Coastal cities are some of the most gorgeous and desirable locations to live. However, the high salinity of the water and air in these areas can pose unique challenges for homeowners to deal with. If you are moving to a seaside city or simply want to take better care of your current coastal property, read this guide from Exterior Source. We have all the info you need to know about the effects that saltwater has on a home’s exterior. Plus, we will share some tips to minimize any negative consequences.
Salt Can Corrode Outdoor Fixtures
You are likely already aware of this one, but saltwater and airborne salt particles are corrosive. This means that parts of your home’s exterior may corrode much faster in a coastal environment. Anything made of an easily corroded metal is at risk, but some specific areas to pay attention to are doors, fences, and deck railings. Corroded metal can be dangerous and weakened fixtures like railings can put you and your loved ones at risk.
Metal is not the only material that can be harmed by saltwater. Concrete and stone fixtures can also be cracked, crumbled, or otherwise damaged by the salt particles found in the air and water around coastal areas. To limit the risk for both metal corrosion and concrete/stone erosion, clean and complete regular inspections of any fixtures of concern, and consider saltwater resistant paints or protective coatings.
Paint and Other Coatings May Fade
The combination of saltwater and heat found in many coastal areas can cause paint and other exterior surfaces to fade and deteriorate at a quicker rate. This can hurt your home’s curb appeal and can cause you to spend more money on repainting or staining jobs. Additionally, stripped away paint and coatings can cause the underlying materials to be more exposed to damage. To prevent these issues, make sure to use high-quality paints and coatings that are rated to stand up to salty and hot environments.
Your Landscaping May Suffer
You may not think of landscaping when considering the effects of saltwater on your home’s exterior. However, a salty environment can have a significant negative effect on your yard and plants. Saltwater hinders plant growth and leads to browning and withering. It can also impact your soil quality, making it harder to grow quality food or flowers in a garden. Luckily, many of these effects can be minimized through proper irrigation, watering, and selection of salt-tolerant plants.
If Your Home’s Exterior Has Been Damaged, Contact Us
If parts of your home have been damaged by saltwater, Exterior Source is available to help! We are a trusted home improvement contractor that offers repair and replacement services for nearly all parts of a home’s exterior, including siding, windows, roofing, and much more. Of course, since we serve Chesapeake, Virginia, and surrounding areas, you can count on us to make use of materials that can stand up to saltwater. Contact us today to learn more about our work.