Many people desire an oceanfront property for the breathtaking views, serene atmosphere, and direct access to nature. Whether as a primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, these structures provide unique and luxurious experiences. Unfortunately, the same qualities that make them desirable can cause their eventual decline.
One of the most common concerns for coastal property owners is the degradation of exteriors.
Environmental factors will impact the exterior of a building requiring regular repairs and maintenance to maintain visual appeal and structural integrity. Understanding what impacts your exterior coatings and recognizing products and solutions that can extend the life of those coatings can protect your investment and have a positive impact on your building.
The Challenges of Oceanfront Living
Coastal living means contending with environmental conditions and elements that accelerate wear and tear on building exteriors. Below, we outline the main culprits responsible for the fading and degradation of oceanfront façades.
High UV Rays
One of the most damaging factors to exterior surfaces is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Since coastal regions experience high levels of sunlight, UV rays break down paint pigments over time, making vibrant exteriors appear dull and lifeless. Excessive sun exposure can also deteriorate wood, plastic, and even some metals.
High Humidity
Oceanfront properties are surrounded by moisture-laden air, making high humidity unavoidable. When humidity penetrates building materials, it can result in a host of problems, including mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and the breakdown of adhesives used in exterior finishes. This excess moisture not only affects the building’s appearance but can also lead to long-term structural damage if not properly managed.
Salt Spray
Salt spray is another major contributor to the decline of oceanfront properties. Salt particles carried by coastal winds settle on exterior surfaces, accelerating corrosion. Salt damage not only affects stucco and concrete exteriors, but it can also corrode the metal structural reinforcement components of these exteriors. Other metal components, such as railings, window frames, and door handles, are particularly vulnerable to rusting. Additionally, salt residue can accumulate on painted surfaces, breaking down coatings more quickly than they would in non-coastal environments.
Windborne Sand
Strong coastal winds carry fine sand particles that act as abrasives when they come into contact with building surfaces. This constant exposure to sand can wear down protective coatings, strip paint, and create a rough, weathered look. Wind-driven sand can also infiltrate small openings, causing damage to window seals, door hinges, and other exterior elements.
The Solutions
Protecting an oceanfront property requires a proactive approach. By selecting the right materials and coatings and implementing the best practices, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your oceanfront façades while maintaining their beauty.
Use Weatherproof Paints and Finishes
If you are constructing a coastal property or undergoing exterior renovations, choose the right high-performance paints and finishes. Standard exterior paints may initially deliver, but they will inevitably fail to withstand the harsh coastal conditions.
KAPGUARD promises long-term protection through advanced architectural coatings formulated with Kynar® PVDF resin. Applied at the OEM, this tough thermoplastic polymer resin provides superior resistance to UV exposure, chemical degradation and extreme weather conditions.
Unlike traditional paints, KAPGUARD retains its bold and rich colors for an extended period. Its durability ensures that you do not need frequent repaints, reducing upkeep costs and preserving the aesthetic appeal of your structure.
Apply High-Quality Exterior Coatings
Whether your project is new construction or restoration of an existing building, façade protection is crucial for preserving the integrity and aesthetic of a building, especially when signs like fading, chipping, or cracking appear. Coastal properties face the harsh challenges of UV rays, humidity, windborne sand and salt, which can accelerate the degradation of the exterior coating.
APV’s NeverFade® Exterior Paints offer an industry-leading solution for revitalizing worn-out oceanfront façades. These field-applied water-based coatings incorporate Kynar Aquatec® PVDF resin, and are designed to extend the life of building exteriors for 15+ years.
Offering custom color matching to order, NeverFade Exterior Paints have low VOC emissions with minimal odor, making them environmentally friendly and ideal for occupied buildings. The formulation also resists dirt pickup, mold and algae growth.
Treat Windows and Door Substrates
APV’s BLOCKSEAL® Liquid Flashing is a moisture barrier that bonds to the substrate preventing water from penetrating door and window openings. This high-resin formula is AAMA 714-22 certified and contains low VOC in a fast-drying acrylic adhesive that works for a variety of substrates, including:
- Weathered wood
- Shakes
- Plywood
- Clapboard
- Primed metal
- Galvanized metal
- Urethane
- Polyester
- Adobe
- Brick
- Stucco
- Masonry
- Slate
- Slab
In Summary
Coastal property owners face unique issues like UV exposure, humidity, salt spray, and windborne sand, which can all lead to quicker deterioration of the exterior surfaces of homes and buildings. To protect and preserve property value, it’s essential to invest in quality paints and coatings that are specifically designed for such conditions.
APV Engineered Coatings custom formulates and manufactures industrial coatings and advanced chemical products for a wide array of industries. We are a partner for some of the world’s top-producing manufacturers due to our expertise and product quality, contact us to discuss your oceanfront coating needs.
