Flotation and Floating Dock
Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Encapsulated Flotation?
• Why encapsulate the foam?
• What size of flotation do I need for my project?
• What are your docks made of?
• What makes our products Enviro?
• What should I know before I build and install a dock?
• What is the FORESHORE?
• Why do I need a Foreshore Lease?
• What size of projects can Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. build?
• What other services do you offer?
• How can I reach Enviro Float?

Q. What is Encapsulated Flotation?

A. Encapsulated flotation is E.P.S. (Expanded Polystyrene) Foam that is completely encased in High Density Polyethylene Plastic and used for Floating docks and marine floating devices.

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Q. Why encapsulate the foam?

A. Encapsulating the flotation eliminates the breaking down of the foam, which when broke down, shows up as little white beads and flakes of foam floating in the water. Encapsulation enables the flotation to last indefinitely. The hard plastic exterior does not allow marine borers (muscles, barnacles, pile worms etc) to dig into and breakup the foam resulting in the loss of buoyancy. In addition the plastic exterior prevents otters and other marine life from “nesting” the raw foam. Lastly the raw exposed foam in marinas has a tendency to absorb any gas, oil and other contaminants in the water. This will result in the further break down of the foam and the retention of unwanted odors.

Q. What size of flotation do I need for my project?

A. Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. has the ability to make flotation ANY size that you require. Our sales team would be happy to assist you in designing a dock with the perfect flotation plan. A general rule of thumb is:

Fresh water buoyancy: 1 cubic foot of foam = 55 LBS of lift

Ocean water buoyancy: 1 cubic foot of foam = 62 LBS of lift

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Q. What are your docks made of?

A. We make a wide array of floating docks. From heavy timber to lightweight residential our docks are designed to be long lasting and durable.

We use everything from treated wood to cedar to a special environmentally sensitive laminate wood exclusive to Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. We have also built many steel and concrete floats that have both wood and concrete decks. We will always build to suit your needs.

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A. All of our flotation devices are designed and built to have no impact on the marine environment. The plastic used to protect the water from the raw foam does not breakdown or have any leeching of chemicals into the water.

Although we do make docks with treated lumber, it is only done when regulations allow. We at Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. make every effort to use alternatives to treated wood when situations allow.

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Q. What should I know before I build and install a dock?

A. Many factors are present when designing, building and installing a dock. Size limitations for your area, materials allowed and in the instance of Ocean installation the use of the Foreshore must be factored. Our sales and design team make it a point of staying up to date on all local and provincial rules and regulations so that they can help with any situations on our coasts.

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Q. What is the FORESHORE?

A. For docks to be installed in the ocean (usually residential), a foreshore lease permit must be obtained from the government before construction and installation. Although this process is quite in-depth, we at Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. have extensive experience in the application and submission of all the required paperwork. We would be quite happy to assist you with this process if it applies to you.

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Q. Why do I need a Foreshore Lease?

A. The foreshore lease provides the applicant with set boundaries that a floating dock/wharf can occupy. It also lays out what said structure can be used for. The lease is to regulate what is being installed along our shores and to ensure that these docks/wharfs are environmentally sensitive, conforming to local by-laws and do not encroach on others' foreshore areas.

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Q. What size of projects can Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. build?

A. We at Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. have built docks of every size from small residential swim docks to entire marinas.

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Q. What other services do you offer?

A. Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. designs and builds a wide range of steel, wood and aluminum ramps and walkways as well as large elevated walkways and approaches. Enviro Float Manufacturing (2002) Inc. has a barge, tug boat and crane that can pile drive, do large installations and install mooring buoys and anchors. We fabricate in house all hardware used in our construction projects so that they will match the individual dock perfectly.

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Q. How can I reach Enviro Float?

A. Please visit the contact page.

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