3 Common Problems with Coastal Properties — And How to Fix Them

Owning a coastal property can be great. It can serve as a gorgeous vacation home with a relaxing view and access to beach activities, or, as an article on Investopedia notes, an investment that could pay off later. A lot of coastal homeowners buy it for the purpose of renting it out during peak seasons. Because of the appeal that comes with the location, many homeowners can generate a lot of profit this way.

That said, owning a space by the coastline also comes with its own risks and usual problems that plague it through time. This can lead to headaches and added expenses if ignored. Thankfully, there are ways to fix some of the most common issues that crop up.

Plumbing Issues Abound

Although living by the beach sounds like a great thing, it also means that your pipes are exposed to moisture, salt water, and sand year-round. Salt water has a pretty corrosive effect on your plumbing system, especially if you have any pipes that are exposed. This wears down the material on your piping and makes them more likely to crack and form leaks. Even if you don’t get the unfortunate circumstance of a burst pipe, leaks will be more damaging for your surrounding flooring or walls because of the higher moisture in the environment.

And if you’re experiencing interruptions with your water pressure, it could be due to the presence of sand in your pipes, drains, faucets, and showerheads. HomeServe details that a build-up of sediment can interrupt your steady flow of water, and that sediment has a high likelihood of being sand or rust in a beachfront home. The way to avoid these issues is to consistently check the status of your plumbing system and immediately attend to any issues before they worsen. It’s also a good idea to invest in some filters that will capture sediment. If you keep your pipes in check, you should be able to avoid severe water damage and bursts.

Sand and Saltwater Everywhere

We’ve already mentioned the potential issues that arise from sand and salt getting into the pipes, but the fact of the matter is that these two elements will likely affect your home anyway by getting everywhere else. Wind and high tides naturally bring these onto the exteriors of your home, and anytime you walk from outside, you are likely tracking sand and saltwater indoors too. Since those are constant factors, they will affect any paint, wood, and metal in and around your home. This also puts you at a higher risk of water damage, which the Insurance Information Institute outlines as one of the most consistent claims from insured homes.

However, you can minimize the damage by making sure your home is well-ventilated, addressing problems as soon as you spot them, and making use of waterproof materials both in your furniture and paint finishes.

Hurricanes

Hurricane season comes every year, and it can be a real hazard for properties by the coast. It can cause some major damage if you don’t prep your place and put in the necessary protective measures, and it’s simply an unavoidable part of the territory. CBS News reports that hurricanes were especially active in 2020, and though things are expected to taper off in the coming years, their likelihood to become severe continues with climate change.

In our How to Prepare Your Home This Hurricane Season guide, we note some of the protective measures that can be done to ensure safety during any hurricanes. Homeowners should install storm shutters that can adequately safeguard the home and especially the windows. It’s also helpful to get some hurricane straps and coating to protect the roof. If anticipating an incoming hurricane, then one should tie down any loose features in the vicinity and move any furniture and the like indoors.

If you have a coastal property or are planning to get one, keep these issues in mind so you can be prepared for the upkeep. These properties are a little less resilient to these issues than homes inland.