Why Homes Near The Beach Are More Prone To Water Damage

Beach houses will always be an ideal place to live. But as times change, more and more people are rethinking their dream of living along the coastline.

Networx.com tried to explain why homes near the beach are more prone to water damage. 

“As these huge weather systems move across the landscape, they pick up water from the ocean as well as estuaries, depositing diluted brackish water on land. This water contains salt in concentrations lower than those found in the ocean, but still high enough to cause significant problems. alt suspended in water is highly reactive because it carries an electrical charge. It can quickly penetrate a variety of materials and holds on tight once it gets there. That’s bad news for building materials, because salt can be extremely corrosive, and corrosion is something you don’t want happening to structural components of your home, business, or other buildings. Also, carrying electrical charge means that salt water flooding puts people at risk for electrical shocks.”

Read the rest of their explanation here.

Climate change and beach house water damage

The New York Times also published an article why homes near the coast are more likely to suffer water damage.

“Much of the uncertainty surrounding climate change focuses on the pace of the rise in sea levels. But some argue that this misses the point because property values will probably go under water long before the properties themselves do. What is often called “nuisance” flooding — inundation caused more by tides than weather — is already affecting property values. Often just a foot or two deep, this type of flooding can stop traffic, swamp basements, damage cars and contaminate groundwater.” 

Rise in sea levels

Freddiemac.com also tried to explain the vulnerability of beachfront properties when it comes to water damage.

“In coastal areas, FEMA takes wave effects into account in determining the BFE and subdivides the SFHA zones further. For example, Zone A is defined as an area with shallow flooding only due to rising water, where potential for breaking waves and erosion is low, while Coastal Zone A [pdf] is defined as an area with potential for breaking waves and erosion during a base flood. In addition, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 defines a Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS)—ocean front and land around the Great Lakes and other protected areas—that serves as a buffer between coastal storms and inland areas. Properties within the CBRS are eligible for federally-regulated flood insurance only if the properties were built prior to 1982 and the community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by FEMA.”

Read the continuation of the article here.

Water damage can be doubly possible areas in homes near the beach. It is best to weigh the benefits and risks in living in such a community.

San Diego Water Damage Restoration

If you recently experienced flood damage or water damage, the team at Mighty Dry is here to help. Contact us today to get started restoring your home or business.