Owning oceanfront real estate in Puerto Vallarta is a dream for some that, although luxurious and romantic, requires a certain level of upkeep. In general, real estate in tropical environments is exposed to high levels of humidity that can quickly wreak havoc on your home. Properties located in front of the ocean are exposed to a significantly higher amount of salt than other homes in coastal areas.
In order to maintain the value of your beachfront property, it’s important to be well-informed on the necessary maintenance steps. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to do each year when caring for a home or condo located in front of the ocean.
The high concentration of sea salt in the air attracts moisture to the metal components of an HVAC system. Accumulation of moisture causes premature corrosion and deterioration of HVAC system components. Furthermore, the closer you live to the ocean, the greater the risk of salt damaging your HVAC unit.
The filters in your HVAC system can do a great job of filtering out much of the salt and dust in the air before it reaches the metal components. For this reason, we recommend that you have your HVAC filters changed once a month and that a professional check and tune up your system once a year.
Penetrating water from heavy rains can result in deterioration of window sashes, framing, blinds, and, if severe, even flooring. In order to prevent costly repairs in the future, it’s important to perform to check all window and door seals as well as weatherstripping. We recommend that you do this twice a year, once every six months. If you find any weaknesses in your window and door treatments, replace them immediately to avoid leaks and more serious complications.
Mold loves tropical and coastal weather conditions. The constant humidity provides the perfect habitat for mold and it can grow just about anywhere: in your outdoor furniture cushions, on a wet towel left on the floor, the walls, and in the shower.
If caught early, mold can be properly treated. If left untreated, mold can spread very quickly and throughout your entire home. The best way to protect yourself from mold is to prevent mold growth altogether. Certain types of mold, like black mold, are a serious health concern if not properly addressed. If you see mold in your home, contact a specialist and take steps for proper removal immediately.
Termites are a common nuisance that can quickly affect your oceanfront property. Termites only need a tiny opening to nestle themselves into your home and start causing damage. Both subterranean (underground) termites and flying termites are prominent in Puerto Vallarta. We recommend that you perform regular inspections and fumigations to your home in order to avoid termite damage.
Many oceanfront properties are not protected by tall trees and shade. These properties receive full sun and ocean elements all day, leaving them looking weathered fairly quickly. Pressure washing is an easy way to remove salt and dirt while also removing any mildew growth. We recommend pressure washing the exterior of your home every 3 months to remove salt and dirt buildup.
Another important task that should be on your list of annual home maintenance checklist is sealing your deck. Sea salt air, high winds, tropical rain, and prolonged exposure to the coastal sun can cause significant wear and tear on any deck. Even a small leak that goes unnoticed can cause rotting in the framing of the deck. The best way to protect your deck is to reseal it each year.
Outdoor furniture tends to be the most affected in coastal households, since it’s always exposed to the elements. To care for your outdoor furniture, rinse the metal framing weekly with water and dry it with a cloth. Another good practice for outdoor furniture protection is to cover your outdoor furniture when not in use. This will help prevent buildup of salt and dirt that can cause rusting or buildup of mildew. If you’d like to add a layer of protection to the framing, we suggest applying a coat of car wax or a polish to prevent rust.
A great annual practice is to periodically inspect the exterior of your home to look for damaged siding, missing shingles, and anything else that may need the attention of a licensed contractor. Catching these issues early can save you a significant amount of money down the road due to mold, leaks, and rot.
If you’re looking at real estate in Puerto Vallarta to receive a return on investment, as a vacation home, or if you’re not going to be living in your oceanfront property year-round, you may want to consider hiring a property manager. A property manager regularly inspects your home ensure that everything is functioning properly. He/she also manages any necessary repairs and upkeep in order to avoid any damage to your property.
If you have questions about purchasing oceanfront real estate in Puerto Vallarta and how to maintain it, contact Applegate Realtors. Our real estate specialists are experts in oceanfront properties and will help you understand the joys of owning real estate in Puerto Vallarta and the steps necessary to retain the value of your oceanfront property.
To speak to a licensed real estate agent in Puerto Vallarta, contact us online or via our toll-free number 1 (866) 519 4342 when calling from the US or Canada. If you’re currently in Mexico, you can call us using our local Puerto Vallarta phone number, 322 221 5434.