Coastal Elements

Tips

Coastal homes need protection from salt air and from heightened exposure to weather. Follow these expert tips to ensure your seaside home can stand up to the elements:

• To reduce maintenance, use aluminum- or vinyl-clad windows instead of all-wood units. Fit windows with laminated glass to withstand impact caused by flying objects in strong winds.
• Masonry or wood (particularly Western red cedar) works best for siding. To minimize maintenance, apply stain instead of paint.
• Slate, shake, and composition (asphalt) roofing all work well on the coast. When using composition shingles, stick to heavier ones with a warranty of 40 years or longer.
• Avoid hardware or exterior lighting with a shiny finish, such as polished brass. Bronze or stainless steel are better; look for the words "lifetime finish" on the package.