How to Care for Your Beach House
Keep your beach house in great shape despite the weather!
We all remember the images of nature’s fury over the past years; storms ripping off roofs, angry seas attacking coast lines. Those can be very scary events, but the fact is that everyday exposure to sun, wind, sand and water can also do costly damage to the beach homes we have come to love so much.
The sun fades paint and can degrade wood siding, roofing and decking. Sand can scour wood surfaces. Water can infiltrate the smallest opening in the shell of a house, and once inside, it is an dangerous adversary. And salt can corrode nails and metal elements that hold the house together. Because of these natural weather issues our beach houses require special attention especially our roofs, windows and siding. There are many materials and techniques that offer protection.
For example let’s briefly look at the siding that is most often used in coastal homes - wood, stucco and fiber-cement. Fiber-cement, such as HandiPlank, is basically new to the market, and its ability to stand up to humidity, rain, salt air, and high winds, is earning it rave reviews. Fiber-cement has gotten rave reviews from many builders because it is totally wind-proof. Another plus is that it looks like wood, requires little maintenance and can be painted any color imaginable.
As for true wood siding, cedar stills seems to be the favorite because it is natural and does not seem to blow up in a hurricane. Wood in general outsells all other siding products for coastal homes but still requires more work because water and condensation from leaks can get behind the boards and shingles causing decay. So if you are considering siding with wood, listen to what the experts say:
• To promote air flow behind the siding, nail vertical strips of thin, pressure-treated wood over house wrap or felt to create a space between siding and sheathing.
• Prime siding and trim on the back and sides for protection from rain on the outside and moisture from the inside.
• Keep it clean. Mildew and algae can cause decay
• Caulk cracks and gaps between windows, doors and joints
• Clean gutters regularly
• Trim trees and shrubs so they don't touch the house.
For more information of how to protect you beach house, click here. For all your real estate needs contact Nolting Real Estate at www.noltingrealestate.com or 636-391-9997.
We all remember the images of nature’s fury over the past years; storms ripping off roofs, angry seas attacking coast lines. Those can be very scary events, but the fact is that everyday exposure to sun, wind, sand and water can also do costly damage to the beach homes we have come to love so much.
The sun fades paint and can degrade wood siding, roofing and decking. Sand can scour wood surfaces. Water can infiltrate the smallest opening in the shell of a house, and once inside, it is an dangerous adversary. And salt can corrode nails and metal elements that hold the house together. Because of these natural weather issues our beach houses require special attention especially our roofs, windows and siding. There are many materials and techniques that offer protection.
For example let’s briefly look at the siding that is most often used in coastal homes - wood, stucco and fiber-cement. Fiber-cement, such as HandiPlank, is basically new to the market, and its ability to stand up to humidity, rain, salt air, and high winds, is earning it rave reviews. Fiber-cement has gotten rave reviews from many builders because it is totally wind-proof. Another plus is that it looks like wood, requires little maintenance and can be painted any color imaginable.
As for true wood siding, cedar stills seems to be the favorite because it is natural and does not seem to blow up in a hurricane. Wood in general outsells all other siding products for coastal homes but still requires more work because water and condensation from leaks can get behind the boards and shingles causing decay. So if you are considering siding with wood, listen to what the experts say:
• To promote air flow behind the siding, nail vertical strips of thin, pressure-treated wood over house wrap or felt to create a space between siding and sheathing.
• Prime siding and trim on the back and sides for protection from rain on the outside and moisture from the inside.
• Keep it clean. Mildew and algae can cause decay
• Caulk cracks and gaps between windows, doors and joints
• Clean gutters regularly
• Trim trees and shrubs so they don't touch the house.
For more information of how to protect you beach house, click here. For all your real estate needs contact Nolting Real Estate at www.noltingrealestate.com or 636-391-9997.
posted by Russell T. Nolting at
10:55 AM
1 Comments
