Dock repair, flotation and re-decking
Sun, wakes, freezing and years of lake level swings take a toll. Here's what usually fails and how it's fixed.
A dock that sits a little lower each year, wobbles more than it used to or has soft spots in the deck is telling you something. Many problems are fixable without replacing the whole dock, as long as the frame is sound.
Signs your dock needs work
- The dock rides low or tilts toward one corner
- Bits of foam floating around the dock or along the bank
- Soft, cracked or loose deck boards
- Rust at welds, bolts or frame joints
- The walkway binds, scrapes or hangs up as the water changes
- GFCIs or breakers on the dock trip often
What does re-foaming involve?
Re-foaming means replacing old or damaged flotation under the dock. On Lake of the Ozarks, Ameren treats re-foaming as work that must be done by a Certified Dock Builder or the owner, and only Ameren-approved encapsulated flotation may be used. The guidelines require a polystyrene or copolymer core inside a solid polyethylene or polyurethane shell, an 8-year warranty against sinking and cracking, and bolted attachment. Plastic or metal drums aren't allowed. Builders also have to show that old foam and waste were disposed of properly.
Other common repairs
- Re-decking with new wood, composite or aluminum on a sound frame
- Frame repair at rusted or cracked members and connections
- Walkway work on hinges, rollers and the shore connection
- Roof repair to panels, trusses and posts
Repair or replace?
If the frame is solid, new foam and decking can add many years. If the frame is rusted through, the dock no longer fits your boat, or the layout needs to change, replacement may be the better value. Changes to a dock's size or footprint count as a modification and need an Ameren permit.
Turn the power off first
If any wiring is damaged or wet, shut off power to the dock at the shore disconnect and keep people out of the water nearby until an electrician checks it.
The builder sets the price after seeing your shoreline, water depth and existing dock. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Why does my dock keep sinking lower?
Usually the flotation is waterlogged, cracked or missing. Replacing it with Ameren-approved encapsulated floats brings the dock back up.
Does re-foaming need a permit?
Ameren lists re-foaming among the work that must be done by a Certified Dock Builder or the owner. Ask your builder whether your job needs a modification permit.
Related services
- New floating docks
- Boat lifts and PWC lifts
- Dock moves, cables and anchoring
- Seawalls and shoreline riprap
More background: Lake of the Ozarks dock permit guide.
Dock sitting low, lift acting up, or ready for a new slip?
Call now and a dock builder who works on Lake of the Ozarks will call you back to talk through your shoreline.