Essential Maintenance Tips for Waterfront Homes

Living in a waterfront home sounds like a dream, but keeping it in great shape takes some serious upkeep. The combination of moisture, salt air, and unpredictable weather can wear down materials faster than in inland homes. 

Checking seawalls and bulkheads for signs of wear, scheduling boat maintenance, and securing outdoor features all help protect the home. Instead of waiting for issues to appear, taking proactive steps keeps the home safer, looking better, and ready for year-round enjoyment.

Check Seawalls and Bulkheads

The stability of a waterfront home depends on the strength of its seawall or bulkhead. Cracks, shifting sections, and erosion can weaken these structures. If the seawall starts leaning or small sinkholes appear nearby, those are red flags that repairs are overdue. Some homeowners don’t notice issues until high tides or storms push water through weak spots, causing damage that could have been avoided.

Routine inspections twice a year—especially after big storms—help catch problems. Some newer materials, like composite panels or vinyl seawalls, last longer and resist saltwater better than traditional wood or concrete. Adding a layer of riprap (large stones) at the base also helps absorb wave energy, reducing the stress on the structure. 

Keep Boats in Top Shape

Owning a boat is one of the biggest perks of a waterfront home, but neglecting maintenance is never a good idea. Saltwater corrodes metal components, clogs cooling systems, and wears down engines quicker than freshwater exposure. 

Hiring a mobile marine mechanic is the easiest way to stay ahead of these problems. Instead of hauling the boat to a shop, they come directly to the dock, saving time and hassle. Regular tune-ups should include flushing the engine, checking for leaks, and inspecting electrical systems for corrosion. Simple steps, like rinsing the boat with fresh water after every outing, also help slow down wear and tear. 

Prevent Metal Corrosion

Salt air and metal don’t mix well. Waterfront homes have plenty of metal fixtures—railings, door locks, hinges, dock hardware—that can rust quickly if not properly treated. Once corrosion starts, it spreads fast, making structures weaker and shortening their lifespan. Outdoor lighting, grills, and even air conditioning units can also suffer from constant salt exposure.

Applying protective coatings keeps rust at bay. Using marine-grade sealants, waxes, or rust inhibitors extends the life of metal fixtures while switching to stainless steel or powder-coated materials helps resist corrosion. For dock hardware or metal surfaces near the water, regular rinsing with fresh water washes away salt buildup before it causes damage. 

Upgrade Storm Protection

Storms are a fact of life for waterfront homeowners, and waiting until bad weather is on the way is a mistake. Traditional plywood boards offer some protection, but they take time to put up and aren’t always reliable. Once wind and rain start battering windows and doors, weak spots quickly turn into costly repairs.

Modern storm shutters provide a faster, more effective solution. Roll-down and accordion-style shutters are built for high winds and heavy rain, offering instant protection when needed. Some homeowners opt for impact-resistant glass, which eliminates the need for shutters while still holding up against extreme weather. Reinforcing doors with storm-rated materials adds another layer of defense.

Protect Wood and Concrete

Waterfront homes take a beating from salt, moisture, and intense sun exposure, which causes decks, docks, and patios to wear down much faster than in regular homes. Wood absorbs water, leading to rot, warping, and mold growth, while concrete surfaces develop cracks as moisture seeps in and expands. If left untreated, repairs can be costly, and replacements might be necessary sooner than expected.

Applying a high-quality sealant protects these surfaces from damage. Marine-grade wood sealers help repel water and UV rays, keeping decks and docks from fading or splintering. For concrete patios and driveways, a waterproof coating prevents cracks from forming and keeps surfaces smooth. Reapplying these treatments every couple of years extends the life of outdoor materials and keeps everything looking fresh.

Trim Trees and Remove Risks

Living near the water means exposure to strong winds, which can turn loose branches into dangerous projectiles. Even healthy-looking trees can snap under pressure, causing damage to roofs, windows, and outdoor structures. Overgrown trees and shrubs also trap moisture.

Trimming back large branches, especially those hanging near the house, prevents damage during storms. Removing weak or dead trees reduces the risk of unexpected falls that could harm the home or dock. Keeping vegetation under control also improves airflow around the property.

Secure Outdoor Items

Patio furniture, grills, and outdoor décor add comfort and style to a waterfront home, but they can become hazards in strong winds. Even smaller items, like potted plants or cushions, can turn into flying debris, damaging windows or ending up in the water. When storms roll in, scrambling to secure everything at the last minute creates unnecessary stress.

Using anchor systems for large furniture pieces, storing lightweight items indoors, or installing wind-resistant storage solutions keeps everything in place. Locking down boat lifts, securing dock accessories, and tying down loose equipment helps avoid damage and prevents items from getting lost.

Watch for Shoreline Erosion

Waterfront homes naturally experience changes in the landscape, but erosion can become a serious issue. Rising water levels, heavy rains, and strong currents slowly wear away the shoreline, affecting property stability and even reducing land size over time. Signs of erosion, like exposed roots or receding land, indicate the need for action before it worsens.

Adding natural barriers, such as native plants and grasses, helps slow erosion while blending into the environment. For stronger protection, installing riprap (large rocks) along the shoreline absorbs wave energy, reducing impact on the land. For more severe cases, consulting a shoreline restoration expert can provide solutions like retaining walls or sand replenishment to maintain property integrity.

Check Plumbing for Saltwater Damage

Plumbing in waterfront homes deals with constant exposure to high humidity and, in some cases, saltwater infiltration. Over time, pipes, water heaters, and fixtures corrode, resulting in leaks, poor water pressure, and costly repairs. Standard plumbing materials don’t always hold up well in these conditions, making regular inspections important.

Switching to corrosion-resistant pipes, such as PEX or CPVC, reduces the risk of damage. Checking outdoor faucets, water softeners, and exposed pipes for rust or buildup helps catch small problems before they become expensive fixes. Flushing plumbing systems regularly, especially in saltwater-prone areas, also helps extend the life of pipes and keeps water quality high.

Waterfront homes require extra attention, but regular upkeep makes all the difference in preventing damage and costly repairs. From checking seawalls to securing outdoor spaces, small maintenance steps help preserve both the home’s beauty and functionality. 

Eco-Friendly Homes: Tiny Changes That Make a Big Difference

Eco-friendly changes, even those that are small and inexpensive, can make a big difference in your home’s overall sustainability. Homeowners today are more aware of the environmental impact than ever before. If you can relate and want to make your home more sustainable and become more environmentally responsible as a homeowner, then you will want to read the following list on how to make your home more eco-friendly:

Unplug Unused Devices

One simple way to save electricity, especially vampire watts or phantom energy, is to unplug unused electronic devices. Even small devices, like cell phone chargers, use phantom energy. It’s common to simply leave these plugged in even when not using these devices. Changing this will save you money as the electric current still runs through the cable even when you aren’t charging your phone. Consider other items like small appliances, hairdryers, and more that can easily be unplugged when not in use to make a difference in your home’s overall energy consumption.

Upgrade to LED

Another easy change you can make that doesn’t require a great deal of upfront investment is upgrading your current light bulbs to the LED variety. Admittedly, this can cost you upfront somewhat, but once they are in place, LED bulbs use 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer when compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. This means that not only will you save money on your electricity costs, but you will also contribute less waste to your landfills by using fewer bulbs.

Save Water

Saving energy is important, but when you are considering making your home more eco-friendly, you also have to consider your home’s water usage. You can make some small changes to your water usage to make a difference in your home’s sustainability levels. Do less frequent loads of laundry by combining smaller loads. You can also shut off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth instead of letting it run throughout the process. Other changes you can make to your water use include fixing leaks, reducing your shower time (more on this later), and collecting rainwater in barrels for landscaping usage instead of watering your yard.

Embrace Native Landscaping

Native landscaping requires less maintenance, meaning that you can reduce the amount of water needed to keep your yard and landscaping healthy. Native plants also help local insects and wildlife thrive. Native choices also mean that you don’t have to use pesticides and fertilizers, which is beneficial overall for the environment.

Choosing Sustainable Items

When purchasing items for your home, always consider sustainable options. This includes reusable paper towels, rechargeable batteries, washable napkins, glass food containers instead of disposable plastic, and more. While you might have to pay a bit more upfront for these reusable items when compared to disposable or one-use items, your home will become immensely more sustainable and environmentally responsible when choosing reusable items.

Repair and Reuse When Possible

As you know, part of being a homeowner is having to fix or replace furniture or other household items. When you can repair items instead of replacing them, then do so. For example, have a chair repaired instead of throwing it out and replacing it. Also, incorporate a habit of recycling in your home to save cardboard, cans, and plastic. This will keep more unnecessary items out of landfills.

Add Window Treatments

Adding blinds and curtains is more than a fashionable way to improve your decor. It also has a great impact on your home’s energy usage. The right kind of window treatments can prevent heat loss in winter and help you keep your home cooler in the summer, reducing the amount of energy you have to spend to cool or heat your home. Also, make sure that you aren’t losing air around windows by adding weather stripping and caulk.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Understandably, you need products to clean your stove, kitchen, bathrooms, and more as a homeowner. However, when you are trying to transform your home into one that is more eco-friendly, one change you can make with a significant impact in altering the cleaning products you use. More traditional cleaning products are harsh and contain chemicals that can harm the environment as well as create issues for your own health and that of your family. Therefore, research cleaning products that are safe to use around people and pets and that come in biodegradable packaging to further reduce the impact your home has on the environment and landfills.

Consider a Smart Thermostat

Although this will require an initial investment when purchasing the smart, programmable thermostat, switching to this type of thermostat over your existing one will save you energy costs by reducing the amount of energy your home uses to regulate the interior temperature. A smart thermostat allows you to program the desired indoor temperature, regulating your temperature all day instead of moving it up and down. It also allows you to change the settings based on whether you will be home or not. Consequently, you could have it set to turn off when you are away from home or turn it down or up based on the seasons and the time of day. Smart thermostats feature software that works via Wi-Fi and allows you to remotely adjust settings in many cases.

Switch to Low-Flow Showerheads

Another way that you can save money and reduce your home’s overall impact on the environment by using less water is by switching your current showerhead out for a low-flow variety. Studies indicate that the average family will use 40 gallons of water a day, simply by showering. To counteract this wastefulness, you can upgrade your current showerhead to a low-flow one that reduces the amount of water used to no more than two gallons per minute. Taking shorter showers (as indicated above) can help increase the amount of water you can save even more.

Properly Insulate Your Home

Last but not least, when trying to make your house more sustainable and eco-friendly, consider upgrading your insulation. Adding insulation will prevent air leakage in either the summer or winter and help you keep your home’s interior temperature more comfortable without resorting to adjusting your thermostat. There are many options for insulation on the market today, but if you are aiming for sustainability and eco-friendliness, then opt for cotton over the more standard fiberglass and sheep’s wool options. There are also some innovative options like insulation made out of recycled paper and newsprint and cork oak trees to consider.

You Can Make a Difference

Thankfully, you can make small, inexpensive changes that make a big difference in your home’s overall sustainability and eco-friendliness. If you can’t make all these changes, embrace the ones you can and work towards the others as together, we seek to make the world a better place.

Ashley Nielsen

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music. 

Some of the Best Uses for Wood Glue Inside the Home

Wood glue is a staple in any homeowner or DIY enthusiast’s toolkit. Its versatility, strength, and ease of use make it essential for tackling various indoor repairs and projects.

From fixing broken furniture to creative crafting, wood glue proves to be an invaluable adhesive for all kinds of needs. Below, discover some of the best uses for wood glue inside the home, stretching beyond the simple filler or adhesive.

Mending Furniture

Broken chairs, wobbly tables, and loose dresser drawers truly test the patience of anyone seeking a neat and functional home. With wood glue, these issues are easily fixable. To get the best results, start by cleaning the broken surfaces thoroughly to remove dirt or debris.

After applying the glue, make sure the pieces fit snugly together, and use clamps to hold them in place while the adhesive dries. This process creates a durable and nearly invisible bond, ensuring your furniture looks and performs as it once did.

Fixing Wood Trim and Molding

Loose trim, baseboards, or molding can leave your space looking unfinished or unkempt. Wood glue offers an efficient solution to secure these essential elements of your home decor.

Apply an even layer of glue along the back of the trim or molding, press it firmly into place, and use painter’s tape or clamps to keep it steady until the glue fully cures. The result is a seamless finish that brings elegance and structure back to every room.

Repairing Wooden Toys

Handcrafted or store-bought, wooden toys hold a special charm, but they may occasionally suffer from wear or damage. Using nontoxic wood glue, you can safely repair loose or broken pieces, prolonging their life while ensuring they remain safe for use.

Clean the surfaces you need to join, apply the glue, and secure them with clamps or elastic bands until the bond is secure. Durable repairs mean children can continue to enjoy their cherished toys without worry.

Enhancing Crafting and DIY Projects

Wood glue is a must-have for woodworkers and hobbyists regardless of project size or type. Creative endeavors like making wooden photo frames, shelves, or decorative items rely on a reliable adhesive to achieve a polished, professional finish.

By choosing the right type of wood glue for your project, you ensure precision and durability. Whether you’re assembling intricate designs or repairing small cracks, wood glue serves as an irreplaceable tool in unleashing your creativity.

Securing Wooden Flooring

Few things are as annoying as squeaky or loose floorboards, but wood glue provides a simple way to resolve the issue. By injecting glue into gaps or loose seams, you significantly reduce unwanted movement and noise.

Use a wood glue syringe or bottle with a fine applicator tip to apply the adhesive precisely where needed. Once injected, apply consistent pressure to the area until the glue sets, leaving you with sturdier, quieter floors.

Wood glue is a reliable ally for a wide range of repairs and DIY projects inside the home. From restoring damaged furniture to perfecting detailed crafts, it offers strength, seamless results, and countless opportunities for creativity.

Solutions To Try if Your Kitchen Counters Are Too Small

When your kitchen counters feel cramped, even simple tasks like chopping vegetables or prepping meals quickly become frustrating. Thankfully, there are practical solutions to help you maximize and enhance the space you have. Read on for actionable solutions you should try if your kitchen counters are too small and you’re ready to enjoy your kitchen more.

Maximize Space With Creative Storage Solutions

One of the best ways to free up your counter space is by using areas beyond the surface. Installing shelves above your countertops gives you additional storage for items like spices, mugs, or kitchen decor. This keeps frequently used items within easy reach but also declutters your counters.

Another effective idea is using wall-mounted organizers. These can hold utensils, cutting boards, or even small pots, clearing up valuable counter space while keeping your kitchen tools handy. Magnetic knife strips, pegboards, or hooks are fantastic options to explore.

Optimize Countertop Functionality

When you have limited counter space, every inch counts. Consider incorporating cutting boards designed to fit over your sink. These boards provide extra workspace while still allowing access to the sink below. It’s a simple yet highly functional way to extend your prep area.

Choosing compact kitchen appliances can also make a big difference in usable space. Instead of large, bulky devices, consider smaller versions of toasters, coffee makers, or microwaves. Some multi-functional appliances can replace multiple machines, saving you significant counter space without sacrificing utility.

Redesign Your Kitchen for Enhanced Space

If your counter space still feels constricted, a long-term solution may involve redesigning your kitchen layout. Adding a kitchen island with built-in storage provides additional counter space for prepping meals while offering extra cupboards or drawers for storage. Look for mobile islands with wheels if a permanent structure isn’t feasible for your space.

Vertical storage units are another great idea, especially for kitchens that lack floor space. These storage solutions use your kitchen’s height to store items like pots, pans, and pantry containers, freeing up room on your counters.

Select the Right Countertop Materials

Sometimes, the appearance and material of your countertops can influence how spacious your kitchen feels. Sleek countertop materials with clean lines, like quartz or glass, can make your kitchen look less cluttered and more open. These finishes often provide a seamless, minimalist aesthetic while being durable for daily use.

For more complex layouts, consulting with a professional designer or contractor is worth considering. They will evaluate your current setup and suggest customized solutions to optimize your counter space. If you’re considering a remodel, read through this comprehensive guide to kitchen countertop sizes to make informed decisions about your kitchen layout.

With these practical solutions, even the smallest kitchen counters can be transformed into highly functional spaces. From clever storage solutions to strategic redesign ideas, there’s no shortage of options to help you make the most of your kitchen. Explore these tips today and take the first step toward a more efficient and enjoyable cooking environment.