Houston Docks
- Thousands of satisfied customers
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- +15 years in business
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Professional Dock Float Replacement in Houston, TX
If your floating dock is sitting low, tilting, or scraping pilings, the floats have likely lost buoyancy. Sun, barnacles, impacts, and age can waterlog or crack float drums. We restore stability and safe freeboard with precision dock float replacement using marine-grade, encapsulated flotation modules.
With 15+ years on Houston-area lakes, bayous, and bays, we understand brackish water, wave action, and storm surge. Our crews are insured, OSHA-trained, and equipped for tight canals and busy marinas. Need Float Replacement Houston TX done right the first time? Contact us for a fast on-site inspection and a clear, itemized estimate.
Why Our Dock Float Replacement Delivers Safety, Stability, and Long-Term Value
You want a stable, level dock that’s safe for family and guests and ready for storms. Professional float replacement prevents trips, torn cleats, and structural strain. We assess buoyancy needs, specify the right modules, and install to manufacturer guidelines so you get reliable performance and longer service life from your waterfront investment.
Safety & Risk Elimination
Uneven freeboard and submerged decking create slip hazards and can stress framing. We replace failed drums with encapsulated, closed-cell polyethylene floats that won’t absorb water. Correct buoyancy restores level walking surfaces and keeps electrical and mooring hardware at safe heights above the waterline.
We calculate required lift per section and set float spacing to prevent listing when loading. Every project includes a post-install wet test so you see the dock ride level under real conditions. This reduces liability, protects boats, and prevents fastener failures during wakes or storms.
Professional Results & Quality
We use proven brands like PermaFloat, ShoreMaster, Dock Edge, Taylor Made, and EZ Dock-compatible modules with buoyancy ratings from 250 to 2,500 lbs. Hardware is 316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized with lock nuts and large fender washers to spread loads and prevent pull-through.
Our team follows manufacturer torque specs and cross-bracing best practices. We match float size to water depth, wave climate, and dock use. The result is a dock that sits at the correct freeboard and stays that way season after season.
Time & Stress Savings
DIY float swaps often lead to mismatched buoyancy and repeat work. We complete most residential replacements in a single day, even in tight canals. Our barge, low-clearance work skiffs, and shore-based jacks let us work efficiently without pulling your entire dock apart.
We handle everything: decommissioning old floats, disposal, hardware upgrades, and releveling. You get a single point of contact, regular updates, and a spotless site when we’re done.
Cost-Effective Solution
Right-sizing buoyancy avoids overloading framing or overpaying for unnecessary modules. We often save clients 10–20% by reusing sound components and only replacing failed floats. Properly installed encapsulated floats resist UV, impacts, and marine growth, lowering lifetime cost.
We also protect your investment by adjusting freeboard to limit splash-over, which extends deck and fastener life. Preventing one storm-related failure can pay for the entire project.
Peace of Mind & Warranty
We stand behind our work with clear warranties on flotation modules and craftsmanship. Many encapsulated floats carry manufacturer warranties of 10 years or more. Our installations are performed by insured crews following documented safety procedures.
You’ll receive a written report with buoyancy calculations, float map, and maintenance tips so you know exactly what was installed and how to keep it performing.
How Our Dock Float Replacement Process Works
We make the experience straightforward and safe. Our team communicates clearly, protects your property, and keeps your dock usable whenever possible.
1) Assessment & Buoyancy Plan
We inspect floats, framing, and hardware, measure current freeboard, and calculate lift needed by section to achieve your target height.
2) Transparent Estimate
You’ll get an itemized proposal with float specifications, quantities, hardware, disposal, timeline, and warranties—no surprises.
3) Preparation & Safety Setup
We stage materials, set containment for debris, and secure the dock. Boats and utilities near the work zone are protected before we begin.
4) Removal & Installation
Failed floats are removed and recycled or disposed of. New encapsulated modules are installed with marine-grade hardware and cross-checked for alignment.
5) Leveling & Final Verification
We fine-tune float placement, confirm target freeboard with a wet test, tighten to spec, and walk you through the results and maintenance tips.
Why Choose Houston Docks for Float Replacement in Houston
Houston Docks has served thousands of waterfront clients across the Greater Houston area with reliable repairs and upgrades. We know how local winds, boat traffic, and brackish water affect buoyancy and hardware. When you need Float Replacement Houston TX, our team brings proven methods, quality materials, and a commitment to clear communication from estimate to final walk-through.
Certified Marine Expertise & Proven Methods
Our specialists are trained in dock construction best practices, buoyancy calculations, and manufacturer installation standards. We regularly work with PermaFloat, ShoreMaster, EZ Dock, Dock Edge, and Taylor Made products, ensuring parts compatibility and correct fastener patterns.
We document lift requirements per section, match float dimensions to your framing grid, and set freeboard targets appropriate for use—typically 12–18 inches for residential docks and higher for commercial loading zones. This engineered approach delivers predictable, lasting results.
Fully Insured Crews & Safety-First Practices
Your property and our people come first. Crews follow OSHA jobsite protocols, wear PPE, and use fall protection around water. We cordon work areas, protect boats, and manage debris so nothing drifts into neighboring slips or channels.
We utilize low-profile skiffs, work barges, cordless torque tools, and lifting jacks designed for marine work. This keeps operations controlled and reduces risk in narrow canals and under covered slips.
Right Materials for Houston Waters
Brackish and salt-influenced areas like Clear Lake, Trinity Bay, and Galveston Bay require corrosion-resistant hardware and UV-stable, encapsulated floats. We specify 316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized hardware, large bearing plates, and closed-cell foam cores that won’t waterlog.
In freshwater locations like Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston, we optimize for seasonal level changes and wake patterns, placing and sizing floats to maintain even freeboard year-round.
Local Knowledge, Permitting Help, and Fast Turnarounds
From Seabrook/Kemah waterfronts to the canals of Bayou Vista and Tiki Island, we understand tides, wake zones, and HOA requirements. Many float replacements qualify as maintenance; where permits or approvals are needed, we help coordinate with local authorities or HOAs.
Most residential projects are completed in one day. For marinas and multi-slip docks, we phase work to minimize slip downtime and coordinate around peak traffic.
Expert Dock Float Replacement Backed by Years of Local Experience
We’ve replaced and upgraded flotation on residential docks, HOA facilities, and marinas throughout the Greater Houston area. Our team handles everything from one-off drum swaps to full-system buoyancy redesigns. If you’re on Clear Lake, Lake Conroe, Trinity Bay, or neighborhood lakes across Spring Branch, Katy, and Pearland, we’re nearby and ready to help with professional float replacement.
Types of Float Replacement Projects We Handle
For homes, we commonly replace aged black drums with modern, encapsulated HDPE modules, restoring level walking surfaces and safe freeboard. For HOAs and commercial marinas, we re-level entire piers, upgrading flotation to meet increased traffic and heavier accessories like lifts and canopies.
We also service modular systems such as EZ Dock-style sections, replacing damaged cubes or adding additional modules to correct sagging under high-use areas.
Our Proven Methods & Materials
We calculate lift using freshwater buoyancy (approximately 62.4 lb/ft³) and select float sizes to achieve the right balance between stability and draft. Hardware includes 316 stainless carriage bolts, fender washers, and nylon-insert lock nuts tightened to manufacturer torque specs.
Installation is performed with low-clearance skiffs, cordless impact wrenches, and adjustable jack stands. We map float locations so future maintenance is simple and predictable.
Complex Situations We’ve Mastered
Storm-damaged docks with twisted frames require careful sequencing. We support sections, replace floats, and then correct framing as needed to avoid introducing stress. In shallow canals or under boathouses, we use shore-based jacks and custom cribbing to swap floats without dismantling the entire dock.
Brackish environments that foster marine growth get anti-fouling strategies and hardware upgrades for corrosion resistance, extending service life.
Results You Can Expect
In April 2024 in Clear Lake City 77059, we replaced 12 degraded drums under a 40-foot dock with 24x48x16 encapsulated modules, restoring 14 inches of freeboard and eliminating a 2-inch list. In Seabrook, we re-floated an 18-slip pier with 80 modules, phased overnight to avoid daytime disruption.
You can expect a level dock, correct freeboard for your use, cleaner lines at mooring height, quieter movement under wake, and a detailed maintenance plan for years of reliable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs my dock floats need service?
Common signs include a dock sitting lower than usual, noticeable tilt or listing, decking touching the water, cleats near the waterline, or loud creaking as waves pass. After storms, look for cracked drums, water inside floats, or fasteners pulling through. If you see submerged corners or uneven freeboard where people step on and off boats, it’s time to schedule an inspection in Houston.
How long do dock floats typically last in Houston?
Quality encapsulated, closed-cell polyethylene floats often last 10–20 years depending on sun exposure, impacts, and salinity. Brackish areas like Clear Lake and Trinity Bay can shorten life due to UV and marine growth. Regular inspections and cleaning, plus using 316 stainless hardware, help maximize service life and reduce unexpected sagging.
How much does float replacement cost in Houston, and what affects price?
Costs vary with float quantity and size, access conditions, hardware needs, and disposal of old drums. Residential projects often start with a few modules and scale up for longer docks or marinas. Tight canals, low-clearance boathouses, or storm damage can add labor. We provide fixed, itemized quotes after an on-site assessment for Float Replacement Houston TX.
Is installation disruptive and how long does it take?
Most residential float replacements finish in one day, with partial access maintained during work. We use low-profile skiffs and shore-based jacks to minimize disturbance and protect landscaping, bulkheads, and nearby boats. For marinas or HOA docks, we phase work to keep most slips open and schedule around peak traffic.
Do you handle permits or approvals for float replacement?
Many float replacements are considered maintenance. Where approvals are required—such as certain HOAs, community lakes, or specific county jurisdictions—we help coordinate documentation. For complex projects, we align with local rules and any applicable waterfront guidelines. We’ll review your location and advise on next steps before work begins.
Can you add additional flotation to raise my dock’s freeboard?
Yes. We can add or resize modules to achieve a target freeboard and improve stability in high-use zones, such as near lifts or seating areas. We calculate required lift per section to avoid overstressing framing and to keep the dock riding level when people board and disembark.
Do you service modular systems like EZ Dock or ShoreMaster?
We replace damaged cubes or sections, add modules for more buoyancy, and re-level modular docks from brands such as EZ Dock and ShoreMaster. We match part styles and fastener patterns to maintain system integrity and warranty eligibility where applicable.
How often should I schedule inspections for my floats?
We recommend an annual inspection before heavy boating season and after major storms. In areas with strong sun and wake action—like Kemah, Seabrook, and Galveston Bay—semiannual checks are smart. Routine inspections catch small issues early, reducing costs and preventing unsafe low spots.
What warranties do you offer on floats and labor?
Most encapsulated floats carry manufacturer warranties of 10 years or more. Our workmanship is covered by a written labor warranty detailed in your estimate. We’ll review coverage terms, expected service life, and maintenance steps that help keep your warranty valid.