Living by the ocean brings soothing sea breezes and gorgeous views, but it also requires durable construction to withstand coastal elements. Corrosion, moisture and rot are common problems for structures near the water, but the correct materials can help protect your beach house.
Choose eco-friendly building materials that balance beauty, durability and sustainability. Options like bamboo flooring and recycled plastic composites reduce waste while providing strength and beauty.
Fiberglass and non-cellular PVC plastic
The proximity of coastal homes to the sea means they are constantly exposed to salt air, which can corrode some materials and require expensive repairs and maintenance. This is why it’s important to select durable, corrosion-resistant materials when framing your home.
Both fiberglass and non-cellular PVC plastic are great options for coastal properties. These building materials are resistant to moisture, rotting and insect damage, making them a long-lasting choice for protecting your home from harsh weather conditions.
In addition to their durability and resistance to the elements, these building materials are also eco-friendly. They are made of recycled plastics, which helps to divert waste from landfills and oceans.
The cellular version of PVC is softer than other plastics, which makes it easier to work with. It can be shaped and molded to create different styles and designs, including moldings that mimic wood grain. It can also be heat-formed for radius applications like arched windows or doors. This makes it easier to match the trim with your home’s style. It also doesn’t produce the shallow ping sound that metal trim often does when tapped or struck.
Marine plywood
Marine plywood has a resilience against water damage that makes it a popular choice for building boats and other marine applications. However, it is also a smart option for durable outdoor furniture projects in coastal areas, especially after it receives a strong protective finish.
Unlike standard plywood, which has a number of thick layers that can easily break down when exposed to moisture, marine grade wood has many thinner layers that are laminated under pressure to ensure they don’t have any holes or voids. Its durability and resistance to water make it an excellent choice for a wide range of construction projects, but it is important to choose a high-quality product.
At FA Mitchell, our Hechthout Okoume marine plywood is crafted with A-grade faces on both sides and Baltic birch plys throughout, ensuring the entire sheet has a solid face that is ready for stain, veneer or paint. It is available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your next project. Contact us today to learn more about this superior product.
Concrete
Living by the ocean has its perks, but it also comes with certain challenges like salt air corrosion and damage from frequent rainstorms. Choosing the right building materials and working with a knowledgeable coastal construction expert can help you avoid these issues while ensuring your beach house stands up to the elements.
Concrete is a durable material that has a high resistance to water, wind, and mold. It can also be fire resistant, which is important in areas prone to lightning strikes and hurricanes. It is also energy-efficient, which can help reduce your energy costs.
Concrete is a mixture of sand, gravel, crushed stone, and other aggregates combined with cement to form a hard substance. Its properties depend on the ratio of ingredients and how they are mixed. It can be made using recycled aggregates, such as air-cooled blast furnace slag and fly ash, which minimizes environmental impact. It can also be poured into different shapes to create concrete blocks, precast poles, staircase units, and cast stones. Accelerating and retarding admixtures can be used to change the speed at which concrete sets.
Brick and stone
Adding a brick or stone exterior to your coastal home provides an elegant, luxurious look that complements any style. Both are durable materials that can resist moisture and rot. They also offer superior fire resistance and provide strong protection against storms and hurricanes. Brick and stone are also energy-efficient, retaining heat during winter and preventing cold air from entering the house.
Both brick and stone are long-lasting materials, with many buildings built from them standing for centuries (and even millennia) after they were constructed. They are easy to maintain and provide an attractive aesthetic that will enhance the beauty of any home.
However, a brick or stone exterior can be more expensive than other construction materials. If you are concerned about budget limitations, consider a manufactured stone product instead of natural brick. The cost of this material is similar to that of brick but it offers better durability. Additionally, it is less susceptible to fungi and molds, making it a smart choice for coastal climates. It also requires less maintenance than natural brick. In addition, it can be purchased in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any design scheme.
Bamboo and reclaimed wood
Bamboo is an eco-friendly building material that has gained popularity in recent years for its unique, natural look. It is actually a grass and grows fast without the need for watering. It is also a durable option and can withstand heavy loads.
Bamboo can be used to build structures that serve as barriers against erosion. It can also help protect coastal communities from natural disasters. The Coastal Ecosystem Protection and Restoration Project in Thailand used bamboo to construct a system of gabions that resembles the protective sandbags that are commonly seen along beaches.
The project incorporated geotextiles and a special woven bamboo mat to reduce erosion rates by 50%. Mangroves also act as natural buffers against storm surges and ocean waves.
Reclaimed wood is another sustainable choice for flooring, furniture and cabinets. It is a durable material that has a lower embodied energy than traditional hardwoods. However, it requires careful inspection for pests and other structural integrity issues. It is also important to reapply stain and sealant periodically to maintain its beauty. Like bamboo, reclaimed wood helps to reduce deforestation and conserves water resources.