Owning a waterfront home is a dream of many homeowners. However, building homes in coastal areas comes with its own set of challenges and requires specialized materials that can withstand the elements.
These materials should be resistant to flood, salt air and water, extreme heat, corrosion, and other factors. This article will help you select the right building materials for your coastal climate:
Clay Tiles
A clay tile roof is one of the best roofing options for coastal areas. Not only are they beautiful, they naturally resist deterioration from the salty air and provide a long-lasting protective layer for your home. Additionally, a clay roof is incredibly heavy and durable and can withstand storms and high winds without damage.
Clay tiles also have a very low water absorption rate, which makes them mold- and mildew-resistant as well as impervious to rot and insect damage. This helps them to stand up to salt, rain, hail, rapid freeze/thaw cycles and earthquakes.
These roofs are also incredibly energy-efficient and can reduce the stress on your HVAC system during hot and cold weather. In addition to this, the natural insulating properties of clay tiles can save you money on your utility bills. Clay tile roofs can be laid in different patterns, allowing you to create a unique aesthetic for your home. Additionally, glazed terra-cotta clay roofs can be colored to complement any architectural style. These roofs are highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is a sturdy building material that can withstand the harsh elements found in coastal climates. It is less splintery than regular plywood and also easier to cut, making it an excellent choice for many construction projects. It can be used to build a variety of structures, including boats and docks, but it is also useful for building durable outdoor furniture. It is important to protect marine plywood with a strong protective finish in order to maintain its durability.
Marine-grade plywood is made by arranging thin sheets of Douglas-fir or Western Larch wood in perpendicular layers, called plies, and then bonding them together under heat and pressure. It uses a waterproof glue that makes it resistant to water, high humidity, and boiling temperatures. Marine-grade plywood also has a smooth surface that keeps it from absorbing moisture and dust.
While any type of plywood can be used in construction projects, it is important to choose the right kind for a particular environment. Using the wrong type of plywood can result in damage or failure of the structure. Marine plywood is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of a marine environment, and it can be used for boat construction or ocean front homes.
Plaster
A plaster coating protects walls from the elements while enhancing their appearance. It can be applied to stone, brick, RCC, and concrete walls, either in a smooth or textured finish. It is also used to repair cracked walls and ceilings.
The choice of plaster moulds is huge, ranging from traditional European designs to contemporary styles. They can be used in any room of the house and can add a distinctive character to the building.
Plastering is an energy efficient building practice, but it only works well if the walls are adequately insulated. It can help reduce the diurnal range to about 6degC, and it can be used in conjunction with masonry walls to provide good thermal mass.
The type of cement used in plastering has an impact on its durability. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) has greater resistance to chlorides, sulfates, alkalies, and chemicals than Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). It is less likely to develop shrinkage cracks during the curing process. It also lasts longer than OPC. It requires a smaller quantity of water to mix and can be finished in less time.
Glass
The right building materials are essential to the strength and longevity of your home. Whether you’re building your dream coastal retreat or planning to remodel your beach house, there are some special considerations that need to be made when choosing materials for the job.
The first step is to identify the best material for your location and climate. Then, talk to local builders and homeowners who have already used that material for their own homes. They’ll be able to tell you whether the material holds up against salt air and other environmental hazards.
Another consideration is impact ratings for doors and windows. When living in a coastal area, it’s important to have high-impact glass that can withstand the force of debris from a storm. In addition to reducing damage, impact-rated windows help reduce energy consumption, keeping your home cooler and lowering your utility bills.
Metals
Owning property by the ocean can be a dream come true for many. But if you are building an architectural project along the coast, it’s important to make wise choices regarding the material you use. The harsher conditions of saltwater deteriorate building materials more quickly than those further inland. Choosing the right material can mean avoiding costly structural failures, insulation replacement and mold abatement costs down the line.
A metal roof and wall can help you avoid this type of damage with their high corrosion resistance to saltwater. Steel and stainless steel are two popular options. Galvanized steel is also a good choice, and can be powder coated for additional protection.
Other metals that are commonly used for coastal projects include zinc panel, which oxidizes and becomes more beautiful over time, copper, which is a natural biocide and highly resistant to corrosion and aluminium, which can be left untreated or painted with marine-grade paint. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, they are all lightweight and easy to work with for exterior building components. Generally, they are less expensive than other structural materials.