Get matched with top dock building and repair pros in Ackley, IA

The most significant factor in knowing whether to repair or replace your dock is the extent of the damage and its age. If you have minor cracks on a few boards and the dock is less than 15 years old, it'll likely be worth repairing the damaged part. However, it's time to replace this essential water feature if you have significant damage, such as rotting wood in multiple areas, warps or cracks in the dock supports, or a damaged foundation.

Here are a few other considerations before you build, even if you're convinced you're in compliance with the law:

• Are you damaging the environment? Bodies of water are often delicate ecosystems, and building a dock can be destructive and disruptive to the wildlife.

• Are you blocking access? Lots of people like to use a lake, so you need to make sure your dock doesn't block public access to the water.

• Can you enclose the dock? Just because you can build a dock doesn't mean you can build any dock you want. Some areas don't allow enclosed docks, for example.

• Do you need to follow any specific rules or guidelines? Check with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management for any guidelines you’ll need to follow, including size and type restrictions.

If your boat dock and seawall appear to be failing at the same time, taking on the projects together may be easier from a permitting perspective. By doing a big project, you can ensure that everything in your property is safe and up to code. Depending on the size and condition of your boat dock, average boat dock repair cost can range from $834 to $5,432.

Rotting wood, loose boards, rusted fasteners, and damaged pilings often require repair to maintain safety and functionality.