How To Make Your Outdoor Deck Feel Like Real Living Space

July 7, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Now that you’ve purchased your new Florida home, it’s time to make it feel like home. We all have these perfect visions of what we want our living space to look like and an outdoor deck is no different. It is simply an extension of your home and should just as cozily reflect your style like the rest of your house, whether it’s a place to relax and read a book, have a meal with friends and/or family, or just lay there and enjoy the beautiful weather. This should be a place to relax and somewhere you’re excited to spend idle hours.

Since you’ve already decorated the entire house, or at least have a vision for it, it will be easy to decorate the outdoor deck and make it a comfortable living space. Make sure to have various types of furniture so you are prepared for all different occasions. Maybe a lounge chair for when you want to relax and read a book or a couch for the times you want to take a quick nap outside. Some people may even have a nice table with chairs or booth style to be able to enjoy a family dinner outside on their deck. This is your outdoor deck, an annex to your living space, so it needs to feel like it’s a part of the home with the only difference being the fresh air.

Ultimately, how you decorate it is up to you. It can be casual, calming, upbeat, open, whatever floats your boat.

Ask yourself these questions when deciding how to best decorate your outdoor deck:

Do you want everything to match the rest of the house?
What do you want to use the space for?
- Relaxing
- Coffee
- Dinner with family/friends
- Social gatherings
- Do you want it to look more casual or more on the fancy side?
- What type of furniture do you want? (This will be influenced by what you are using the space for)

Dock Maintenance

Along with the structural maintenance of your dock or deck, prior to purchasing anything to decorate or furnish it, consider your bandwidth for caring for items. Outdoor furniture is obviously subjected to different elements than indoor.

Will you be alright with having to stow cushions in inclement weather?
Would you prefer for everything to be durable enough to weather light to moderate storms?

Just because an outdoor setting you saw on Pinterest is breathtaking, doesn’t mean it will suit your needs.

Have a plan before buying things for your outdoor space. Once you figure out what you want to use the deck for specifically, you can begin to buy furniture.

Slowly you will see this space come together and soon be able to enjoy it every day and be proud of what you created. After you finish decorating the outdoor deck, its time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a famous Florida sunset.

The Repair BEFORE the Storm

June 9, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Before your weather app begins sending out lightning and water spout alerts is the time to conduct inspections of your dock, deck, boatlift, and seawall. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast makes for singularly beautiful scenery, but in this case, with great scenery comes great responsibility. You never want to find out after the storm that the integrity of any of your property’s marine structures are breached. The effects of storm winds and tide surges only aggravate the condition. The way to find out that your Florida dock is under stress is not when your foot plunges through one of the boards. It is before.

Hurricane Preparedness details are everywhere: in offices, schools, and free online guides. There are many cautionary tales about repairs in storm aftermath. So with the clock having already started on June 1 for Florida’s official hurricane season, we’ve got a good six months of mild and severe storm systems ahead of us.

With Tropical Storm Colin safely behind us, and with months to go until the season officially ends on November 30, there’s still time to prepare your waterfront property for the season.

Getting Ready for Hurricane Season in Florida

We recommend having all your marine structures, particularly Florida seawalls, professionally inspected.

If you live in a multi-family building like a condo or townhome development, make sure to attend board meetings to gain assurance that the structures common to the residents are appropriately inspected and repaired.
If a private home, it may appear that common sense rules the day and dock issues are apparent. But they aren’t. Most Florida docks are built using wood piles and decking. Pile caps are typically connected with stainless or galvanized bolts. In addition to the eventual eroding of these connections, it is most certainly “what lies beneath” that impacts your dock’s integrity. Whether or not your dock is moored in salt water, water itself wears at structures. Add in the ubiquitous marine-boring organisms (whose home you are sharing) and you have a recipe for destruction.

This is why we reiterate that a professional marine inspection is your best bet – your dock’s surface may appear innocent enough, but a complete in- and below-water inspection is key.

Preparing Your Boat Lift

Storing your boat during certain times of the season is standard operation, it is also a good time to make certain the lift is in good repair. Once the boat is off the lift, your storm preparation can entail lowering the cradle on the lift all the way to the bottom. With the cradle in the water it will be more protected from winds and storm surge waves. This effort will support the protection of the lift itself and the dock.

For low-profile installations: protect your boat lift motors, switches, and covers by removing them and storing in a safe, dry place.

For lifts with sealed direct-drive systems: remove the gear unit after lowering the cable down to its lowest point as the cable will free spool back down regardless.

For all lift types: tighten all the nuts and bolts on the lift so you don’t lose any small parts during the storm.

Contact us at (727) 942-3111 for questions about the care and maintenance of these essential structures. It only takes one storm to make a difference.

How to Solve Common Dock and Deck Problems

March 4, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

We are Tampa Bay Marine Construction Specialists. We’ve earned that title because we love the outdoors and because we are committed to functional and beautiful seawalls, docks, and decks that are structurally safe and sound.

However, we can never dispute the satisfaction sweat equity provides to coastal dwellers! If you love the water and enjoy nothing more than tending to your marine crafts, we get it. Like any other DIY projects, the trick comes down to having the proper tools and, of course, the skill set to do the job well.

Preventative Maintenance

Your time can be best spent on preemptive maneuvers that will save time and money. A common wooden deck problem is deterioration. Wind, water, salt, and sun are the elements that make the scenery, but are certainly the natural enemies of wooden structures. This breakdown of the material does not necessarily impact the entire structure at the same time, so routine inspections are key.

Sealing Your Wooden Dock

The plethora of quality products on the market gives you NO excuse to not properly seal and protect the wood of your dock or deck. Besides the apparent need to replace planking that has rotted, an easy litmus test for how porous wood has become is by simply sprinkling water onto it. If the water beads up, then you know the seal is still viable. If the wood absorbs the water, it is time to give it a good cleaning, swap out any of the damaged or corroded sections and apply a new coat of sealant.

Creaks and Squeaks

Basically, if your deck or dock is hurting, it will try to tell you. If you feel a “springy-ness” when you walk on it, or it makes groaning sounds, the structure may be compromised. We have found this is the fate of decks that are not professionally built. The sounds can be due to inferior fasteners and their improper connection to the planking. One of the beautiful aspects of a wooden dock is the natural sounds it makes, like a comfortable old house, but such a support system still needs to have structural integrity for safety.

Handrails and Stairs

Keep a close eye on these areas as the wear and tear on them is keen. Water also finds its way into the space in between, so ensuring those gaps are properly caulked and sealed will prevent abetting water from traveling to places where it can cause the most harm.

Keeping it Real

Inexpensive substances like vinegar and baking soda make wonderful cleaning aids. Full strength white vinegar for example is great to zap mildew. Poured into a spray bottle and squirted on the affected area, the stains typically can be removed with a wipe while the acid base of the vinegar will help retard future growth.

Again, we are specialists and take tremendous pride in the work we do. We appreciate the satisfaction of a job well done and acknowledge the DIY temptation. If you are going to build or repair a dock, it is still best practice to have a pro inspect it for that safe seal of approval!

You Can Get a Lot of Mileage from a Floating Dock

February 5, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Floating docks are certainly the ideal solution for many reasons. First of all, they offer innate flexibility. They can be added as an extension of a fixed dock–literally providing that extra square footage we seem to crave once we are living life at the water’s edge. With a floating dock as an extension, you can use a fixed dock for furniture and storage and shade umbrellas, and the floating dock to moor your water vessels.

Whether or not you own a boat, if you are living on the water, you are already familiar with the associated maintenance. It could be saltwater or extreme temperature swings, or both; but here in Florida – if you don’t count the occasional hurricane, you can keep your floating dock safe and operational with some pretty straightforward steps. Besides, if you do need to replace your dock, the swap out is less intrusive than ripping down and installing a new fixed one.

Floating Dock Maintenance and Construction

For PVC or composite surfaces, soap and water will do the trick. If you have a power washer, that will be a time saver of course, but we always recommend a thorough inspection before and after cleaning. Depending on how your floating dock is affixed to your seawall or coastline will determine what you need to inspect. Routine inspections rule out the creation of dangerous situations.

Some people do enjoy the challenge installing their own floating dock provides. If so, do not skimp. The hardware you use should be stainless or galvanized, or at the very least, marine-environment rated. Zinc or copper grease can be swiped on the bolt threads too before tightening any nuts.

Floating docks are ideal for areas with fluctuating tides, and most can remain in the water. They can assume a variety of shape configurations; you can really get more creative than you would imagine with something which is a removable addition.

Docks in a Storm

There’s nothing like a fixed dock for the creativity and just the presence their construction evokes, but there is also no doubt about the flexibility a floating dock provides. When Florida gets hit with some crazy storms, and even during the rainy season when the wind kicks up, the first thing residents are instructed to do is to take in outdoor furniture and anything that could get swept away and cause destruction or injury. This is of course true for floating docks. Since they can be detached, there is less likelihood of their getting beaten up and damaged when secured away.

As a marine construction company, we design, manufacture, and install all kinds of custom fixed and floating docks. It is interesting today how much design inspiration our clients provide. As professionals, we genuinely appreciate these collaborations. Sites like Pinterest illustrate unique add-ons for floating docks like: doggie ladders, dock swings, dock launchers for kayaks and canoes. Literally, something for everyone with expanded features to enhance the traditional installations. These embellishments contribute to showcasing your unique style as an extension of your home and outdoor space.

Your Florida Dock in the Winter

January 29, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Although our weather is comparatively temperate considering the exposure of the docks that dot the Jersey Shore, Florida dock maintenance is the means to a safe structure that enjoys a long life.

Even if your dock was constructed from the finest marine-grade pressure treated lumber or a high end composite decking or the seemingly indestructible PVC, it will need to be thoroughly inspected at regular intervals.

Problems with marine structures do not get better. Despite a professional dock installation, it is still a man-made extension to your property that is subjected to punishing sun and the erosive nature of wind and water.

Fortunately, in Florida, our window of time to inspect docks for weaknesses is a wider one – the assault of ice and snow is hopefully not in our forecast!

We always recommend a professional dock inspection as there are things you can tend to overlook after time, or even not be 100% certain how to repair a trouble you discover.

Florida Dock Maintenance

Before the weather gets colder, while it is also a great idea to check your boat lift for any weak spots, this is a good time to clean your dock. If you live up north, that is a task for autumn, but with temps still in the 70s and 80s in Florida, you can still manage this preventative maintenance.

Keep your dock free of dirt, debris, algae, or fungus; it will not only look better, but you will be able to uncover potential issues these growths may mask, and also retard their ability for destruction.

Again, we suggest you do not unleash the full capacity of a power washer on your wood dock. You can easily do more harm than good. The technique and the force should not mirror that of the intensity with which you blast pavement to rid it of discoloration.

When your dock is dry and the day is a mild one, it is a good idea for you to “spray the dock with water to see how it beads on the wood’s surface. If the wood doesn’t adequately repel water, you may want to resurface it.”

After your pressure treated wood dock has been inspected and cleaned and any damaged sections are replaced, a sealant is recommended. There is also the consideration of remaining environmentally responsible by using products that do not pollute.

Fortunately, in our industry, there is now a wide selection of products from which to choose.

“New sealants with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) have been developed specifically for boat docks and other woods that are continuously exposed to water. They contain no oils or petrochemicals that can pollute lake, river or stream water. They are clear in color and harden the wood so it becomes highly water-resistant and less porous.”

Living on the water is a distinct privilege that comes with maintenance responsibilities. Like anything else, be it your car or your home’s gutters, keep a schedule of when to do what and you will always be ahead of the repair curve.

What Lies Beneath: Dock Pilings

November 12, 2015 by gibson Leave a Comment

Whether you are living along Florida’s shoreline or enjoy vistas of one of its crystal clear lakes, you already know what you need to do to maintain your dock. Keeping it safe, looking good, and extending its lifetime are the responsibilities of us “coastliners”.

The initial dock construction however, really has everything to do with protecting your investment by having it installed properly the first time. Exposed to the harshest possible elements including: salt, tropical storms, the famous Floridian sun, and the occasional hurricane; stability is everything in dock construction.

Dock and pier maintenance goes beyond the surface to what lies beneath: dock pilings. There are two basic types of pilings – the ones used as the foundation of a dock and the batter pilings that shore up seawalls that sag.

For your dock, these pilings must be constructed and installed professionally and be paid as close attention to as any other marine structures.

DOCK PILINGS

Perpendicular to your dock, pilings offer the indisputable, essential support. Like nautical fencing, these vertical supports are driven into the water bed. How many and how deep is a job for our engineers. They of course calculate the finished size, the weight of the wood itself, the nature of the water’s bottom, and whether or not a boat lift is part of your installation to calculate if your dock is being designed to support the additional weight of the lift or davit and the weight of the vessel itself.

SEAWALL PILINGS

The marine alter ego of dock pilings are batter pilings. Instead of offering structural support from beneath, these are concrete structural supports installed in front of a seawall to keep it upright and to give it the reinforcement it needs after erosion and other natural wear breach its integrity.

DON’T DIY

Although we recommend that homeowners take an active interest in learning the right techniques for keeping marine structures viable, we do suggest the line be drawn at installing or attempting to repair dock pilings. They are the perfect example of the need for the absolute right tools for the job, having an excellent understanding of the soil conditions beneath the water, as well as knowing the load the pilings must bear.

Additionally, if you have a piling that is not adequately supporting its section of the structure, you will have distribution of weight issues and an uneven underpinning for the dock itself. Have your dock erected properly the first time and you will enjoy it for years and years. Wood pilings can be wrapped in polyethylene to stave off rotting and marine borers.

ENJOY LIFE ON THE WATER’S EDGE

Stay familiar with any changes to your dock. Even an expertly built dock fabricated from pressure treated lumber is not exempt. Take pictures, keep a close eye out.

Any water lover knows that safety is always first. A sound dock is the only dock for your property. You don’t want to issue your guests life jackets at your next party!

10 of Our Favorite Dock Maintenance Tips

October 8, 2015 by gibson Leave a Comment

Squeaky wheels get the grease. That’s as true in life as it is in boating. So what happens to the structures we take for granted? Like boat docks?

We walk across them, our boats bob alongside them, but they can easily go ignored – until it’s too late. Or at least very expensive to repair.

Regardless of the quality of decking materials that constitute your dock, it requires maintenance – year round.

As a marine construction company, we know the value of professional inspections and dock maintenance. We also recognize the importance of property owners knowing what to look for and to be aware of any changes.

You see that dock every day, you are therefore the best resource to ensure its preservation.

Here are a couple of our favorite Dock Maintenance Tips:

Take pictures periodically – even with your phone, to keep an eye on more subtle changes.
Keep a schedule – we put everything in our calendars, so along with A/C filter swap outs and smoke detector battery changes, assign dates. Time gets away.
Look at everything: fasteners, hardware, bolts; don’t forget stairs and ladders.
Don’t skimp – if you do take on replacing a fastener yourself, make certain it is rated for the outdoors. No temporary fix with a sheetrock screw is near good enough. For the structure itself, if not a composite like PVC, pressure treated wood is all that should be used.
Anything missing or damaged, like a bolt or a plank will only put more pressure on the rest of the dock. “Minor” repairs will always add up to major ones.
Keep the surface clean – when it comes to wood docks, you can actually be overzealous. If you do power wash, remember it is not concrete or vinyl siding you are blasting. You don’t want a dock so clean you can see right through it!
Sanding the dock – if you’ve ever tried to refinish a hard wood floor, you know how an improper technique can cause you to lose control of the machine and result in an unwanted dip in your expensive floor. The same is true when sanding your dock – you can overdo it and ultimately cause more harm than good. It bears repeating here to consult with a pro.
Affordable and biodegradable solutions like a baking soda paste for example, can be used to clean aluminum structures like ladders.
Do consult a pro about the best sealant for your wood dock. Even if you apply it yourself, you want it sealed with a waterproof product that is ideally, environmentally-friendly.
Safety first – proper dock maintenance will help prevent injury to you, your family and friends.

Whether your dock preferences lean toward fixed or floating, wood or concrete, we can support the repair or the construction. Extruded PVC, Composite Decking or Pressure Treated Lumber – the options for contemporary marine docks are virtually limitless!

Boat lovers take tremendous pride in maintaining their sea-faring crafts – but the structure that connects you to your vessel is the one that requires just as much care.

Four Signs Your Boat Dock Needs a Little TLC

September 10, 2015 by gibson Leave a Comment

Owning a boat is a wonderful thing. You get to enjoy the freedom and beauty of the open sea, but it comes with costs back at home. Every time you bring your boat back home after cruising up and down the Gulf Coast or along Florida’s inland waterways, you are tying it up to your dock. With thousands invested in your boat, don’t you want to know you are tying it up to a dock worthy of securing your boat? Your boat dock, like everything else that comes in contact with Florida’s waters, is going to require maintenance and upkeep from time to time. Keep an eye out for these four signs your dock might need a facelift.

Warped or Cracked Supports

Depending upon the type of materials used in the construction of your boat dock, you may need to watch out for warped or cracked supports. Currents and waves can cause the structure to warp or bend over time due to sustained pressure, and sometimes that constant pressure can even lead to a crack or break in the supports. Other factors such as an accidental collision between your boat and dock can lead to warping and cracking.

The type of support damaged makes a difference too. Smaller supports can often be replaced individually or repaired without significant cost. A load-bearing support should be addressed right away so you don’t risk injury should the dock collapse.

Wood Rot

Although many homeowners transition to synthetic materials in their docking, there are still those with wooden docks. The most common source of rot is fungus from the water that seeps in and causes dry rot, a condition in which the wood decays and crumbles. If it is confined to one area of your dock, it is possible to replace the individual boards with new treated lumber. If the wood rot is out of control, it is best to consult the marine construction specialists at Gibson Marine to determine the cost of replacement and learn about the benefits of different docking materials.

Foundation Damage Under the Waterline

Most residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast have docks that are permanently installed on pillars and underwater foundational supports. These docks offer convenience to you as a homeowner because you have a long-term, stable foundation that allows you to focus on the surface of your dock. However, you still need to be wary of any cracks in your foundational supports. They should be addressed immediately.

Rusted Platforms and Supports

If your boat dock has metal components in the platform or supports, the corrosive saltwater along the coast is going to eat away at the metal over time. Small rust spots can often be repaired or replaced with ease, but if rust is prevalent, it’s time to consider replacing your entire structure in the interest of safety.

Your boat dock might seem like a utilitarian place to load and unload your friends and family from the boat, and tie your boat up when it’s not in use, but it’s an important structure. Not only does it keep your boat on your property, it holds your valuable cargo (family and friends) when they are preparing for a boat ride. Ensure you keep a structurally-sound dock by watching out for these dangerous signs of decay and damage.

If you are concerned about the condition of your dock, feel free to contact us for a professional assessment and quote for any repairs that may be needed!

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