The correct choice of materials can make your beach home more comfortable and affordable to maintain. Coastal corrosion causes extreme damage to many building materials, which can be costly to repair or replace.
Marine plywood is a good option for the structural framing of your home. This wood is resistant to salt and moisture, and it’s also mold-resistant.
Concrete
The benefits of living on the coast usually outweigh the cons, but the correct choice of building materials is critical for coastal construction. Coastal structures are exposed to the effects of sea air, salt water and coastal conditions, so they must be resistant to corrosion and able to withstand a range of environmental impacts. The right building materials will reduce the need for maintenance and increase longevity.
Concrete is a popular building material for coastal climates, because it offers durability and strength. It is also a green building material, because it uses recycled industrial waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. These waste products include fly ash, ground vehicle tires and granulated blast furnace slag.
Another advantage of concrete is its thermal mass, which means it can store heat and keep buildings warm during the day and cool at night. This makes it a good choice for coastal climates, where temperatures can vary dramatically during the year.
Coastal corrosion affects concrete structures in different ways, depending on the environment and location of the structure. A coastal structure is more likely to be subjected to salt in the air, which accelerates oxidation. In mild cases, rust may only appear on the surface of the concrete, but in more severe cases, steel reinforcement can be compromised and weaken the structure.
Brick Siding
Brick siding can be a beautiful addition to any home but it also has some additional benefits that make it a great choice for coastal homes. Brick is fire-resistant, making it easier for homeowners to qualify for homeowner’s insurance and reducing the risk of expensive repairs after a fire. Brick is also water-resistant, helping to protect against water damage during heavy storms.
Brick is also low maintenance, with the exception of a periodic cleaning, and it resists termites, mold and mildew. It is also very durable and resistant to salt air exposure, meaning it won’t corrode over time. As with any material, it is important to hire a professional for any brick siding repair as soon as the signs of damage or deterioration are noticeable.
Another advantage of brick is its ability to insulate sound, which could be a benefit for anyone who loves the beach but prefers not to hear crashing waves or noisy neighbors all day long. This is especially true when combined with insulation, a wise addition for any coastal home.
Traditional brick (not thin veneer) is quite heavy, which means a solid foundation is necessary for its stability. It is common to use concrete foundation walls with a step cast into them or to support brick on masonry piers. If a brick facade is being added to an existing house, a new concrete foundation should be built or the old one reinforced.
AFS Logicwall
AFS Logicwall and Rediwall are permanent formwork solutions for concrete walls that can be used to build a range of different above-ground structures. Both systems are designed to be easier to set up than other walling options such as precast concrete, masonry block and cast in situ concrete. They are also easier to maintain and can be customised for specific projects.
Logicwall is a fibre cement based system comprising lightweight sandwich panels created by bonding hard-wearing Cemintel fibre cement sheets to galvanised steel stud frames. These panels can be hand erected on site and then core-filled with concrete to create fire and sound rated load bearing walls. Logicwall can be used for internal and external walls above ground including facades, party walls, corridors and boundary walls.
It is also ideal for use in multi-residential projects, terraced housing ITW and retirement villages. Logicwall is designed to reduce the need for steel portals in these types of buildings, freeing up floor space and allowing architects greater design freedom.
Logicwall is available in a range of thicknesses to suit architectural and engineering demands. It can also be clad with a variety of materials to achieve the look required for your project. You can even choose to install a motorised vertical bi-fold screen from Shade Factor, which eliminates rattle and is perfect for control of heat, glare and UV.
Hardiplank
James Hardie Industries has spent years fine-tuning not only the performance of their fiber cement siding but also its appearance. They’ve developed a number of textures that mimic the look of wood lap boards and shakes. The simulated wood texture is even visible up close, making it a popular choice with homeowners. As an added bonus, fiber cement does not mold or absorb moisture like vinyl or aluminum. It’s also fire resistant, although not quite as fireproof as concrete or stucco.
The wood grain appearance is created by an embossing process that James Hardie Industries calls “cement board technology.” Despite this, it does contain some actual wood in the form of cellulose and mineral fibers. This helps it to resist wet, freezing conditions and harsh sun. It’s also incredibly durable, with an average lifespan of 30-50 years. While it isn’t as strong or water-resistant as brick, it’s still a great option to protect homes in coastal climates.