⚓️ Before the Ice: How to Protect Your Pier, Lift, and Waterfront Investment This Winter
Your Fall Checklist
From The Crew At Summerset Marine Construction
When the Lake Crystalizes
In Wisconsin, the first thin layer of ice can form before Thanksgiving — long before anyone is ready for it. For many lake homeowners, that means one last boat ride and one final shoreline check.
At Summerset Marine, we know what winter brings for the unprepared: ice heaves, shifting shorelines, and temperature variability.
Whether you own a seasonal dock or a Lifetime All Seasons Pier, a few smart steps now can make all the difference when temperatures drop and the ice arrives.
Step 1: Inspect Before You Remove
Before anything comes out of the water, take 15 minutes to inspect your setup. You’re looking for movement, sagging, and separation — signs that your structure or connections are wearing faster than they should.
Quick Inspection Checklist:
Walk your pier and note any soft or uneven sections.
Check fasteners for rust or looseness.
Verify your decking is still flush and level.
Look for weld or bracket stress — especially after heavy wave action.
Confirm that lighting, stairs, and benches are secure for removal or winter load.
📸 Tip: Take a few photos now before the pier is removed. If something changes over the winter, you’ll have a visual record for comparison when our crews return in spring.
“An early inspection is the best insurance you can give your pier. Ice doesn’t forgive small cracks, even when it’s stored along your shoreline.”
Step 2: Plan Lift Removal or Lockdown
Not all lifts are treated equally — and winter makes the difference clear.
Seasonal Lifts: Should be removed before the first ice forms. Even mild ice pressure can bend aluminum frames.
Permanent or Built-In Lifts: These are engineered for freeze-thaw cycles, but should still be inspected for cable tension and canopy alignment before freeze-up.
🔧 Did you know?
An initial Wisconsin lake freeze can create 40,000+ pounds of lateral pressure. That’s enough to deform an aluminum lift that wasn’t properly secured or removed in time.
Step 3: Prepare for Spring — in November
It might sound early, but fall is actually the best time to start planning next season’s upgrades.
Here’s why:
Engineering and permitting often take 8–12 weeks.
Our spring install calendar begins filling up before January.
Early consultations lock in better pricing and scheduling flexibility.
If you’re considering upgrades like a new Lifetime All Seasons HD Pier, lift replacement, or shoreline redesign, reach out now — we’ll survey your site while water levels are still visible. We even conduct installations over winter through the ice.
Fill Out The Form Below And We’ll Reach Out To Begin The Conversation
Step 4: Why HDPE Decking Wins the Winter Battle
“HDPE is the most stable plastic in the environment — it releases no harmful fumes and doesn’t break down under temperature swings.”
— Summerset Engineering Team
If you’ve ever had wood decking warp or splinter after a freeze, the reason is simple: moisture.
That’s why Lifetime Piers® use HDPE decking — a dense, non-porous recycled plastic composite that shrugs off Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Key advantages of HDPE decking:
No rot or water absorption — zero swelling, cracking, or decay.
No paint or sealant needed — low-maintenance, all-season finish.
Eco-friendly — made from recycled material, sourced in the Midwest. No PFAS.
Durable color and texture — UV-resistant surface built for sun, snow, and ice.
When the ice moves, steel pilings and HDPE decking adapt. That’s why our Lifetime All Seasons HD Piers can stay in year-round — and why so many Wisconsin homeowners are choosing to go permanent.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Accessories
Before storing your gear:
Ladders and bumpers should be checked for corrosion on hardware.
Dock boxes should be drained and covered.
Canopies should be cleaned and stored in a dry area.
Benches and stairs can be inspected for weld or powder-coat wear.
Summerset’s service teams can handle this as part of your removal — just mention it when scheduling.
Ready For Whatever Wisconsin Brings
Wisconsin winters are tough — but so are the people who live on its lakes. Every frozen morning, every warming thaw, every year of ice and wind is a test of craftsmanship.
At Summerset Marine Construction, that’s what we build for. Whether you need a hand preparing for freeze-up or want to design your Lifetime connection to the water, we’re here to make sure your waterfront stands the test of time — this winter and every one after.
“Build once. Build for life.” — Lifetime Piers by Summerset Marine Construction
Start Planning Before the Ice
