Specialized Upkeep for Your Beachfront Home

Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL means having great access to some of the best beaches in the Sunshine State. If you own an oceanfront property, the pleasure is multiplied tenfold. 

To enjoy your home for years to come, it’s important to make sure it receives proper maintenance. Beachfront properties are more exposed to the elements, so they need more than the usual attention and care.

Here are some of the things you can do to protect and maintain your home:

1. Use rust resistant materials

   Rusting is one of the most common problems you may encounter in an oceanfront home, thanks to the moisture and salt filled air. To avoid this, use corrosion-resistant materials, such as fiberglass, vinyl, or aluminum frames, for your doors and windows. If you need to use metal, especially for your home’s exterior, opt for stainless steel, which is considerably more resistant to rusting than other types of metal.
   

2. Protect your exterior with the right paint

   Use high quality paints that can better withstand the wear and tear from the sun and salt water. Talk to your builder or contractor about applying a primer on all sides of wooden materials to give them better protection. Interior and exterior paints vary greatly so make sure you use the right ones.

3. Minimize humidity

   Humidity is something you have to live with in coastal areas, but too much can cause water damage and mold in your home. To prevent this from happening, you need to lower the level of humidity in the house. Steps you can take include installing a dehumidifier, making sure the house is properly ventilated, and keeping everything dry as much as possible. Minimizing clutter can also promote proper air circulation and allow your air conditioner to work optimally. 

   Invest in an indoor humidity monitoring system to keep track of the moisture level in your home. The ideal level is between 35% and 50% relative humidity. Mold can start forming at 70% relative humidity.
   

4. Keep the sand and salt away from your home

   Sand and salt can scratch surfaces in your home, lead to corrosion, and even damage your appliances and mechanisms. Cleaning your home regularly is a must to get rid of these particles. Make sure to vacuum and sweep your floors thoroughly. For wet send, use a damp mop for cleaning.

   Lay rubber mats by the door and ask people to wipe off their footwear before entering the house. Install outdoor showers or create a rinse area so everyone can wash away the sand and saltwater, and avoid bringing them in.

   Consider giving your exterior walls a pressure wash at least once a year to get rid of the sand and salt that may have accumulated. In addition, talk to your contractor about adding a protective finishing on hardwood floors.
   

5. Take care of your outdoor furniture

   Lounging on your patio with the sound of the waves and beautiful ocean views as backdrop is one of the best perks of owning a waterfront home. In creating your outdoor living space, choose furniture made of materials that can better withstand the elements, such as aluminum and vinyl. If you prefer to use wood, wicker, or wrought iron, make sure they’re treated with a protective finish. 
   

   Regardless of the material, protect your outdoor furniture by covering it with tarps when you’re not using them, and clean them regularly to prevent sand and salt buildup.

Looking for the right oceanfront home in Fort Lauderdale? We at Connie Cabral Group can help you find the perfect property. Call us at 305.776.0899 or send an email to connie(at)conniecabral(dotted)com.