Dock repair and flotation
Years of sun, storms and seasonal drawdowns wear docks down. Here's what usually fails and what Alabama Power expects when it's fixed.
A dock that sits lower each spring, rocks more than it should or has boards that give underfoot needs attention before the busy season. Many problems can be fixed without replacing the whole dock if the frame is still sound.
Signs your dock needs work
- The dock rides low or tilts to one corner
- White foam beads or chunks floating near the dock
- Soft, cracked or loose decking
- Rust or rot at framing connections
- A gangway that binds or scrapes as the lake changes
- Damaged roof panels after a storm
What flotation is allowed?
Alabama Power's guidelines call for flotation that is encased, or closed-cell extruded expanded polystyrene made for marine use, that won't waterlog or sink if punctured. When beaded foam is being replaced, it has to be removed from the lake. Some flotation restrictions can also depend on seasonal water levels.
Do repairs need a permit?
Yes, in most cases. Alabama Power requires approval to repair, build or modify anything in the lakebed, flood easement or control strip, with painting and pressure washing excluded. Its guidelines list a general repair fee, and repairs done without approval carry a higher fee. If a permitted structure is totally destroyed by natural causes, Alabama Power waives the fees for a replacement application made within 180 days.
Common repairs
- Flotation replacement with encased or extruded marine floats
- Re-decking on a sound frame
- Frame repair at rusted, rotted or cracked members
- Gangway and hinge work for the shore connection
- Roof repair after wind or falling limbs
Repair or replace?
If the frame is solid, new floats and decking can add many years. If the frame is failing or the layout no longer fits your boat, a new dock may be the better value. Any change to size or footprint is a modification that needs approval, and it has to fit the current guidelines.
The builder prices the job after seeing your lot, the water in front of it and any structure that's already there. We don't quote prices, and a number given before a site visit is only a rough guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Why is my dock shedding white foam?
Older docks often used beaded foam that breaks apart. Alabama Power requires beaded foam to be removed from the lake when it's replaced with approved flotation.
A storm destroyed my dock. Do I pay permit fees to rebuild?
If a permitted structure is totally destroyed by natural causes, no fees apply when the replacement application is made within 180 days.
Related services
More background: Lake Martin dock permit guide.
Want the dock done before summer pool comes back?
Call now and a dock builder who works on Lake Martin will call you back to talk through your lot, the drawdown and the Alabama Power permit.