We all dream of owning a home near the beach so that we can always wake up to the unbeatable view of the ocean and enjoy easy access to the beach and the ocean. However, beach homes face a myriad of challenges, especially the constant exposure to nature’s elements.
You have to contend with several challenges if you live next to the ocean, from severe storms to torrential deluges and salt air. In this article, we will tell you how your home’s proximity to the ocean affects the lifespan of your roof.
Moisture Build-Up
The combination of humidity and the ocean means that your roof will contend with constant moisture build-up. With excess moisture in the air, your roof will suffer mold and mildew growth. Mold eats away the paint and roof sealants, exposing your roof to corrosion and leaks. However, there are several ways to enhance your coastal weather roof performance. For instance, you can repaint, reapply roof sealants, and power-wash your roof regularly to prevent mildew and corrosion from building up.
Exposure to Sand
If your home is located very close to the beach, a large amount of beach sand blown by the wind will land on your roof. This sand will then trap moisture when it rains, causing faster deterioration of your roof. It will also leave your painted roof with scratches and wear down the paint. You can prevent this problem by finishing your roof with a sealant. However, you need to know that a roof sealant won’t protect your roof forever. So, you have to keep freshening up regularly.
Exposure to Salt Water
Saltwater causes the exterior paint to fade, chip, and peel off. Unfortunately, your beach home will be exposed to sea-spray throughout the year. This happens the wind blows up every time seawater. Since the salt in the water doesn’t dissolve, it is carried by the wind and lands on top of your house. Apart from causing the paint to chip off, these small salt pieces also accelerate oxidation, causing corrosion.
Strong Wind
Homes near the ocean are exposed continuously to hurricane winds that can easily remove or loosen wood and asphalt shingles, shakes, metal sheets, and clay tiles. Strong winds also affect windward corners, attics, rakes, and ridges. These damages are more severe when the roof is weathered or if you have replaced your shingles or shakes recently. However, you can improve your coastal weather roof performance by reinforcing your roof regularly.