3 Must-Have Low-Maintenance Dock Piling Caps
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A dock requires strong pilings to provide structural support. Over time, harsh marine conditions can degrade the integrity of pilings. In particular, moisture from rain and sea spray can take a toll on many materials when they sit on the flat top of pilings. Dock piling caps offer an attractive solution to slow this process.
Piling caps are typically plastic or copper toppers for individual pilings. They shed water, which prevents pilings from rotting from the inside out. This reduces wear and maintenance, prolonging the life of your dock. At the same time, they also enhance the appearance of docks. Depending on the style and material of the piling caps you choose, they can last for many years.
Piling Cap Materials
Different piling cap materials have unique characteristics that make them more or less suitable for your application. When choosing a material, appearance is often at the forefront of the decision. However, you should also consider its price, durability, and appearance.
The amount of maintenance required to maintain your new dock piling caps is also an important factor. Marine environments are particularly harsh and can quickly take a toll on many building components. Choosing materials suitable for the conditions they will face can help reduce the maintenance required to keep them looking and functioning great.
LLDPE Metallocene-Based Polymer
Our piling caps are made from heavy, weatherable linear low-density polyethylene polymer that resists impacts, abrasions, and stress. With an estimated life in excess of 15 years for black caps and over 9 years for white caps, they retain flexibility across a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for docks in various climates. The material is UV resistant and offers an excellent seal to reduce moisture infiltration into pilings, providing an economical and attractive choice available in black, white, and green.
Haven Dock & Marine’s various LLDPE piling caps retain their attractive appearance and solid colors for years with very little maintenance. They are simple to install and fit a variety of piling sizes. You will need to wash them to remove bird droppings, debris, and dirt.
Copper
Copper is an attractive and durable material often used for dock piling caps. It ages well with very little required care, and you can easily get several decades of use from a set of caps. Over time, your copper piling caps will age to a beautiful green-blue patina.
Those benefits come at a higher upfront investment compared to other materials. Additionally, copper caps usually require professional installation for the correct fit and finish. If you are considering copper caps, keep in mind that the initial cost represents an excellent value because of their extended typical lifespan.
Copper is incredibly durable and requires very little maintenance. You can simply rinse the caps off regularly to remove loose dust and give them an occasional scrub to remove stubborn spots. The natural patina of copper adds an added layer of protection against water infiltration and a classic maritime look to your dock.
3 Must-Have Low-Maintenance Piling Caps
When shopping for dock piling caps, consider these three popular styles to complement your dock’s appearance and help preserve pilings.
1. Round Flat Piling Caps
Round wood pilings are among the most common on private and public docks. The exposed end of the wood allows water, dirt, and other contaminants to penetrate the piling. Round caps are a natural solution to protect these pilings and enhance their appearance.
Flat round caps are simple and attractive. They don’t draw unnecessary attention to the pilings yet offer sufficient protection against the elements. In the case of copper, installers can form them directly over the wood for a weather-tight fit. Some dock owners shy away from flat caps because they offer convenient roosting places for birds.
2. Square Piling Caps
These caps are excellent for square pilings. They seal out moisture and salt to preserve natural materials. Many square dock piling caps are made of LLDPE polymer for an attractive and durable finish.
Square caps are easy to install and provide a modern and clean look. At Haven Dock & Marine, we offer both flat and peaked square piling caps in multiple sizes to fit and enhance your dock.
3. Dome Piling Caps
Domed caps are a desirable option for many dock owners. They look great and shed moisture easily.
Conical piling caps have several advantages over their flat counterparts. First, the pointed top discourages birds from landing. No matter how much you enjoy watching the birds around the dock, you probably don’t want to deal with cleaning their mess off your new piling caps.
Additionally, their shape helps them stay cleaner longer and reduces regular maintenance. This means you will have less work to keep your deck looking great. Another benefit many boat owners appreciate is the ease with which lines slip over conical caps without getting hung up.
Tips To Reduce Piling Cap Maintenance
A properly installed piling cap will perform better and require less maintenance than one installed poorly. Therefore, you should take care to ensure that, no matter what types you choose, you have them installed correctly. One step to assist in this is to use the correct fasteners.
Fasteners are critical if you choose copper caps since a mixed metal can cause damage or wear at a different rate than the caps. In this situation, copper nails specifically designed for installing piling caps will help reduce future problems.
You will also want to invest the time and resources for regular maintenance. This typically involves:
- Cleaning your piling caps to remove salt spray, debris, and bird droppings
- Checking fasteners to ensure they are tight
- Repairing any damage or replacing hardware as needed
While piling caps do require some maintenance, they can save a lot of trouble associated with rotting dock materials. Additionally, you can easily incorporate these steps into your ongoing dock maintenance routine.
