It’s a common sight along the shoreline: steel docks that have various degrees of deterioration due to rust.
Some are close to being in dangerous shape, while others are just beginning to corrode. In any case, without proper protection, these steel docks will become unusable unless the owners undertake expensive repairs.
That’s where sacrificial anodes from Dock Shield come into play. They take the hit from the rust-causing elements, ionic materials in the water, so your steel dock stays in solid shape for decades.
Designed and tested in Muskoka, the anodes act as a cathodic protection system when placed next to steel dock piles.
Corrosion is inevitable when metal is placed under water. Electrons are transferred from the metal to dissolved oxygen, causing what we know as rust. But when anodes are placed in the water, they are the more active metal, “sacrificing” their electrons so the dock’s steel piles don’t have to.
David Smith, whose cottage is on the north end of Lake Joseph, is a Dock Shield client. As an engineer by trade, he fully understands the chemical reactions that can negatively impact steel under water.
“The chemistry made sense to me,” says David. “I understand the anode action and the sacrificial anodes make a lot of technical sense.”
Waterfront property owners throughout Muskoka should have a look under the waterline at what’s happening with their steel docks, and seriously consider using sacrificial anodes, says David.
Engineers also recommend regular checks of steel docks for rust every few years. This is to make sure the foundation of your dock and boathouse is in good shape and to perform any required repairs or maintenance before it’s too late.
Dock Shield’s team are experts at getting below the water line, using an underwater drone to determine what shape a dock is in – as well as make plans for the number of anodes needed to protect the steel.
“We can take 4K photos and videos of steel pile docks and show them to our clients,” says Adam Metz, who co-owns Dock Shield with Mike and Dylan Welsh. “Whether your investment is $100,000 or $1 million-plus, you want the dock and boathouse to last for generations. That starts with us protecting the unseen areas that rest below the waterline.”
With this can-do attitude, the Dock Shield team gains more satisfied clients each day.
“They’ve been real pros. They understand the chemistry and their level of service has been absolutely excellent,” says David. “I would recommend them to anyone.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
