We were recently presented the opportunity to purchase slip/lift we had been renting here in Riviera Dunes and just couldn't pass up the opportunity. The 20k lb lift was installed five years ago with no wrap and there had been no regular maintenance (other than grease) so getting those barnacle encrusted pilings inspected and cleaned up was first on our agenda.
We first contacted the folks who installed the lift and they said it probably wasn't worth doing unless it was very recent and then they would only wrap the first few feet to cover the normal tidal range. Under Dock Reef popped up in my Facebook feed so I gave them a call and as their approch was much more comprehensive, and reasonably priced, we scheduled a date to get started.
We first contacted the folks who installed the lift and they said it probably wasn't worth doing unless it was very recent and then they would only wrap the first few feet to cover the normal tidal range. Under Dock Reef popped up in my Facebook feed so I gave them a call and as their approch was much more comprehensive, and reasonably priced, we scheduled a date to get started.
Under Dock Reef
Restore: Inspect, Prep & Pressure Wash
After setting up their equipment they first inspected and measured the piling. This check is to determine if there is any existing damage from wood boring organisms and to accurately cut the final wrap.
This is followed by an intense 4000 PSI pressure washing down to the seafloor to remove all growth, bring the piliings back to their original shape, and ensure that there will be no growth moving forward between the piling and the finished wrap.
This is followed by an intense 4000 PSI pressure washing down to the seafloor to remove all growth, bring the piliings back to their original shape, and ensure that there will be no growth moving forward between the piling and the finished wrap.
Preserve: Shrink Wrap & Wrap
The shrink wrapping process follows the pressure washing as it provides a barrier to oxygenated water and sunlight to kill any existing wood borers within 24 hours. This, as well, goes all the way down to the seafloor.
The final step is a high density, polyethylene wrap to encase the piling and protect everything beneath. It is tough and abrasion resistant so it won’t fade, crack, peel or chip and is impervious weather, fuel and oil. The finishing wrap is secured by 1 1/4 inch stainless steel ring-shank nails every 2 inches along the seam and is overlapped by 5 - 6 inches to prevent marine growth from attaching underneath the protective coatings.
The final step is a high density, polyethylene wrap to encase the piling and protect everything beneath. It is tough and abrasion resistant so it won’t fade, crack, peel or chip and is impervious weather, fuel and oil. The finishing wrap is secured by 1 1/4 inch stainless steel ring-shank nails every 2 inches along the seam and is overlapped by 5 - 6 inches to prevent marine growth from attaching underneath the protective coatings.
Protect Your Investment
We can't thank Andy/Martin and the whole Under Dock Reef Team enough for all of their hard work on our behalf. From the first phone call to the finished product they brought a level of professionalism and detail to the project that was apparent to all.
Before they finished with our pilings they had three more jobs at our community docks which is a testament of the value they bring to the table and the intelligence of the Riviera Dunes Community!
Before they finished with our pilings they had three more jobs at our community docks which is a testament of the value they bring to the table and the intelligence of the Riviera Dunes Community!
