A beach house can be an excellent investment and offers great views. Those who own one can live by the ocean full-time or rent out the property to earn extra income. However, while there are many advantages to beach houses, there are also some downsides. The biggest risk is severe weather and water damage.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), living near the coast puts you at risk of flooding, wind damage, coastal storms, and flooding. With water damage being one of the most common insurance claims, it’s essential to take steps to protect your property. The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that 1 in 50 insured homes has a water damage or freezing claim every year.

Whether it’s a small leak or a flood, water damage can be devastating and can cost you thousands in repairs, restoration, and replacement. Follow this guide to protecting your beach house from water damage to avoid costly claims and losses.

Install Water Detection Devices

Water detection devices use sensors to detect leaks and moisture levels that may otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late. You can install these devices near sump pumps, washing machines, water heaters, and toilets to prevent water damage and mold formation.

Use Storm Shutters or Board-Up Windows

Because coastal areas are prone to weather fluctuations, storm shutters or boarding up windows and doors can be helpful during storms or hurricanes. If this isn’t done, large amounts of water can enter your home through the doors and windows and wreak havoc, costing thousands of dollars in damage.

Know Where the Water Main Is

The water main supplies water to the entire house, with water entering through the main and then distributed to other pipes. It is important to know where the main shutoff is in case of emergencies. If a leak occurs, getting to the water main shutoff is the most valuable thing you can do to minimize water damage to your property.

If you know where the water main is, you can also shut it off when you leave your beach house for long periods. Whether it’s going on vacation or moving, this ensures that there will be no drips or leaks that can slowly damage your house.

Invest in Flashing

One of the most common causes of water damage in beach houses is improper flashing. Then flashing is the metal taping around penetrations like doors, windows, chimneys, and other structures. If the flashing installed is of poor quality or isn’t properly installed, you’re likely to experience leaks and water pooling.

Building Materials and Renovations

When you live near the beach, your home is more susceptible to adverse weather and water damage. Florida is known for extreme weather, including hurricanes and floods. Therefore, it’s important to invest in waterproof building materials or renovate your beach house to withstand this harsh weather.

To strengthen doors and windows against strong winds and hurricanes, you can invest in high-impact glass. Adhesive window film can be used to further protect any glass and keep it from breaking during stormy weather. Additionally, individuals can use pressure-treated wood and concrete when building or renovating their beach houses since these will strengthen the structure.

Aluminum is also a popular material to use in coastal areas. In addition to being durable, it does not succumb to corrosion as steel does.

Install a Sump Pump or Foundation Vents

Foundation vents are a form of flood-proofing that allow water to flow through your house instead of pooling around it. This relieves pressure on your walls and windows. Sump pumps are also a great investment for your beach house to prevent your basement from flooding.

Maintain Trees

Leaking and broken pipes are major causes of water damage. One of the ways to prevent this is by maintaining trees and vegetation so that the roots of the trees don’t grow, wrap around the pipes, and damage them. Make sure to remove trees and other vegetation that gets too big and threatens utility pipes and minimize landscaping near utility pipes.

Ensure Proper Sealing

Poor sealing allows floodwater, rainwater, and other moisture to enter your home. To prevent water seepage, caulk and seal all windows and doors.

Check Your Appliances

Whether it’s your washing machine or refrigerator, you must take care of and maintain all appliances within your home. When these appliances age, the hose may start leaking and may need to be replaced. Regularly checking for this and maintaining your appliances can prevent extensive water damage.

Secure and Clean Rain Gutters and Downspouts

Blockage and debris in gutters and downspouts result in standing water and damage to your gutters and roof. If the overflow isn’t properly managed, it may even damage your foundation. In addition to cleaning your gutters and downspouts regularly, you should also secure them so that they point away from your beach house so that the water drains away from the structure.

Call 911 Restoration of West Palm Beach for Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can be costly, and thus, putting measures in place to prevent it is key. However, if you haven’t done so or have experienced some damage regardless, you must call a restoration service immediately. Letting water damage sit can be dangerous since it can result in mold and mildew formation.

Call 911 Restoration of West Palm Beach for water damage restoration or hurricane damage restoration. The faster you get the home restoration process started, the sooner you can go back to enjoying your beach house. 911 Restoration is available 24/7 for emergencies and can reach your property within 45 minutes. Call our IICRC-certified experts at (561) 203-1775 or contact us here for more information.