Houston Docks
- Thousands of satisfied customers
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- +15 years in business
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Licensed & Insured Boat Ramp Repair in Houston, TX
Cracked slabs, slippery surfaces, undercut ends, or flood silt can shut down a launch fast. We fix these problems quickly and safely with engineered solutions that last. With 15+ years in marine construction and thousands of waterfront customers served, our team brings the right plan, equipment, and materials to every Boat Ramp Repair Houston TX project.
We repair poured-in-place and precast slab ramps, restore proper slope and traction, stabilize the end with toewalls and rock aprons, and handle courtesy dock fixes at the same time. From Lake Houston to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, we know local water levels, wake impacts, and permitting. Contact us for a free on-site ramp assessment and written estimate.
Why Our Professional Boat Ramp Repair Delivers Safe, Durable Launches
You want a launch that’s safe, open, and easy to use - without recurring repairs. Professional boat ramp repair prevents accidents, protects your shoreline, and keeps your community or marina operational. We evaluate structure, subgrade, water conditions, and traffic to recommend the right fix. With Boat Ramp Repair Houston TX, you get engineered upgrades, clean job sites, and a predictable timeline backed by our warranties.
Safety & Risk Elimination
We address the root causes of failure - undercutting, scour, and slab separation - so you avoid vehicle hang-ups and trailer damage. Our crews install end toewalls and a No. 2 riprap apron to stop scour, and we reinforce edges to prevent cracking at high-stress points. Anti-slip finishes and algae-resistant treatments reduce slip-and-fall risks for users.
Work is performed to OSHA 29 CFR 1926 over-water standards with PFDs and fall protection. We control turbidity with curtains and BMPs so you stay compliant. Recent example: a Clear Lake launch with recurring end drop-offs was stabilized with a deeper toewall, armor stone, and a traction-grooved overlay - no more trailer wheel spin or slab migration.
Professional Results & Quality
We build and repair to proven standards: ramp slope 12–15%, slab thickness 6–8 inches, 4000–5000 psi air-entrained concrete, and epoxy-coated Grade 60 #4–#5 rebar at 12 inches on center. Where needed, we tie new pours into existing slabs using epoxy doweling and rebar dowels for a monolithic result.
Traction is created with chevron or broom grooving for trailer grip. We use geotextile filter fabric and a compacted crushed stone base under ramps to reduce settlement. Polymer/epoxy repair mortars handle spalls at the waterline, while helix anchor tie-ins help stabilize precast panel systems. Courtesy dock repairs often include composite decking and new SS316 hardware for longevity.
Time & Stress Savings
Downtime costs you launches, revenue, and resident satisfaction. We’re built for fast mobilization with excavators, skid-steers, dewatering pumps, and concrete pumps/tremie for clean pours. For flood events, we offer same-week silt removal and ramp reopening in Greater Houston when conditions allow.
Our planning reduces surprises: underwater end-of-ramp surveys (sonar or probe), phased construction to keep a lane open where feasible, and rapid-set concrete options for limited closures. You’ll get a single point of contact, clear schedules, and daily progress updates.
Cost-Effective Solution
We focus on repair and reinforcement first - preventing expensive rebuilds. Examples include grooving and textured overlays instead of full slab replacement, localized end protection to stop scour, and rebar tie-ins rather than removing sound concrete. We also rehab staging areas - concrete patching and striping - to enhance traffic flow and safety.
We help you avoid regulatory delays and fines through permit assistance (USACE Nationwide Permit 3 maintenance), county and GLO coordination, and SWPPP setup where required. Doing it right the first time saves money and keeps you in compliance.
Peace of Mind & Warranty
We’re fully insured and follow ACI 301/318 placement practices. Your project is handled by OSHA 10/30-trained crews, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technicians, and NCCCO-certified crane operators. For ship channel-adjacent sites, we carry TWIC credentials.
You’ll receive documented inspections and as-builts. We back our work with written workmanship warranties and offer annual inspection and pressure-wash plans to maintain traction and keep algae at bay. If storms hit, our emergency ramp cleanup service gets you back online quickly.
How Our Boat Ramp Repair Process Works
Our proven process keeps your project organized, compliant, and on schedule - start to finish.
1) Consultation & Survey
We visit your site, document damage, run laser level checks, and assess end-of-ramp conditions with probing or sonar where needed.
2) Plan & Permits
We define the scope, materials, and sequencing. If required, we expedite permits (USACE NWP 3 maintenance, county, GLO) and prepare SWPPP BMPs.
3) Site Prep & Dewatering
We install turbidity curtains, set up a cofferdam if necessary, and dewater safely. Traffic control keeps users and property protected.
4) Repair, Pour, or Resurface
We demo deteriorated sections, compact the base with geotextile, set rebar dowels, and place concrete via pump/tremie. We apply chevron or broom grooves for traction.
5) Protection & Reopen
We add an end toewall and rock apron to prevent undercutting, then stripe staging areas as needed. After curing, we reopen with a safety walk-through.
Why Choose Houston Docks for Boat Ramp Repair in Houston
At Houston Docks, we repair ramps the right way - engineered methods, quality materials, and careful execution. Our experienced marine crews work across Greater Houston every week, from Lake Houston to Galveston Bay. We combine local water knowledge with proven concrete practices to deliver safe, long-lasting launches. When you need dependable boat ramp repair, we’re the partner you can trust.
Certified Marine Concrete Expertise
Our team includes ACI Concrete Field Testing Technicians and seasoned finishers who understand marine slabs: 4000–5000 psi concrete, proper air entrainment, and epoxy-coated reinforcement for corrosion resistance. We follow ACI 301/318 and use geotextile underlayment and compacted base to limit settlement.
We belong to professional organizations such as ACI and PDCA, and we use methods suited to tidal or lake environments: staged pours, traction grooving, polymer repair mortars at the splash zone, and helix anchor tie-ins for precast panels. The result - slabs that stay put and perform under load.
Permits, Compliance & Safety
Permitting is often the critical path. We handle USACE Nationwide Permit 3 (Galveston District) for maintenance, coordinate with the Texas GLO for coastal sites, and manage city/county submittals in places like Seabrook, La Porte, and Baytown. Where required, we implement TCEQ CGP/SWPPP with erosion and turbidity controls.
On site, we follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 over-water safety, conduct job hazard analyses for tidal work windows, and manage prop‑wash hazards. We maintain full insurance, and our crane operators carry NCCCO certifications; TWIC credentials support ship channel locations.
Right Equipment for Waterfront Work
We mobilize the gear ramp work demands: excavators and skid-steers for excavation and grading, vibratory pile drivers for sheet or cutoff walls, concrete pumps/tremie for clean underwater placements, and dewatering pumps with turbidity curtains for environmental control.
Survey GPS/laser levels keep slopes on spec, while specialty tools - rebar epoxy dowel systems, screeds, and saws/jackhammers - speed selective demo. When needed, hydro‑jetting removes algae and fines before resurfacing to ensure bond and traction.
Houston-Area Knowledge
We understand local variables - wind fetch on Clear Lake, ship wakes near the Houston Ship Channel, and storm surges affecting San Jacinto River launches. We select materials and details that stand up: SS316 hardware, corrosion‑inhibiting admixtures, and algae‑resistant textured overlays where warranted.
From ADA-friendly courtesy dock upgrades to bulkhead tie-ins and sheet pile cutoff walls, we integrate adjacent structures so the entire launch area performs as a system.
Clear Communication, Warranties & Maintenance
You’ll get a single project manager, milestone schedules, and daily updates. When possible, we phase construction to keep one lane usable and maintain community access.
We provide written warranties on workmanship and offer annual inspection and pressure‑washing programs to maintain traction, plus periodic end-of-ramp checks to catch scour early. After major storms, our emergency cleanup team can reopen launches quickly.
Boat Ramp Repair Projects Across Greater Houston - Proven Results
We’ve repaired and upgraded public, private, and marina launches throughout the Greater Houston area. Our team handles Houston boat ramp resurfacing, ramp dredging and silt removal in Lake Houston, and boat ramp extension in low‑water zones around Clear Lake. Each project is tailored to your site - water depth, traffic volume, and shoreline conditions - to deliver dependable, user‑friendly results.
Types of Projects We Handle
We rehab municipal and public ramps, community HOA launches, and marina facilities. Scope ranges from slab repairs and traction grooving to full ramp replacement and courtesy dock upgrades. We also restore staging/parking areas with concrete patching and striping for safer traffic flow.
Our team integrates adjacent structures - bulkhead tie‑ins, floating courtesy dock repairs, and cutoff walls - so the entire launch area works together under real‑world conditions.
Our Proven Methods
Typical standards we build to include 12–15% slope, 6–8 in. slab thickness, epoxy‑coated rebar, geotextile underlayment, and a compacted crushed stone base. We finish with chevron or broom grooves for trailer traction and apply algae‑resistant textures when conditions call for it.
For end protection, we install toewalls and a rock apron to stop undercutting. Where precast panels are used, helix anchor systems and rebar tie‑ins help prevent panel creep. In tidal or wave‑exposed sites, we add sheet pile or cutoff walls for edge stability.
Complex Situations We’ve Mastered
Post‑storm recovery: we clear debris and perform localized dredging to remove silted material, then re‑establish safe launch depths. Low‑water sites: we extend the ramp with additional panels or pours to ensure year‑round usability.
High‑traffic marinas: we sequence work to reduce downtime and coordinate with operations. Ship channel influences: we schedule pours around wake and tidal windows and use tremie techniques for reliable placements.
Results You Can Expect
Typical resurfacing and traction upgrades take about 3–7 days, while full demo and rebuilds run 2–4 weeks depending on permits and conditions. We provide as‑built documentation, maintenance recommendations, and a warranty on workmanship.
Recent example: an Atascocita community ramp received traction grooves, end stabilization, and dock hardware upgrades - reopened in 6 days with improved safety and better trailer control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended slope for a concrete boat ramp?
Most launches perform best at a 12–15% slope. That range offers safe trailer traction and adequate prop clearance as water levels change across Houston, Clear Lake, and Galveston Bay. We verify grades with laser levels and adjust transitions to avoid vehicle hang‑ups. For shallow sites, we may extend the ramp or fine‑tune the approach to keep launches smooth year‑round.
How thick should a boat ramp slab be and how is it reinforced?
We typically use 6–8 inches of 4000–5000 psi air‑entrained concrete with epoxy‑coated Grade 60 #4–#5 rebar at about 12 inches on center. New pours are doweled into sound existing slabs for a solid tie‑in, with geotextile and a compacted stone base below. Edge reinforcement and a stabilized end detail help resist cracking and movement under trailer loads.
Do I need a permit to repair or rebuild a boat ramp in Texas?
Many projects qualify under USACE Nationwide Permit 3 (maintenance) in the Galveston District, but local approvals may still be required. Depending on location, we coordinate with Harris County or nearby cities, and the Texas GLO for coastal sites. If stormwater rules apply, we set up a SWPPP. We handle submittals and timelines so your ramp stays compliant.
How much does it cost to build or repair a boat ramp?
Costs vary with scope, access, water depth, and permitting. Typical repairs, resurfacing, and end stabilization often range from the mid‑$20,000s to $80,000+. Full demo/rebuilds or extensions can exceed that depending on site conditions. After a site visit, we provide a detailed, line‑item proposal for your Houston‑area location - no surprises.
How do you prevent erosion and undercutting at the end of a boat ramp?
We stop scour with an end toewall and a rock apron, sized for site conditions and wave/wake energy. Edge armoring and proper subgrade prep reduce slab migration. Where currents or prop‑wash are significant, we extend protection and may add a cutoff wall. These measures keep the ramp end stable and prevent dangerous drop‑offs.
What is the best surface finish for traction on a boat ramp?
Chevron or longitudinal broom grooving provides reliable trailer grip. On high‑use or shaded ramps, we can add algae‑resistant textured overlays for longer‑lasting friction. Before resurfacing, we clean the slab - often with hydro‑jetting - to remove fines and algae so the new surface bonds well and delivers predictable traction.
Can a boat ramp be repaired without closing it completely?
Often, yes. We design phased construction to keep one lane open when site width and safety allow. That might mean working one side at a time, sequencing pours, and coordinating dewatering during off‑peak hours. If a full closure is unavoidable, we minimize downtime with rapid‑set options and efficient scheduling.
What is a cofferdam and when is it used for ramp repairs?
A cofferdam is a temporary barrier that lets us dewater the work zone. We use it when water depth, tides, or wave action make dry work impossible. In Houston‑area ramps - especially near Galveston Bay - cofferdams help us place concrete via pump/tremie cleanly, maintain quality control, and keep turbidity within permit limits.
How fast can you mobilize to clear flood silt and reopen a ramp in Houston?
For many sites, we can mobilize within 24–72 hours, perform localized dredging or silt removal, and restore safe launch depth quickly - weather and access permitting. We prioritize public and HOA ramps to reduce disruptions. Ask about our emergency services for Boat Ramp Repair Houston TX after major storms or high‑water events.
Do you offer annual inspection and pressure-wash programs to keep ramps safe?
Yes. Our maintenance plans include annual inspections, traction testing, pressure‑washing, minor joint or spall repairs, and end‑of‑ramp checks for scour. Routine care extends service life, improves safety, and can reduce long‑term costs for marinas, HOAs, and municipalities around Lake Houston, Clear Lake, and Baytown.