Oxnard Beachfront Home Maintenance 101

May 25,2022 | Posted By Arlene Beckwith in Real Estate
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A beachfront home is like a dream come true: the sight of the endless horizon, the sound of the waves, and the beautiful sunsets don't have to be just a holiday memory. If you live in a beach house all year round, you can experience them every day!

However, living the dream comes at a price as beachfront homes require a lot of maintenance as they are constantly exposed to sand, salt, sun, and humidity. A beach home in Oxnard is no different, and it needs love and care to preserve its splendor in the long run. Afterall, Oxnard beachfront real estate is not just your dream home, but it's also a valuable investment, and as such, you must take good care of it.

Ever wondered how to look after an Oxnard beach home? Then read on for our top maintenance tips for beachfront homes:

Top Maintenance Tips for Beachfront Homes

» Protect Metallic Items

Beachfront homes are constantly exposed to humidity, and the first sign of this is rust appearing on metallic surfaces. You can protect your metallic items from corrosion with a metal primer coating (be sure to remove any traces of rust with sandpaper first). A long-term solution is to replace metal items with copper, stainless steel, or powder-coated metal, which are generally more resistant to rust. The same applies to outdoor lights: choose marine-grade fixtures, often made of copper, which can withstand coastal weather conditions. Keep in mind, however, that stainless metals also need regular maintenance due to possible salt build-up. The good news is that salt crystals can be easily removed with fresh water.

» Take Up Pressure Washing

Regular pressure washing is a must for beachfront homes in Oxnard. It helps remove particles of salt, sand, and seagull waste from your home's exterior which can cause serious damage in the long run. Start with the walls, then continue with all your windows and exterior tiles (and repeat every six months). As for the tiles, pressure washing is just the first step. You should also apply a fresh coat of sealer to prevent the salt from staining them.

» Care for Wood Surfaces

Oxnard beach homes tend to use a lot of wood: wooden flooring, cladding, doors, and outdoor furniture–you name it! Wood is a luxurious material with many good qualities; however, it does not respond to moisture well, and it's prone to rotting without maintenance. Therefore, you need to check your wooden items and replace any rotting ones. Then, repaint them every two years to protect them from sun damage. As for outdoor furniture, make sure you oil them regularly to protect them from sun and moisture. If you do not wish to do so much wood maintenance, you can opt for flooring made of recycled plastic and other wood alternatives.

» Reduce Humidity Indoors

High humidity is a major problem for most beachfront properties, and Oxnard beachfront homes are no exception. The mold and mildew developing indoors can damage your belongings and is unhealthy to breathe in. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to keep mold out of your home: ventilate during the day, let the sunlight in, keep everything dry, and invest in a good quality dehumidifier that can do the job at night.

» Keep Termites in Check

Where there is moisture and wood, there is a risk of termite infestation. These pesky pests are difficult to get rid of and can significantly reduce the value of Oxnard Beach homes for sale. In California, several types of termites can invade homes; therefore, it's recommended to inspect them annually before they cause damage. Another option is to install cement siding, which is more durable. Although it is more expensive than wood, it is less tempting to termites.

» Repaint Your Home's Exterior

If you have a beachfront home, chances are you will need to repaint the exterior regularly. A fresh coat of paint will not only protect your house from the coastal weather, but it's also more pleasing to the eye than cracks, peeling, and faded paint as these are the first signs that a paint job is due. As a general rule, repaint the exterior of your house once a year.

Stucco needs to be handled slightly differently. Any sign of peeling or bubbling means that humidity is getting in the structure, so your weep screed is not doing its job of directing moisture out of the stucco. That's why you need to get your walls inspected regularly. Another costly but effective option is sealing your stucco to prevent water absorption.

» Keep an Eye on Accessories

Gardening tools, outdoor furniture, grills, and other outdoor accessories don't do well with salt and moisture. While they are easy to replace, the last thing you want is to buy the same tools every few months. Instead, apply protective sprays against mildew and rust and store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid covering them, as this will only cause moisture to get trapped on their surface and damage them more quickly.

» Opt for Professional Maintenance

Once you have a clear overview of all the work your Oxnard beachfront home needs, you will find it easy to care for it on your own. That said, you might be better off hiring a specialist in Oxnard beach home maintenance to ensure all upkeep is carried out as planned and down to the last detail. A professional can also advise you on how best to care for your home on a day-to-day basis and between major maintenance jobs.

» Insure Your Oxnard Beachfront Home

Not a maintenance tip per se, but Oxnard Beach real estate is, first and foremost, a valuable investment. Therefore, you need to make sure it's properly insured. As an owner of a coastal house, you may need extended coverage for natural disasters, storms, or hazards on top of the regular homeowners' insurance. Thoroughly research your options, and be sure to purchase additional flood insurance as most insurance carriers do not cover any damage from flooding.

The Bottom Line

Living by the sea is a fabulous experience, but you need to be aware of all the maintenance that comes with a property being constantly exposed to the elements. However, there's a lot you can do to protect your beachfront home: with marine-grade materials, waterproof finishes, regular cleaning and inspections, and the right insurance, you're all equipped to help your property retain its glamor for many years to come.

Ready for the beach life? Arlene & Keith Beckwith specialize in Oxnard Beach real estate. We would love to help you find your dream beachfront home. Get in touch with us at 805-338-4466 or fill out our online form to be the first to hear about newly listed Oxnard Beachfront homes for sale.