Seaview Soiree: 4 Tips to Keep Your Seaside House in Great Shape

First, congratulations on owning a seaside property! You have a gift many people seek to find respite from the worries of everyday living. 

Seaside homes can be delightful and beneficial for physical and mental wellness. Perhaps you own a vacation home and use it for family get-togethers. People who live in places like Shoreline or Rodanthe in the US have instant access to the healing properties of oceans. 

In return, a seaside house needs love and nurture. It wants more attention because salty air frequently brushes past and storms are prevalent. We have collected four maintenance tips for seaside homes. They will keep the bones of your cherished property strong for longer.

#1 Pick Appropriate Patio Materials

A massive part of the allure of beach homes is the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Many of us don’t consider what else comes with the waves: tons of salt. Salt can be highly damaging to the outdoors of your house. 

Coastal homes face recurrent sea sprays, which release water drops in the air. The leftover salt after evaporation deposits in your home exteriors. Continued exposure can cause patio furniture, like seating and tables, to rust and deteriorate. Soon, these unsightly consequences become another expense you must tackle.

Picking weatherproof patio materials like aluminum and stainless steel is the safest option. These metals can resist corrosion from seawater contact. Admittedly, these choices will be pricier than plastic or wood. However, their longevity makes them desirable. You can also teak and wicker for their ability to handle different weather conditions and a timeless, coastal appeal.

#2 Conduct Specialized Painting

Of all home maintenance tasks, painting is often the most satisfying. The results are visible, and your home suddenly feels so much younger. For seaside houses, it is critical to conduct weather-friendly and sustainable painting.

For example, houses in Shoreline have to face frequent sea breezes. The official City of Shoreline website observes that the whole city is susceptible to severe weather due to strong winds from the west and southwest. These breezes can have high salt content, which affects the exterior paint. It fades faster than in the plains, making homes look dull. 

Hence, painters in Shoreline follow specific guidelines, like removing the old paint layers to avoid premature fading of the fresh coat. The right color palette is also a critical decision. For indoor areas, homeowners can consider nautical blues or sandy neutrals. The result can look aesthetically pleasing against the backdrop of the ocean.

Leveraging sunlight is a core criterion for optimal painting at a seaside location. EA Pro Painters recommends lighter pigments to reflect maximum sunlight and reduce the dependency on heating or cooling systems. Moreover, a house with classy curb appeal can elevate any social occasion.

#3 Manage the Sand for Sanity

A vexing problem of a seaside dwelling is all that endless sand. It looks gorgeous on the beach but not so much on your car or sofa. Bathrooms can get sandy if you don’t impose a shoes-outside-the-house rule. But that may not be enough.

Managing the sand from invading your house needs an integrated solution. For example, enforce a rule of mandatory foot-washing before anyone enters the house. (It includes your dog!) You must also shake the sand off all items before bringing them inside. Think blankets, handbags, clothes, you name it. 

Consider placing sandtraps or natural fiber rugs around the house to keep things clean longer. They can prevent sand from getting everywhere and are easy to vacuum. Keeping double doormats (one outside and another inside the front door) is also a good idea.

#4 Be Wary of Coastal Erosion

In May 2024, USA Today reported that another house in North Carolina collapsed into the ocean. For many people living by the seaside in the US, coastal erosion has become a dangerous reality. The land along coastlines is slowly getting lost, endangering people living nearby.

Coastal erosion happens due to natural processes like powerful winds and currents. But some human activities, like seawall construction, have worsened the problem. Governments have placed many vulnerable properties on alert. One can expect more houses to be demolished and vacated in the future.

A logical approach is considering retreat or relocation if your home is susceptible to damage due to coastal erosion. However, Star News Daily from Wilmington reports that getting such buyouts can be difficult. 

Ultimately, beach nourishment is necessary to tackle the risks of erosion. The US government is exploring collaboration options with land and water conservation organizations. 

What Can Seaside Homeowners Do to Mitigate Coastal Erosion? 

Unfortunately, the US coastline faces significant challenges. The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that many coastal counties can face flooding threats due to rising sea levels. Seaside dwellers also witness heavy rains and storms. For a beach homeowner, these circumstances demand caution and vigilance. 

When you build a new home, consider elevating the structure and adhering to updated safety standards. You can also partner with local authorities and participate in relevant policy-making and conservation initiatives.

House-related challenges can fracture the seaside dream. The thunderous waves and the golden sunlight won’t soothe your soul if your home is struggling. Take time out for additional maintenance to keep your seaview dream alive and flourishing.