Before Fall Arrives: 5 Things to Check on Your Lake Tawakoni or Lake Ray Hubbard Property

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean lake season is over. In fact, those cooler fall days can be some of the best times to enjoy your property on Lake Tawakoni or Lake Ray Hubbard.

Before you trade the boat for the football season, though, it's a good time to take a walk around your dock, seawall, and waterfront property. The combination of summer heat, fluctuating lake levels, storms, boat traffic, and plenty of time in the sun can take a toll on waterfront structures.

A little attention now can help you catch small problems before they turn into bigger—and more expensive—repairs.

1. Take a Close Look at Your Dock

Your dock has probably gotten plenty of use over the summer. Now is a good time to check for loose or damaged boards, soft spots, exposed fasteners, shifting supports, or anything that feels different under your feet.

Pay particular attention to areas around ladders, boat lifts, walkways, and places that receive a lot of traffic.

If you're finding yourself stepping around a bad board instead of fixing it, that's probably a pretty good sign that it's time to have it looked at.

And if you're tired of replacing decking boards every time the weather—or the waves—decide to have a little fun, it may be worth considering a more durable decking option such as flow-through composite decking.

2. Check Your Seawall

Your seawall has a big job: protecting your property from erosion and the constant effects of water movement.

Walk along the shoreline and look for signs of trouble, including:

• Cracks or separation

• Leaning or shifting sections

• Erosion or exposed soil behind the wall

• Gaps underneath or around the wall

• Loose or damaged components

• Areas where water appears to be getting through

  
  

Some seawall problems are obvious. Others can start small and become much more serious over time.

If something doesn't look right, don't wait until the next big storm to find out how serious it is.

3. Look for Storm Damage

Summer storms in North Texas can be rough on waterfront properties. High winds, heavy rain, waves, and floating debris can all cause damage to docks, seawalls, boat houses, and other structures.

Even if everything appears to be standing, take a few minutes to inspect the property after major storms.

Look for damaged decking, loose hardware, shifted structures, damaged pilings, and anything that wasn't there before the storm.

It's much easier to deal with a small repair in September than a much bigger problem after several months of weather.

4. Pay Attention to Lake Levels

Anyone who spends enough time on Lake Tawakoni or Lake Ray Hubbard knows that lake conditions can change.

Fluctuating water levels can expose areas that normally stay underwater and can also change how water interacts with your shoreline, dock, and seawall.

When water levels change, take advantage of the opportunity to look at areas of your waterfront that you don't normally see.

You may notice erosion, exposed supports, damaged materials, or other issues that are difficult to spot when water levels are higher.

5. Don't Forget About the Boat House

Your boat house takes a beating, too.

Check the roof, decking, supports, electrical components, bumpers, and other areas that may have been damaged or worn down during the summer.

If you've noticed your boat house moving more than usual, heard unusual noises, or spotted something that doesn't look quite right, it's worth having it inspected.

Fall Is a Good Time to Get Ahead of Repairs

The end of summer doesn't mean the end of lake season. It just means it's a good time to start thinking ahead.

Taking care of repairs and maintenance before winter weather arrives can help protect your investment and keep your waterfront property ready for the next boating season.

Whether you're on Lake Tawakoni, Lake Ray Hubbard, or one of the surrounding East Texas lakes, keeping an eye on your dock and shoreline can make a big difference.

At Cajun Marine Construction, we've been building and repairing waterfront structures since 1999. If your dock, seawall, or boat house needs some attention before fall, give us a call. We'd be happy to take a look and help you determine what needs to be done—and what can wait.

Don't wait until a small waterfront repair becomes a big one. Fall is the perfect time to get ahead of it.