A house in the Caribbean is something to give you pride. You’re the envy of friends, family, and strangers as you live near gorgeous beaches filled with pure white sand and crystal blue waters. Although the area is great, there are still certain risks involved in owning beachfront property. Storms, pests, and humidity can ruin your home if you’re not cautious. Avoid these issues and know how to protect your oceanfront property for safe and comfortable living.
Know the Risks
Living anywhere has its risks, but residing near the ocean poses a great threat to your house: water damage. This can occur from many different types of storms. The main type of water damage you’ll face is from tropical rainstorms. This might involve wind and debris that can rip off roof shingles, destroy windows, loosen siding, and so on. Naturally, seek shelter immediately during a hurricane. Though not every tropical storm in the Caribbean is a hurricane, you can still expect severe wind and rain levels. Too much rain can cause flooding, leading to a weakened foundation, sagging, warped floors, or mold.
Use Resistant Materials
With that in mind, there are ways to combat the risk of storms on your home. Living near the ocean exposes your home to saltwater which can corrode typical terrestrial housing materials. However, fiberglass windows and door frames can withstand oceanic environments much better than wood. Concrete or stainless steel can also help. As well, consider planting native landscaping surrounding your foundation. These plants can tolerate high moisture and absorb oceanic water on your property before it reaches your house.
Check for Pests
A beachside house might have exceptional curb appeal but keep hidden predators in mind: pests. Especially during storms, they will likely consider your home theirs. The most common pests that infest beachside homes include termites, spiders, and bed bugs. Keep this in mind and inspect your home regularly. If needed, call a pest control service to eradicate these menacing creatures. While spiders, bed bugs, or other creepy crawlies are an eyesore, termites can damage your structural foundation, thereby posing a safety risk as much as a health risk.
Monitor Humidity Levels
The last way to protect your oceanfront property is to monitor humidity levels. The Caribbean is a tropical climate, which means humid temperatures given the high moisture in the air. Humidity brings its own list of risks: mold, mildew, watermarks, and rotting wood. Combat this with a dehumidifier for each room. Alternatively, you can install a whole-house dehumidifier through a professional HVAC service.
