Taking Care of Your Coastal Home
Category Advice
Coastal living is prime living - with very little coming close to the freedom and relaxation that walking barefoot on the sand, fresh ocean breezes and falling asleep to the soothing sound of the crashing waves – it is no wonder that seaside properties are high on most people’s envy list. Despite all the benefits that come with living next to the shore - whether you are a permanent coastal dweller, holiday home owner or looking to invest in a more relaxed lifestyle – there is one downside.
Salty coastal air and continuous sunshine does a number on your house, with rusting patio furniture and extra mildew in the bathroom or kitchen you could find yourself asking why you ever moved to the seaside. Fear not, because regular maintenance and preventative measures can diminish wear and tear, and ensure that your seaside home retains its lustre for years to come.
Make sure that your coastal property is well looked after and save yourself the nuisance of rust and mildew by following these simple coastal home care tips:
Wipe Down All Surfaces Regularly
Due to the high salt content in the air, it is important to regularly wipe down all the surfaces in your home – including appliances, doors, walls and windows. On breezy days you may leave doors and windows open to evade the expenses of running your aircon – this results in your interior surfaces and appliances deteriorating if the right cleaning methods are not frequently practised.
Avoid Mildew in Bathroom and Kitchen
With the additional moisture in the air comes mould. This pesky fungus can grow just about anywhere and is sure to annoy any coastal home owner. To prevent mould first inspect your home for any damp spots and dry them up – you can do so by promoting airflow.
As an added preventative measure use anti-fungal cleaners and mildew removers – these products work well as a treatment for mould in bathrooms and kitchens.
Metal Fixtures on Windows and Doors
Salt build-up is damaging to metal components and has a corrosive effect. Therefore, it is advisable to replace metal frames and fixtures with fiberglass, vinyl and aluminium as much as you can. If you have to use metals – ensure that they have been hot-dipped or galvanised to lessen corrosion.
Inspect Your Air-Conditioner
Regularly inspect your aircon and change filters monthly to ensure that the salty coastal air does not cause permanent damage. It is also wise to have a professional technician run an annual inspection and tunes your air conditioning system, this will help your aircon last longer and keep the air fresher.
Outdoor Furniture
Your patio furniture takes the brunt of coastal wear and tear. The best method of protecting your furniture from constant moisture, salty winds and continual sunlight is to keep them covered when they are not being used. In addition to covering them up, hose them down on a weekly basis and apply a layer of wax for extra protection.
If you have metal furniture, make sure not to leave them bare – as rust will form fairly quickly. Galvanise and coat with protective paints and varnishes.
Take Care of Your Exterior
Taking care of your coastal home’s exterior is just as important as taking care of its interior. Because coastal properties are often not sheltered by shade they tend to appear weathered quite quickly. Regularly pressure washing the exterior of your home will help you remove dirt, salt build-up and prevent mildew from growing in certain spots. Make sure to check for any damage and any other repairs that you may need to give attention to – finding these problems early will save you money and time.
When living next to the coast, protection and regular maintenance plays a crucial part in keeping your property in its best condition. Regularly inspecting your home and its finishes will ensure that you catch problems before they become too expensive and ensure that you get the best use out of your seaside abode.
Author: Dormehl Property Group
