Beach House Maintenance in Mobile, Alabama
Beachfront property in Mobile, Alabama, is an excellent investment for property owners interested in personally enjoying (or getting extra income from renting out) their own little slice of heaven. However, if you’re looking for waterfront property for sale in Mobile, Alabama, be aware that shoreline properties require a bit more love and care than inland properties. While beach house maintenance is not a dealbreaker, it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re purchasing a seaside property.
What is property maintenance for beachfront property in Mobile, Alabama?
Beachfront properties in Mobile, Alabama, are built to last through extreme weather conditions. However well-built the house may be, it’s good to know what is property maintenance for Mobile, Alabama residents and what’s needed to ensure the safety and integrity of a Gulf Shore property.
Salt air, humidity, erosion, pests, and a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns are unique issues faced by beachfront property owners in Mobile, Alabama. In addition, the Alabama coast sometimes experiences storms and flooding, so seaside homes are often built on elevated platforms with reinforced supports and impact-resistant doors and windows, much like the home in the accompanying image.
Common Beach House Maintenance Issues
We’ve put together a list of standard maintenance issues that may occur in beach homes along the Gulf Coast, as well as preventative solutions:
- Salt Buildup & Corrosion: The sea air can invigorate humans, but it can wreak havoc on windows and surfaces prone to rust or corrosion. Many first-time waterfront property owners are surprised at how quickly their windows lose visibility due to salt buildup. Refreshing protective paint/varnishes and regularly cleaning the home’s exterior and windows will help reduce corrosion and maintain those gorgeous ocean views.
- Sand Erosion: Seaside homes’ foundations should go deep to secure them to bedrock, but sand erosion can still be an issue even if your house doesn’t slide around. Sand can build up around doors and paths and obstruct driveways. Landscaping has to account for the inevitable movement of sand and dunes; otherwise, you risk losing all the hard work you put into developing attractive curb appeal. Beach house maintenance that protects against erosion includes retaining walls, strategically placed netting, and arid-climate plants with deep or spreading root systems that help reduce sand movement.
- Water Damage: Beachfront properties in Mobile, Alabama, have to deal with a lot of water exposure due to increased humidity, ocean spray, storms, and even water tracked in by swimmers coming home after enjoying the waves. Mildew, mold, and rot can set in if surfaces aren’t dried and protected against moisture. Regular inspections by the homeowner (and, ideally, also by a professional since they’re familiar with problem spots and can look beneath surfaces) and prompt repairs where water damage occurs will help keep the beach house maintained for years to come.
- Sun Damage: One of the perks to look forward to when looking at waterfront property for sale in Mobile, Alabama, is the warm sun and healthy vitamin D! However, over-exposure to the sun is harmful to humans and homes. Similar to sunblock, you can take measures to protect your house from sun exposure, like treating the exterior with sunproof paint, varnish, or wood oils. Add shade via awnings or umbrellas and cover outdoor furniture and appliances.
- Termites: These little white (and sometimes black with wings) bugs like to burrow into wood and create tunnels that weaken structures. Termites live underground and are hard to detect. Still, you can check for termites by examining wood on your property (fallen branches or stumps or the underside of stairs or porches) for tunneling, looking for termite shelter tubes above ground, or tapping wood that should be solid to see if it sounds hollow. To avoid termites on your property, remove any rotting or dead wood (never bury it; get it off the property completely), repair moisture-damaged wood, and seal any exterior gaps, cracks, and holes in your home.
With proactive care and regular preventative beach house maintenance, owners can protect their beachfront property in Mobile, Alabama, while enjoying the beauty and relaxation of living along the Gulf Coast.
Professional Services for Beach Home Maintenance
Regular inspections and preventive measures help prevent costly repairs down the line. If you don’t have the time for DIY, rather than delay, we recommend hiring professionals for beach home maintenance needs; They have the tools and expertise to get the job done thoroughly for worry-free, longer-lasting results. From preventative beach house maintenance to regular inspections, there are plenty of excellent beach home maintenance companies in Mobile, Alabama, and we’ve listed a couple of our favorites below:
- Surfside Services. A locally-owned, one-stop shop with quality services, including heating & cooling, electrical, plumbing, home repair, lawn care, home cleaning, & power washing.
- JubileeScape. Based in Alabama, this landscape construction and maintenance company offers highly-rated services, including residential and commercial landscape maintenance, landscape design and construction, lighting and irrigation, turf and plant care, and fertilization.
Ready for Life on a Beachfront Property in Mobile, Alabama?
As residents and longtime lovers of the Gulf Coast area, we hope this article equips and encourages you to pursue your dream of owning beachfront property in Mobile, Alabama. We list our currently available properties for sale here (with homes like the one featured in this article). If you spot a property that interests you, contact Leslie and The Key Performance Team to schedule a viewing!