Three Critical Guidelines for Maintaining and Restoring Your Jetty

If you are a holder of a jetty licence, you have an obligation to conduct regular maintenance on the structure. This process is crucial because jetties are constructed using materials like timber and steel. When these materials are exposed to the natural marine environment, the structure will experience gradual deterioration. If you conduct regular maintenance, you will protect your investment. In addition, you must keep in mind that proper upkeep is less expensive than rebuilding the jetty if it collapses due to inadequate care. Here are some essential guidelines for keeping your jetty in good condition.

Remove Rust from Metal

The metallic elements in jetties are highly susceptible to damage through rusting. In simple terms, most of these structures are built using steel, which is not corrosion-resistant. When this metal comes into contact with water, it experiences natural rusting. Moreover, if the water is saline, the salt content will increase the rate of rusting.

Typically, the metallic parts of the jetties are protected through the use of protective coatings. It is important to ensure that these coatings are secure and undamaged. If there are coating deterioration and the formation of rust deposits, you should scrub the material. Then, you should treat the affected area with a rust protectant.

Recoat the Timber Surfaces

The general surfaces of the jetty are vulnerable to continuous degradation due to exposure to water. For instance, timber jetties will absorb water after installation. This moisture can have a damaging effect on the structure. For instance, the wood could begin to rot even if it is a hard and durable species. This can lead to the need for extensive repairs. However, you should note that you can prevent deterioration by sealing and painting the wood.

If the wood is adequately sealed, it will prevent the absorption of water. If you are interested in recoating your jetty, you should clean and even sand the surfaces to eliminate salts, grime and general dirt. Then, choose a marine paint product for the improvement project. The marine paint should be rated for use on water structures such as docks. Moreover, the material should be safe for the environment. Use the protective paint as recommended.

Check the Piles

Finally, you should engage an experienced professional in the marine structures business to inspect the condition of the jetty. It is important to prioritise the evaluation of the foundational piles. If these are compromised, the structure will not last for long. Therefore, plan for regular inspections so that you will identify degradation and reinforce before breakdown. 


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