How to Protect Your Coastal Home

Owning a home at the beach is like being on a constant vacation. The salty air, sounds of waves crashing and beautiful sunsets over the water make having a coastal home a dream for some. As fantastic as it may sound, there are still some challenges that come along with a beachfront property.

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Maintaining coastal properties requires effort and careful planning. By following a few steps, you can safeguard your investment and have your house stand against the elements for many years.

Unique Home Maintenance Challenges With Coastal Homes

Living in a coastal home has some advantages, such as easy access to swimming, surfing, boating and fishing. However, there are also disadvantages. Your coastal home must stand up to the impact of the unique environment, which can cause significant damage unless you’re prepared. Understanding these challenges and knowing how to address them can help you keep your property well-maintained.

Saltwater and Corrosion Damage

The salty air and water spray from the ocean can cause your home to deteriorate rapidly. Salt is extremely corrosive and can erode many surfaces, which also puts the structural integrity of your home at risk. It’s important to regularly inspect your property to look for signs of damage and take immediate action to prevent further damage to your home.

• Using the correct materials. Most newer coastal homes are built from strong building materials such as granite, fiberglass, stainless steel, brick and concrete. When upgrading your home, be sure to also use weather-resistant materials along railings, doors and windows.

• Keep your home clean. At least once a year, use a pressure washer to rinse off metal fixtures and outdoor furniture to remove salt buildup. This can help extend the life of your belongings.

• Apply a protective coating. Apply a marine corrosion protective coating to all metal surfaces to stop or slow down corrosion and rust.

• Select pressure-treated or composite wood. Use only specially treated or composite wood when building decks and other outdoor structures to slow down deterioration.

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

The outside of your home is your first line of defense against the coastal elements, including salty air, the hot sun, wind off the water and coastal storms. In the United States, over 33 million homes are at risk for significant hurricane damage due to improper planning. There are a few things you can do to protect your property in coastal areas.

• Impact-resistant windows and doors. Impact-resistant windows or hurricane windows are made from reinforced glass and frames that won’t break when exposed to high winds and flying debris. Replace older doors and windows with ones made from heavy-duty materials tested for durability.

• Securing your roof. Install hurricane ties and straps to your roof to help prevent it from lifting off during extreme winds. Choose ties made from carbon steel with a galvanized coat, which are both rustproof and corrosion-resistant.

• Installing storm shutters. Consider installing storm shutters on the outside of your windows that can slide or lock into place to protect them from breaking. If you can’t afford storm shutters, consider nailing plywood over your windows at the first threat of a hurricane.

• Elevate your home. When shopping for a coastal home, be sure it’s built above the base flood elevation to reduce flood risks and prevent water damage.

• Choosing the right landscaping materials. Strategically placed plants and wind-resistant trees can provide a buffer against the wind. Consult with a landscape company on plants and trees that thrive under coastal conditions.

• Have an emergency plan. Create a home emergency plan everyone can follow in the event of severe weather. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit with necessities such as a power bank, flashlights, medications, blankets and anything else your family might need.

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Flood Risks and Water Damage

The biggest risk to your coastal home is flooding and water damage. High tides, heavy rains and storm surges can flood your property and ruin your belongings. While building your home off the ground is the first step in safeguarding against water damage, there are a few other steps to take.

• Install flood vents. Flood vents let water move freely through instead of accumulating inside your home.

• Apply sealant. Apply waterproof sealant along all outside walls to minimize the risk of water leaking inside.

• Obtain flood insurance. Purchase flood insurance for your coastal home to take care of any flood-related damage.

• Use dehumidifiers. During a storm, use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity levels and prevent mold and mildew growth.

• Inspect for leaks. Inspect your home and roof for leaks often and repair them immediately.