FAQs
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Floating dock systems can use an array of anchor options. This includes:
1. Piling (post) Anchoring
2. Dead weight Anchoring
3. Stiff-Arm Anchoring
4. Stand-off (bottomless) Anchoring
Depending on the depth and conditions of the dock placement, more than one anchoring option can be used together for increased security. -
A ‘Piling’ or (post) is a pipe that is driven down into the bottom that is secured to the side (or through) the dock. It’s secured via a sheath (pipe bracket) that allows the dock to rise and fall, sliding up and down inside the pipe bracket while maintaining the dock’s position.
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Dead weight anchoring refers to deep water security. This type of anchoring uses submerged weights on the bottom that are connected via chains to the topside dock using hanging brackets. The chains are connected to opposing sides of the dock to keep it secured by tension against itself.
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Stiff-Arm anchoring is ideal for deep water close to shore. These galvanized steel arms extend from a secure point on the shore and hold the dock system in position. They are often used in combination with other anchoring types for added security.
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Bottomless stand-off brackets are used for close-to-shore floating dock setups that do not need to be extended out into the water to clear the shallows.
These are ideal for areas with inhospitable bottoms that cannot receive Piling post anchoring. -
Yes! to docks, decks or the shore..
Floating dock systems are built to play well with others. Most polyethylene dock brands have hardware to retrofit to nearly every dock type.
FAQs
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The majority of plastic floating docks use either:
1. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
or
2. Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
This material is strong and very durable. -
Many polyethylene integrated flotation dock systems use just trapped air inside the sections for flotation. Others use EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), and some utilize both. The same can be said for Pontoon Dock flotation, some use just air - others EPS or both.
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Pontoon dock floats are made of Polyethylene.
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Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is lightweight, durable, and resistant to water. It's commonly used in floating docks because it resists rust and corrosion, making it perfect for use in water. It's also tough enough to handle harsh weather and heavy use.
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Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
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Dock Section Connectors differ by brand and design, but here are the commonly used materials:
1. HDPE and LLDPE
2. Rubber
3. Composite
4. Galvanized Steel
5. Aluminum
FAQs
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‘A buoyant platform secured to a flexible anchoring system, that allows the dock to rise and fall as water levels change - while maintaining topside stability.’
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There are 3 Floating Dock design types:
1. Pontoon Floating docks (external flotation)
2. Single-Mould floating docks (integrated flotation)
3. Cube Style floating docks (standardized units) -
A Pontoon Floating Dock type is any dock system that has the following:
1. External Flotation. The flotation is separate from the platform.
2. The Deck, Fame and Flotation are each separate components.
Any floating dock system with external floats is considered a pontoon dock type. Because it resembles a pontoon boat’s water stance. -
Single-mould floating docks are also known as seamless integrated flotation.
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Cube floating docks - also known as standardized dock systems are characterized by single sized units connected together to create a uniform platform.
FAQs
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This varies by design type, brand and how the dock system is maintained. The short answer is yes. For the continuous force floating dock systems endure, the lifespan exceeds stationary docks considerably.
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If we’re speaking about Polyethylene floating dock systems, there is very little ongoing maintenance. Aside from removing the docks during winter and cleaning consistently, most polyethylene docks require little to no maintenance.
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Speaking in general terms, the lifespan of modern polyethylene floating docks can comfortably be measured in decades - not years.
The variables include the design type, brand/model, location and the care taken by the user. -
Generally, no. Modern polyethylene docks are designed with minimal points of vulnerability. Manufactured with single seams to limit potential breakage. Short of puncture or physical damage by floating debris, ice or boat mishaps - floating docks are extremely robust in their construction.
Of the damaged docks we encountered, the majority could have been prevented. -
Many polyethylene floating docks incorporate wake muffling and water channel dispersal to limit the pounding force to the dock.
These design elements allow water to pass through and around the dock without direct impact. -
Single-Mould (integrated flotation) with seamless construction.
FAQs
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The majority of floating dock systems are designed for yearly removal. When possible, all docks should be removed for the winter season. Yes, they can survive, but consider your investment before you take this chance. The immense power of ice flow can bend thick steel beams, so floating docks will not stand a chance in certain places. Most brands will not provide a warranty for docks destroyed by the winter elements.
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Many Polyethylene floating dock systems are built to withstand the environment. Most contain an additive called UV Inhibitor that defends against the sun’s powerful UV rays to ensure the plastic is not penetrated.
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Many polyethylene floating docks are designed to limit their impact on the surrounding environment. While some traditional docks inhibit the sun’s nourishment reaching the aquatic life beneath the surface, modern floating docks allow the rays to pass through and reach the environment below.
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The two types of Polyethylene used in the construction of Floating Docks are:
HDPE & LLPE
HDPE - has tightly packed molecules, which makes it stiff and strong. Think of it like a stack of bricks—each piece is tightly pressed together, so it’s hard to bend or break.
LLDPE - has a looser, more flexible structure, kind of like a loosely knit net. This allows it to stretch and bend without snapping, which is why it's better at resisting punctures. -
Polyethylene floating dock systems do a good job of not interfering with the animal and plant life it inhabits. The key consideration is allowing the nourishing rays of the sun to pass through to the life below. Many floating dock brands have considered and made design adjustments to ensure minimal disruption.
