Oceanfront Home Maintenance Tips

Owning an oceanfront home is a dream come true for many people. If you are one of those lucky people, congratulations. You can wake up to the sound of waves and relax on the beach whenever you feel like it. However, having a gorgeous beach home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are certain things you should be mindful of and pay special attention to. In this article, we'll talk about oceanfront home maintenance tips that will help you keep it in the best shape possible. 

Moving into an oceanfront home

When moving into an oceanfront property, you want to find ways to create a unique home and a perfect living environment for you and your family. But you need to keep in mind that it's a lot different than living anywhere else. Many different environmental factors can take a toll on your home, so you need to take good care of it.

When moving to an oceanfront home from far away, you want to ensure a stress-free relocation so that you can devote your attention to your unique new property. The best way to achieve this is to hire reliable long-distance movers in California. They will find a simple way to get your belongings there so once you arrive, everything will be waiting for you. You will only need to unpack and start enjoying your new ocean life!

Oceanfront home maintenance tips

If you thought that an oceanfront home is low-maintenance, you couldn't have been more wrong. Oceanfront homes require specific care due to environmental factors such as humidity, sand, sun, and sea.

To help you maintain your home's appearance and, more importantly, extend its' longevity, further in this article, you can read about areas you need to focus on and tips on how to keep them in a top-notch condition.

Different materials require different care

Different materials used to build your beach home need to be maintained differently. This is especially important when it comes to:

• Metal - A lot of moisture in the air can increase rust on metal areas. If you already found rust, make sure to use sandpaper and sand it off. After you've done that, you need to protect the areas by using a spray primer and paint them with all-surface paint. Any other surface that hasn't been damaged should also be protected in the way described above.
• Wood - This material is not only vulnerable to beach conditions but many other climates, too. It's prone to rot or mold. If you notice rot on any part of your home, the safest way to go is to replace the part. To protect the non-damaged areas, make sure to use oil-based stain. 

Landscape care

Even with a lot of humidity, the plants outside your home will be exposed to dryness and extreme heat. Plants need nutrients and water to survive, so you want to water them regularly and add fertilizers. Even if the plants are native to the area, you still need to take good care of them.

If you are yet to move into your beach home, you might want to consider hiring a landscaping expert. They have the experience and knowledge to help you find plants that can withstand extreme temperatures. Also, they can recommend plants that can resist ocean wind and even serve as a windbreak.

Be mindful of mold and mildew 

Living next to a large water surface inevitably means more moisture. And where there's moisture, mold and mildew are more likely to appear, both outside and inside your home. This can create a very unhealthy environment as mold can cause health issues.

You should always make sure your home is properly ventilated. In areas with extremely high humidity, it's also beneficial to use dehumidifiers. As part of your HVAC, you can even install a whole-house dehumidifier.

If you do notice signs of mold or mildew, you should react quickly. There are plenty of products on the market that will successfully battle these issues. 

Pay attention to outdoor furniture

If you neglect your outdoor furniture, it can get damaged beyond repair. Although some pieces of furniture can be restored after water damage, it's best to play it safe and keep them protected.

When you're not using your deck furniture, make sure to cover it with a tarp. This will provide good protection from the sun, water, sea salt, and sand. Besides cleaning it regularly, you should also use a special wax. It will provide an extra layer of protection from any environmental factor.

If you don't use your outdoor furniture during the whole year, the best way to keep it safe is to put it away. 

Watch out for the termites

Termites are very common in oceanfront homes. They can do massive damage to the structure of your home and create a potential safety hazard.

Therefore, as you need to be extra vigilant to avoid them, make sure to have regular inspections. As many pests thrive in this environment, you should also apply for a pest prevention program. This way, every three months, your home will be sprayed against termites and other pests.

Additional oceanfront home maintenance tips

To ensure your home stays in good shape, here is some additional advice to have in mind:

• Have an annual inspection of your furnace, water heater, and HVAC system.
• Pay special attention to your windows and clean them weekly. You will need to remove the salt particles so that the glass doesn't get damaged.
• At least bi-yearly check exterior paint and caulking, and if you notice any potential issues, address them as soon as possible.
• Invest in good home insurance to protect it from any potential weather disasters.

In conclusion

By following our oceanfront home maintenance tips, you will ensure your place always looks new. On top of it, you will save money by preventing any major issue from occurring. But, most importantly, you will create a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family.

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