The influence of the sea and salt on your Curaçao home
by Pamela Núñez on April 29, 2025
Living on Curaçao has many advantages, from its tropical climate to its enchanting beaches and rich culture. However, is also living on an island in the Caribbean Sea which has some sea and salt influence on your home. For homeowners, especially those who live close to the coast, it is important to be well prepared for the impact of sea water on your home. In this article, Moret Real Estate discusses the effects of salt and seawater on Curaçao homes and offers practical maintenance tips to keep your home in top condition.
Salt in the air: What are the effects?
Curaçao is located in a tropical climate, which means that the air is often saturated with salt particles from the ocean. This salt can cause damage to your home, especially to metal surfaces, wooden structures and your home’s paint. Salt particles in the air can cause rusting on metal parts, such as railings, fences, doors and window systems, and it can accelerate the weathering of paint on walls and doors. It is necessary to perform regular maintenance to prevent damage and extend the life of your home.
The effect of salt on concrete and bricks
In addition to metal surfaces, salt particles can also affect concrete and bricks. Especially in coastal areas, salt can build up in the pores of concrete and brick, leading to cracks, wear and in some cases structural damage. This is because the salt settles into the microstructure of the material and reacts with the chemicals in the concrete when it rains or humidifies, which can eventually lead to the breakdown of the material.
Wooden surfaces and the influence of salt
Wood is another material that is particularly sensitive to the effects of salt and humidity, especially when in contact with sea breezes. Salt can cause wood to dry out and crack, deteriorating the aesthetics of your home. In addition, salt combined with moisture can lead to mold growth and rotting of wooden structures.
Practical maintenance tips for Curacao homeowners
To minimize the effects of salt and seawater on your home, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips that can help Curacao homeowners:
- Clean regularly: Wipe salt particles off your home, especially from windows, doors, metal surfaces and patios. This can easily be done with a mild detergent and water.
- Protect wooden surfaces: Treat wooden structures such as doors and windows with a protective coating specifically designed for marine environments.
- Check for rust: Regularly check metal parts of your home, such as railings, fences and gutters, for signs of rust and treat as needed.
- Invest in corrosion-resistant materials: When building or renovating your home, choose materials that are more resistant to salt and moisture, such as stainless steel or plastic coatings.
- Use waterproof coatings: Make sure concrete and brick surfaces are treated with a waterproof coating that prevents salt from soaking into the material.
By following these maintenance tips, Curaçao homeowners can extend the life of their homes and prevent salt and seawater damage.
Conclusion
Living in Curaçao offers numerous advantages, but its proximity to the ocean also brings the influence of sea and salt. Through regular maintenance and proper protective measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the effects of salt on their homes. Whether you are buying a home or already own one, it is helpful to take the right steps to keep your property in top condition.
