Waterfront Home Maintenance Tips
Living on the water's edge has many exclusive benefits including gorgeous views, a tranquil environment, and easy access to outdoor activities. Waterfront homes are in high demand here in the Pacific Northwest, but they are also different than other homes and require special maintenance to preserve their beauty. In addition to being prepared for winter storms and bad weather, you must know of the day-to-day upkeep as well. Use these tips to find any issues before they cause major issues, keeping your property in pristine condition year-round.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Homes close to bodies of water—be it a lake, cove, ocean, etc.—will inevitably get more humid than homes in other areas of Washington, especially during the summer months. Moisture from high levels of humidity can lead to mold, mildew, peeling paint, and dust mites. To control the humidity of your home, invest in a dehumidifier.
Watch for Corrosion
Salt is damaging to the exterior structure of your home and any outdoor furniture you may invest in. Make sure to cover outdoor furniture when you aren't using it to help keep the salt from corroding it, and powerwash your furniture between seasons to remove any dirt buildup. Door locks on waterfront homes will rust more frequently too, so know that you may be required to replace them more often. Moisture can cause damage to your home, which is why waterproofing the exterior of your home will make it easier to maintain. Prevention is cheaper than repair and can add to the value of your home in the long run. If the exterior of your home is made of natural wood, you will need to re-caulk and repaint it every four to five years. Man-made materials such as vinyl or aluminum require less maintenance and can last much longer.
Pest Control
Check your home's exterior frequently to ensure there are no small holes where small animals and birds can build nests.
Leave the Outdoors Outside
Most people buy a waterfront home at least partially because of their love for nature and their desire to be outdoors as much as possible. This constant coming and going can easily track sand, dirt, and mud into your living spaces, especially if you have young children. Consider buying area rugs for any high traffic entryway spaces that you can easily shake out and wash.
Prepare For Storms
Living on the water in the Pacific Northwest means your home is more susceptible to environmental damage brought on by winter storms. Erosion can cause flooding and can chip off dry land from your property. Build bulkheads that can act as barriers against water and protect your home during a storm. Additionally, switch to impact-resistant doors and windows to prevent wind damage. Impact-resistant windows also bring other benefits such as saving you energy costs by regulating heat, reducing outside noise, and protecting you from UV rays.