How to Equip Your Home for Beach Elements

Besides living in a house with a white picket fence, the other home many homeowners dream of owning is a beachfront property. Who can resist the majestic vistas, the ever-present warm breezes, and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of crashing waves? As a homeowner you know that you have to routinely perform certain tasks to maintain the integrity of your home (replace the roof, seal the deck, waterproof your basement, etc.). But did you know that living in a beachfront home requires extra maintenance steps to protect it from the elements? Read on to learn how to equip your home with protective features so it will stand up to the elements.

What are the causes of property damage?

• Salt
• High winds
• Storms
• Sun

What can I do?

Consult with a contractor with extensive knowledge and expertise in building beachfront homes. Your contractor will be able to inspect your home and give you suggestions on how to protect it from the damaging elements.

Sun

The warm sun on your face and shoulders feels great, but the sun’s constant exposure on your home’s painted exterior can cause the paint to fade and chip. Stucco is often recommended as siding for its durability and resistance to damage from the sun. If your home has a more traditional look, fiber cement siding is an ideal choice since it looks like real wood but resists chipping, peeling, and fading. Another plus: it doesn’t require as much upkeep as traditional wood siding.

High wind damage

The continual warm ocean breeze is one of the perks of living beachside. However, during a storm, that gentle breeze can turn into powerful winds, with the potential of causing significant damage to your home. You’ll need special materials to reinforce your home, especially your windows and roof. Impact-resistant windows are the optimal choice for beachfront homeowners. They are designed to resist breaking from the impact of flying debris and objects. If the glass does break, the frame of the window will hold the pieces in place so glass won’t fly into your house.

Your roof also needs special attention. When it comes to selecting your roof, some materials are better suited for a beachfront house than others. A metal roof is often the popular choice because it’s usually one piece and more stable than shingle roofs or nailed-down tile roofs. Metal roofs standup to strong winds and are treated to resist rust, so you don’t have to worry about corrosion.

Salt Water Corrosion

Salt is extremely corrosive to building materials, especially metal components. Sea spray–spray of water that forms when ocean waves crash–is largely responsible for corrosive damage to your home’s structure. Winds can also carry salt and moisture leading to more corrosion. Your contractor will use corrosion-resistant materials and treated wood when building or remodeling your home. Opt for fiberglass window and door frames when building or renovating. If you do use metal in your home, use stainless steel. Stainless steel is hardier, so it can withstand the salt.