect it to the dock. These are typically metal pieces that sit flush on the dock frame and provide a stable base for the lift itself. These brackets are often made from stainless steel, which enables them to resist corrosion in harsh marine environments.

Brackets are available for a variety of different lift systems, including freestanding lifts, piling mount lifts, and even telescoping lifts. They also come in a wide variety of sizes, from standard to large. The type of bracket you choose will depend on the size and weight capacity of your boat, as well as the type of lift system.

While a properly installed lift will provide peace of mind, it’s important to remember that it isn’t something you can just put in and forget about. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your lift performs as intended year after year, preventing damage to your boat and docking equipment.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, installing a boat lift can be complicated. There are many different parts to consider, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can be costly or dangerous. That’s why it’s best to work with a licensed and insured professional for any installation or repairs.

There are two basic types of lifts: manual and electric. Manual lifts use cables and pulleys to raise and lower boats, while electric lifts are powered by an electrical motor. In either case, lowering your boat into the water requires at least two people — one to control the lift and another to operate the boat.

They’re the perfect complement to any marina, providing stability and safety for your boat. Designed to mount on the comers of a cradle beam, these brackets help keep your cradle in place and minimize contact between wood dock pilings and aluminum cradle components. They also help prevent galvanic corrosion by separating the elements.

A Boat Dock Lift is a great way to eliminate the hassle of launching and retrieving your watercraft. However, like anything that is exposed to the elements and constant use, your Boat Lift will require regular maintenance. This is especially important because a malfunctioning Boat Lift can be dangerous for everyone involved.

The first step is to examine the pilings and dock structure for damage. If you notice any cracks or loosening of the material, it is critical to repair them before the problem worsens. Additionally, you should also look for the top beam’s structural integrity. Over time, the steel can rust through and compromise the strength of the lift. To prevent this, you should regularly apply a coating to the metal to protect it from corrosion.

Another maintenance task that is often overlooked is lubricating the sheaves and pulleys. These are the parts that support the cable system on your Boat Lift. Each pulley has a zerk grease fitting that should be lubricated at least once per year. This will minimize the wear that can occur when the cable goes around the sheave and back up again.

You should also check the bolts that connect the aluminum guide posts to the cradle I-beams for rust and corrosion. Aluminum corrodes more quickly than stainless steel, so it is important to inspect the bolts on a regular basis. The bolts should be tightened, and any that are loose should be replaced. Likewise, the anchor bolts should be replaced when they become loosened or damaged.

Follow the Weight Limits: Every Boat Lift has a recommended maximum weight capacity. Exceeding this limit can cause the lift to break, so be sure to abide by these limits.

Welded Docks and Lifts Offer Higher Resale Value: When compared to bolt together products, welded docks and lifts take significantly less time to assemble. A welded product will also provide a longer-lasting, more durable finish. For example, canopy frame can be assembled by one person in about 20 minutes using just four welded components: two canopy ends and two canopy sides. This is a fraction of the assembly time required for other dock and lift manufacturers’ bolt-together products.

Want To Learn More About Social Media Marketing? Check Out These Tips!

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Social media is currently one of the hottest fads on the Internet. If you intend to market a product, service, or website, this is a fine time to get started. It can be exciting to interact with new and old customers on social media sites. The following tips will offer some great ideas for utilizing social media marketing in your business.

Use Twitter in your social media marketing. Make sure your tweets are varied and content rich. Send out tweets that contain suggestions and advice that have to do with your business. If you combine these practical tweets with more assertive messages, you will create an mix of posts that is appealing to your followers.

If you are using Twitter to promote your business, it is vital to respond to your followers on a regular basis. If people mention you thank them, and if questions are sent to you answer them as well. Taking these steps is vital to building a strong relationship with Twitter followers. This makes you seem human and not just some robotic business entity.

You need to tie all of your social media sites together using links in order to have the most successful campaign Include links if you have a blog where your consumers can see you on Twitter, YouTube and also if they want to like you at Facebook. You should include the web address for the blog and your Facebook profile on your Twitter page. When you have links that connect all of your different social media sites, that can help increase your customer base.

Social media marketing is something you can do to jump-start your business right now. Use the tips from this article so that you can become a bit more confident and comfortable when it comes to social media. Your efforts in marketing will yield great results. This may even get you excited to do more with your social media profiles. Social media marketing is just what you need to give your profits the boost they certainly need in this economy.

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How to Spot Problems Before They Get Out of Hand

by Posted in Concrete Contractors Tagged , , , ,

The best way to keep deck repair costs down is to spot problems before they get out of hand. A professional can help you inspect your deck for damage and recommend the right action. For more information visit Deck Cleaning Summerville SC.

Examine wood for splinters and cracks that can cause rot. Tap on loose boards with a screwdriver to see how the wood feels and sounds. Any areas that feel soft or spongy should be removed and replaced.

The cracks that form in your deck’s boards aren’t only unsightly, but they can also create tripping hazards. The good news is that this problem can usually be repaired with a little time and effort. Cracks in wood are caused by a variety of environmental factors, including moisture and temperature fluctuations. This can lead to the expansion and contraction of the wood, which causes it to split.

The type of wood used is another factor, with some species more prone to cracking than others. Hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood are less prone to this issue than softer woods like pine or pressure-treated lumber. In addition, the way the board is installed can contribute to cracking. For example, boards that aren’t spaced properly can cause stress that leads to cracking.

If the cracks are on the surface of the wood, you can usually fix them with a deck filler. You can find wood fillers at your local hardware store in both powdered and stick form. Look for a stainable filler that will take on the color of your wood and blend in with it. For deeper cracks, try using a wood putty or epoxy. However, if the crack is a structural concern, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional.

A professional can inspect the cracks and determine if they are simply cosmetic or a sign of a bigger issue. In addition to evaluating the length and width of the crack, they will check for any areas where the cracks are forming around metal fasteners or connections. Cracks that form around notches are especially concerning, as they can indicate a connection failure and may require the replacement of the entire board.

Taking the proper steps to prevent the appearance of cracks in your deck can save you money and extend the life of your wooden deck. The most important step is to ensure the boards are properly sealed and maintained, which will help protect them from absorbing excess moisture. You can also prevent cracking by purchasing higher-grade lumber that has a lower tendency to check and by installing the boards correctly.

A noticeable sag in a deck stair can result from structural problems or weather changes. Stairs comprise treads and risers, which slot into pockets in stair stringers (the inclined boards that carry the stairs). Treads and risers may also be fastened with nails, but the best way to repair a loose stair is to replace it. If a stair is still firm, add wood shims between it and the frame to prevent it from pulling away from the deck.

Treads and risers are usually held firm and squeak-free by wedges glued and nailed to both sides. Creaking is often caused by the movement of these wedges, which can be silenced by simply removing them and regluing them to both the tread and the riser. If the wedges are in good shape, you can coat them with modern resin glue and hammer them tightly.

The stair framing is a complicated piece of joinery, and if the stairs are loose, it’s essential to take them apart carefully to ensure that they’re reassembled properly. It’s also important to ensure that the stair is not sitting on the floor, which can cause it to buckle and warp over time.

Before attempting to work on a sagging stair, blow compressed air into any spaces beneath the stairs to clear them of dust and debris. You can then begin to pry the risers and treads free from the stringers, being careful not to damage them. A hammer and screwdriver should be enough to break any glue or nail holding the riser or tread in place.

Once the stair is completely disassembled, you can see where the problem lies. Most squeaks come from the front of a stair, so it’s a good idea to drill holes at opposing angles through the tread and into the riser. This will squish the wood together and silence any squeaks.

You can use a countersink tool to make the hole bigger, allowing you to use longer screws that are more likely to hold the wood in place. You can also shim the staircase by installing 2x material glued and screwed between the stringers to apply inward pressure to the stairs. This will keep the treads and risers from working outward, but it’s a complex job that should be left to professionals.

A loose or wobbly handrail can be a serious safety hazard, especially for older adults and people with mobility issues. This can cause falls that result in injury or even death. Fortunately, most loose deck rails can be repaired easily with some simple DIY steps.

Checking that the posts and beams that support the railing are firmly fastened is usually all it takes to fix a loose wood deck rail. Most problems stem from a bad connection between the post and the deck frame or joists. At the very least, lag screws or bolts should be used to connect the framing to the post, and those should be surrounded with blocking to keep them in place. Bolts and screws should be tightened, and lags checked periodically to ensure they’re still secure.

For metal railings, check the connections between each baluster and the newel post. Loose balusters are typically caused by the screw or nail used to hold the railing to the post, which has worked loose over time as it’s bowed from use. If the bolt or screw remains intact, it can be tapped with a hammer. Then the railing can be re-secured with a fresh screw or nail.

If the newel posts feel solid, but the fence still wiggles, check the metal hardware that holds it together. This hardware usually has holes (sometimes plugged) under the surface that permit tightening by turning a star-shaped nut on the end of a tool. If these bolts are loosened, it can cause the wooden handrail to move between the newel posts.

It’s important to install deck framing components according to the building code and manufacturer’s instructions. However, it’s rare for framing errors to be the sole cause of a loose deck railing. A loose or missing railing is more likely to occur because of an improper design or installation. If a visitor to your deck falls and is injured by a faulty or loose handrail, you could be liable under premises liability laws. For this reason, it’s best to inspect and repair your deck for loose or broken handrails to prevent injuries.

When mold and mildew grow on your deck, it’s more than an eyesore. The fungi can damage wood and, if left unchecked, will cause structural problems. Mildew and mold grow in the wettest parts of your deck and are often found on surfaces that trap moisture. While both can damage wood, mildew is not as invasive and generally doesn’t penetrate the wood grain as mold.

Luckily, if you catch these problems early, mold and mildew don’t cause much damage. If you spot it on your deck, take action right away. However, the method you use to remove the spores and roots will vary depending on the severity of the problem.

For mildew, you can scrub the affected area with a brush and a cleaning solution made from white distilled vinegar. The vinegar will remove the spores and prevent them from growing back.

If the mold is bad, you may need to pressure clean the deck. Use a low setting or hire a professional to avoid damaging the soft wood.

You can also use an oxygen bleach solution to remove mildew from your deck. Add 8 to 10 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate and one cup of household chlorine bleach to a gallon of water, then scrub the area with a nylon bristle brush. After cleaning, you can rinse off the area with a garden hose.

For more stubborn stains, you can use a power washer. Be careful not to overuse the nozzle, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the unit.

The best way to prevent these problems is to keep moisture off your deck. This can be done by improving drainage or moving potted plants around periodically. If you need to leave plants on your deck, ensure they have plenty of space and are supported by pot feet to improve air circulation. You can also install a drip system to divert moisture from the wood. This will stop the rot before it starts. This is important for any wooden deck, whether covered or not.