Flotation is what keeps a floating dock floating. When floats break down, crack, or get waterlogged, the dock sits lower on that side, the frame starts carrying loads it wasn’t designed for, and you get sagging walkways, sticking connections and eventually frame damage.
Signs your flotation is failing
- One corner or side sits lower than the rest
- The dock rides lower in the water than it used to
- Pieces of foam floating near the dock
- The dock tilts when people walk to one side
- Decking that used to be level now has a slope
How flotation is replaced
The crew works from a barge. The section is lifted or the old float is detached and pulled out, and new encapsulated flotation is set in place and fastened to the frame. The dock is then re-leveled. On many docks this can be done without removing the decking.
Encapsulated vs. old-style foam
Older docks often used exposed foam, which breaks down in sunlight and water and can shed pieces into the lake. Today’s encapsulated floats protect the foam inside a durable plastic shell, which lasts longer and keeps foam out of the water. If your dock still uses exposed foam, ask about upgrading when floats are replaced.
Pair flotation work with a general dock inspection so cables, connections and walkway hardware can be checked while the crew is there.
Common questions
How long does dock flotation last?
It varies with the type of flotation, its age and conditions, but older unprotected foam breaks down and soaks up water over the years. Modern encapsulated floats are built to last much longer.
Do I have to replace all the floats at once?
Not always. If only a few floats have failed, they can be replaced individually. On older docks where most floats are aging, replacing them together often saves on barge time.