5 Tips to Protect Your Oxnard Home From the Salt Air

There's nothing like living near the beach and waking up each morning to the smell of the fresh, salty ocean breeze and the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the sand. But if you are a homeowner, you will want to take steps to protect your home from the deleterious effects of that same salty air. While the ocean breeze is lovely, it can also be highly corrosive. Salt can damage your home's exterior and interior and cause premature rusting and decay.

The corrosive properties of salt in the air are due to its chemical composition. When salt dissolves in water, it breaks down into sodium and chloride ions. These ions are highly reactive and can cause corrosion in many materials. The chloride ion is especially corrosive, as it can form a weak acid when it comes into contact with other molecules. It can corrode metal, wood, and other materials over time, and this can lead to expensive repairs. If you are a homeowner or considering purchasing a home near the shore, you will want to consider some simple ways that you can protect your investment.

Salt in the moist air is especially damaging to wood, and plenty of Oxnard homes for sale utilize the beauty of wood in their architecture. The salt in the water actually pulls the moisture out of the wood, causing it to rot, crack, and even collapse. If you haven't yet purchased your home, you can ensure that it is already protected with a sealant or coating that will help repel salt.

If you are building your home or undergoing renovations, now is the time to consider this important step. If you notice that your paint is chipping and peeling, your home may already be damaged by the salt air, in which case it's time for some new paint and sealant. If your home has a wooden exterior, a deck, or an outdoor patio featuring wooden couches and chairs, you will want to ensure they are all painted and sealed to avoid weakening the structures.

Salt air can be very damaging to the interior surfaces of your home as well. It can cause corrosion and etching on surfaces like windows, doors, and trim. You can help protect these surfaces from salt air by properly insulating your home.

You will also want to seal your windows and doors with weather stripping to protect your home's interior surfaces and furnishings. The amount of salt circulating in the air within your home can also be reduced effectively by installing an air purifier or by using a dehumidifier. These devices will help to remove the salt from the air and keep it at a lower level making it less likely that salt damage will become apparent.

Salt air can corrode metal, so protecting your home's metal parts from the elements is important. Some of these vulnerable parts on a home's exterior are the roof, gutters, downspouts, and decorative items such as door knockers and even mailboxes. These parts can be protected by coating them with a sealant or paint coating containing a rust inhibitor. You may also consider the type of metal you use, galvanized steel will withstand corrosion much better than others.

When choosing appliances for your home, make sure you use stainless steel appliances and fixtures and choose countertops and flooring made from salt-resistant materials. Again, insulating and sealing the home will add an extra layer of protection to metal fixtures in your home's interior and help prevent them from corroding. But a sealant can also be applied to these surfaces as well to protect your investment and the beauty of your furnishings.

Believe it or not, even the landscaping surrounding your home can be affected negatively by the salt air, but you can take preventative steps. First. think about working with a local landscape architect who can advise you on using native, drought, and salt-resistant plants and varietals. Not only will a landscape architect be able to create a plan that beautifully enhances your home's unique architectural attributes, but it will also save you money on water and be longer lasting.

You can also use mulch and rocks around plants can also help deflect the salt air that can leach water and necessary nutrients from the soil. Incorporating shade structures such as awnings and umbrellas can provide shade for plantings and an extra layer of protection for outdoor furniture.

When you live anywhere near the beach, you are bound to be someone or have someone in your family who is drawn to activities out of the out-of-doors. Hobbies such as surfing, biking, scooting, motorcycling, boating, and gardening all require an investment in gear, and that gear, when left out, can also be affected by the salt air to one degree or another. Any recreational vehicles or items that came into direct contact with the ocean water should be immediately rinsed before storing. It's worth always placing these items away from the sun and air in a garage or an external storage shed that can provide some level of protection. Our hobbies enhance our quality of life and are an important investment in our happiness. They should be treated with the same level of respect and protection that we treat our home.

Coastal living comes with a lot of benefits, such as beautiful views, salty air, and ocean breezes. However, this environment can also be damaging to your home if you’re not careful. If you haven’t had your home inspected for damage, it may be time for a professional to assess the structure and provide advice to keep your home in top condition.

If you have any questions or need more advice on the Oxnard real estate market and homes for sale, don’t hesitate to call Ann Howarth. Read about the pros and cons of owning a condominium in Oxnard and avoid the issue of salt damage entirely!