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A SPECIAL SECTION DEVOTED TO
LIVING ON LAKE LANIER
Decks, Docks and Details
Protecting your dock
while it’s high and dry
By
Pamela A. Keene
The water level at Lake Lanier has more than likely
peaked for the season, unless the area receives significant and
above-average rainfall for the remainder of the year. As we move
into to the drier seasons of fall and early winter, now is a good
time to check out your dock and take action to help protect your
investment.
“If you can, follow the water out,” said Jim Elliott,
president and co-owner of Browns Bridge Dock Company. “At the very
least, you should inspect your dock and determine – if you can’t
move it out – that it’s sitting level.”
 Elliott
said that one of the most vulnerable structures for a dock that’s
grounded is the roof. “If it’s leaning or twisting, the soundness of
the dock may be compromised. However, if you’re completely dry, you
may just have to ride it out until the water levels return.”
But if there are areas where the bottom of the lake
has washed out beneath the dock, it may be possible to shore it up
from below.
He recommends taking a close look at the dock,
including the party deck, sun deck and roof systems to assure that
the integrity has not been compromised. Additionally, nuts, bolts
and pipe braces should be inspected.
“If your dock is only partially beached, it may be
possible to move it out,” he said. The company recently assisted a
homeowner with a 100-yard extension that put the dock back into the
water. “It’s not inexpensive, but when you consider the cost over
the long run, it can be a good investment.”
Cost depends on the individual situation, including
the amount of the dock that’s dry, the types of repairs that may be
needed, the distance to water, the amount of cables that may be
added and other factors.
Although the lake is low, business for dock builders
and those in related fields is still strong. Elliott said he has
added six employees in the past couple of weeks.
“We’re headed for the traditionally drier seasons of
the year,” he said. “Now is a good time to assure that your dock is
stable and positioned as safely as possible to protect your
investment.”
Browns Bridge Dock can be reached at 770-887-9760.
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