Photo by Parker Amstutz on Unsplash
by Richa P
Living in an oceanfront home can be so romantic. You’re able to wake up, breathe fresh air and feast your eyes on scenic views without having to go anywhere and fall asleep to the soothing sound of the crashing waves. An oceanfront home is actually the dream house of many.
If you are considering buying a new oceanfront home, you can check out the down payment requirements as it is vital to know them.
But remember, owning an oceanfront home comes with some unique responsibilities that other homeowners don’t bear. Your home is exposed to elements every day that can wreak havoc on it.
But that shouldn’t deter you from living near the ocean. With proper preventive care and regular maintenance, you can ensure that your home looks fresh and stays in optimum shape for years to come.
Follow these tips for maintaining your oceanfront home.
Switch to fiberglass framed doors and windows
If your doors and windows are framed with metal, it is advisable to replace them with fiberglass framed doors and windows. The salt buildup is corrosive to metal components, so your doors and windows will not last long.
You can also use vinyl and aluminum, but they aren’t as anti-corrosive as fiberglass. If you must use metal, use stainless steel fasteners.
When replacing the rollers under sliding glass doors, you can opt for stainless steel. Even though it’s not fully rust-resistant, it is one of the best options you have.
Salt particles may accumulate on your windows and eat away the surface. Clean them often and rinse with fresh water.
Take care of your outdoor furniture
One of the best things about owning an oceanfront home is to be able to enjoy a relaxing time outdoors sipping coffee, reading your favorite book, or watching the sunset. But it also means your outdoor furniture can take a real beating. Make sure to cover them when not in use. Rinse them off weekly and dry using a cloth to ensure they don’t rust.
If you decide to use teak furniture, opt for a premium grade, kiln-dried. Though teak is durable, without proper maintenance, it will lose its deep, original color. Use the best oil and soaps to keep your teak wood furniture looking luxurious.
Cast aluminum is more rust-resistant than wrought iron and thus recommended for outdoor use. Rinse and dry your cast aluminum pieces of furniture to keep them maintained. Also, apply a coat of wax to prevent any water damage.
Waterproof exterior walls
Your oceanfront building exterior walls need waterproofing, as concrete can’t be watertight on its own. You might not be able to notice moisture infiltration for a few years, but it will eventually destroy the structure and repair can be expensive.
For stonework construction, water can infiltrate through the openings of windows and doors. Doors and windows are typically installed with a gap between the frame and the wall so that incompatible materials remain separate. Fill the openings with a superior quality silicone sealant and install a second sealant joint (the beauty bead), to finish the waterproofing.
Keep the humidity level in check
Humidity always lurks in an oceanfront property and can damage your home and belongings. To minimize the humidity level, ensure proper ventilation. Moreover, dry everything thoroughly and use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture level in the air.
Check your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit regularly
Since the HVAC system is made of metal components, it is susceptible to premature corrosion and deterioration, the high concentration of sea salt in the air, being the main culprit. Moreover, if you reside very near to the ocean, the risk of salt damaging your HVAC unit is even higher.
Your HVAC system filters out the salt and dust before it reaches the metal components. Thus, change your HVAC filters once a month. Also, be sure to hire a professional once a year for HVAC maintenance to keep it up and running.
Watch out for mold
Molds thrive in tropical and coastal weather conditions. Apart from damaging your furniture and clothes, it can cause serious structural damage to your building and fixtures as well. Certain types of mold, such as black mold, can also cause health concerns.
You can easily scrub away the surface mold that grows in bathrooms, decks, and siding using a 1-to-8 bleach/water solution. But frequently mold grows and spreads in areas you don’t see. You are unaware until your surface starts to stain, feel mushy drywall, or detect a musty smell.
If caught early, mold can be treated with household cleaners like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and borax. You can also soak a sponge in a vinegar and water solution and wipe off the affected areas. To remove mold stains, add a little elbow grease. However, if the mold covers 10 or more square feet, allow a professional to handle the problem.
Warning: For extensive mold problems, consider hiring a professional. Some molds are highly toxic and even less dangerous molds can cause problems for anyone with mold allergies or compromised respiratory systems.
Regularly inspect for termites
Termites are notorious for damaging properties. All they need is a tiny opening, and these insects will nestle themselves into your home and cause havoc. Regularly, watch out for signs of termite damage or hire a professional to inspect as usually, they are not apparent until severe damages have incurred. Click here to learn more about common signs of termite damage.
Termites can die when exposed to too much sunlight and heat. You can drag your termite-infested furniture outdoors and bake in the sun. Or go DIY and spray the affected area with a mixture of half a cup of vinegar and juice from two lemons.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of an oceanfront home is not easy. But the perks of living in it definitely outweigh the pesky additional maintenance. Ensure that you take preventive measures as the repair costs can be expensive.
As much as possible, stay away from metals and keep your property clean and dry. Use dehumidifiers and regularly inspect for molds and termites.
It is wise to hire a professional for your oceanfront house check-up and maintenance. And do it on a regular basis. Don’t undertake risky measures on your own.
By following these steps and precautions, you can have a fresh looking home that stays in shape.
Richa Parmar is an architect and passionate in the field of designing & creativity. Her inclination towards nature has made her take up a lot of challenging assignments in the subject of “landscape” and also has made her initiate to write blogs. Presently she works as a Senior Manager cum Architect Blogger at GharPedia portal. You can reach her at LinkedIn.