Beachside living – Five tips for keeping ahead of corrosion
Beside the beach and living the dream … but remember to keep on top of home maintenance.
Living close to the beach is one of the quintessential Aussie dreams.
From inspiring ocean views to the blissful seaside breezes, who could deny the good-for-the-soul sense of wellbeing it offers?
Owning a home in a coastal strip however does come with extra considerations when it comes to maintenance. One of these is rust.
Rust:
The sea winds carry extra moisture and salt, hastening the onset of metal corrosion.
As specialists in multi-storey buildings and apartment complexes, Grant Painters was recently called in to repair rust damage at a block of beachside townhouses, where metalwork was a central design element.
Unfortunately, over time, seals on screws connecting guttering to the supporting metal pipes throughout the complex had deteriorated, allowing water in. And because the pipes were capped, the moisture was trapped – eventually causing corrosion.
Significant preparation was going to be required, including releasing the trapped moisture.
The operation involved sanding the metal areas with 80-grit paper and wire brushes and removing flaking debris. Leak holes were drilled in the underside of the pipes to guard against future water damage. Capping on the pipes was also removed.
The team then sprayed the interior of the pipes with Penetrol, a versatile oil-based additive to inhibit further rust.
The metal surfaces were then treated with a two-part apoxy, Carboline Carbomastic – a thick coating with excellent adhesion to rusted steel. They were then given two top coats of Killrust in a silver “aluminium” colour to replicate the appearance of a new galvanised structure
After 130 hours on the project, the results were nothing short of transformative.
Five things you can do to maintain your beachside property
- Wash your exterior walls and windows: Of course, without the right equipment it’s simply not possible for most owners to reach all parts of their home. Grant Painters can however offer a tailored maintenance plan to keep your paintwork looking it best for many years to come.
- Inspect the exterior – regularly: Corrosion or coating issues need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Since coatings typically begin to wear down after several years, this is highly recommended. Like most things in life, this helps prevent larger, more costly issues further down the line.
- Seal gaps and cracks: Seal gaps, cracks and joints in the exterior of your home to prevent water infiltration. Use high-quality caulk or sealant compatible with the exterior surfaces to create a watertight seal. Pay particular attention to where different materials meet.
- Make appropriate paint selections: Choose paint formulated for coastal environments and durability.
- Hire professionals: Consider hiring professional contractors experienced in working with coastal properties to apply waterproofing and paint systems. Their expertise can ensure optimal performance of the products, saving you time and effort in the long run.
Get in touch with Grant Painters to find out more.