What you need to know...

~ The very elements that make your home valuable can also be the most damaging. Addressing damage early is crucial. 

~ Sea breeze, salt air, warm sun and white sand are responsible for bleaching or fading paintwork, bubbling and blistering exterior surfaces, deteriorating woodwork as well as issues with damp and mildew. 

~ Keep your home well-ventilated and moisture-free. 

~ Be sure to regularly wash down, treat and repaint exterior walls with specialized paint to protect it from the elements. 

~ Treat all exterior woodwork with wood stain  well before any issues arise.  

  

~ The salty air and sand carried by the wind can also cause metalwork corrosion. Be vigilant when it comes to treating and repainting your metal fixtures and fittings to keep everything in excellent working order.

~ Look for signs of less-visible problems such as termites, mold or shifting sands and, when necessary, treat the problem immediately. 

~ The interiors of shoreline properties, including wood flooring and carpeting, are equally prone to damage from sand and salt water. Tiled floors offer better protection and are easier to maintain. 

~ All appliances, including air conditioning, need to be kept in good order.  

~ When in doubt, hire a professional inspector to review your home and help identify problem areas before they become major financial headaches.