Beach House Upkeep Tips

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One of the most desirable locations for a vacation home or primary residence is on the beach. And, while this great location is prime for a great investment and even greater enjoyment, beachfront properties can present a number of challenges to homeowners if they aren’t prepared. Salty air and constant moisture can weather metal, wood and other building materials quickly. Keeping your home appropriately sealed and clean can help protect the structure and appliances from corrosion and deterioration.

Seal Your Deck

Woden decks may need to be resealed frequently around the beach. To determine whether your deck needs to be sealed, spray the wood with a fine mist and watch the water droplets to see if they are absorbed by the wood. If the water is absorbed into the wood, this means that the seal is no longer effective and needs to be refreshed. Perform this exercise once per year to determine each year whether or not your deck needs to be resealed.

If the deck does need to be resealed, sweep and wash the wood, then allow it to dry. Use a roller to apply stain and sealer to the broad surfaces of the deck. Use an angled paint brush to apply stain to the corners. Do this when the weather predictions are clear to ensure your deck has sufficient time to dry before it rains again.

Clean and Caulk Windows

Salty air can deteriorate caulk and can line windows with a film. Wash your windows frequently. As you do, check the caulking around the windows for deterioration. Use a scraper to remove old dry caulking and install a fresh bead in its place.

Wipe Down Appliances

Appliances in beach homes need to be properly washed, wiped and waxed. Use a gentle cleaner to wipe down appliances on a regular basis. Dry the appliances when you’re done, then wax the surface of each appliance to prevent rust from forming.

Use A Dehumidifier

The air around the beach can be very humid, which can lead to mold and mildew in the house. Reducing humidity in the home is important. Running climate control can help, but many beachfront home owners also use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture. It’s also important to keep each room well ventilated. Keep all ducts open and run ventilators in rooms like the bathroom on a regular basis.

Cover Patio Furniture

Covering your patio furniture when it’s not in use is a good way to prevent the salty air from deteriorating the frames of your chairs and tables. Use breathable covers to prevent moisture from becoming trapped against the furniture. Wash down your patio furniture with soapy water on a regular basis, and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

Wrought iron patio furniture can chip and rust easily. Look for chips regularly and repaint the exposed areas as needed. To repaint exposed areas, clean the surface and dry it thoroughly. Use sand paper to lightly sand the surface of the metal, then apply exterior grade paint for metal surfaces.

Inspect Your Home’s Exterior Regularly

Strong winds and weather can have a big impact on beachfront homes. The best way to protect your home from serious damage is to inspect the exterior of the home regularly for missing shingles and siding. Make repairs quickly as needed to prevent wood rot and other problems from taking hold.

If your beachfront home is not your primary residence, consider hiring a professional maintenance company or a local individual to clean and maintain your home while you’re not there. This will help ensure that your property is safe and secure year-round.