Building on the Southern Oregon Coast
Building and design advice
Best materials for building at the coast
Weatherproofing, windows, doors, siding, decks
Best materials for building at the coast
Weatherproofing, windows, doors, siding, decks
Building in a coastal environment requires different materials and installations than building in a dry climate. The weather here can be brutal on building exteriors. The combination of rain and high wind can force water to go up the side of the building and enter through small openings, causing moisture problems later.
We see many building failures in this area. The problem may not be noticed for several years after construction, if defective construction techniques were used. We also see older homes that were not built to current design standards and homes that have not been maintained properly. Basic maintenance, like regular painting, is important in beach areas where blowing wind and sand can strip away paint, leaving siding and wood trim exposed.
To make sure the building stays dry, we follow rigorous installation procedures. As the list below shows, quality materials and careful attention to construction details can be the difference between a house that is free of moisture for decades and a house that needs repairs five years after being built.
Foundations
It's important to move as much rain as possible away from the building. Starting with a new foundation, we install drain pipe for rain drains to a storm sewer or dry well. Foundation drains are installed for sloping lots with daylight basements.
It's important to move as much rain as possible away from the building. Starting with a new foundation, we install drain pipe for rain drains to a storm sewer or dry well. Foundation drains are installed for sloping lots with daylight basements.
Siding
We recommend HardiBoard (or HardiLap) or cedar shingles. Small lap siding (3"-6") will not overlap enough for protection.
We recommend HardiBoard (or HardiLap) or cedar shingles. Small lap siding (3"-6") will not overlap enough for protection.
Weather resistant barrier (Hydrogap rain screen) needs to be installed over the sheathing.
Windows
We install weather resistant barrier, peal and stick flashing, stainless steel head flashing and trim in the correct sequence to keep water out. We recommend vinyl windows; wood windows can be installed, but they need regular maintenance. We don't recommend wood windows with exterior aluminum cladding, as the paint finish can fail if near the beach. In other areas, these windows are fine and are an attractive alternative to vinyl.
We install weather resistant barrier, peal and stick flashing, stainless steel head flashing and trim in the correct sequence to keep water out. We recommend vinyl windows; wood windows can be installed, but they need regular maintenance. We don't recommend wood windows with exterior aluminum cladding, as the paint finish can fail if near the beach. In other areas, these windows are fine and are an attractive alternative to vinyl.
Flashings must be stainless steel along with nails, screws, joist hangers to prevent metal rust.
Roofs
In coastal areas we use wind rated composition roofing (90mph). Flat roofs are not recommended, but can be installed if there is an appropriate membrane roofing and good maintenance. Steel roofs work well when properly installed, but the paint warranty is void if installed within three miles of the beach.
In coastal areas we use wind rated composition roofing (90mph). Flat roofs are not recommended, but can be installed if there is an appropriate membrane roofing and good maintenance. Steel roofs work well when properly installed, but the paint warranty is void if installed within three miles of the beach.
Roof venting and vent flashings need to be stainless steel.
Fireplace flashings need to be stainless steel.
Gutters
Some houses are now designed without gutters, causing water to pool around the foundation. Gutters need to be used with downspouts and connected to rain drains. We don't recommend capped gutters, as the rain just flows over the gutter on to the ground.
Some houses are now designed without gutters, causing water to pool around the foundation. Gutters need to be used with downspouts and connected to rain drains. We don't recommend capped gutters, as the rain just flows over the gutter on to the ground.
Doors
Fiberglass doors (ThermaTru) are more durable and their paint finishes last longer than wood. Storm doors may need to be installed on the south or west facing entry locations when the house is in a high wind area.
Fiberglass doors (ThermaTru) are more durable and their paint finishes last longer than wood. Storm doors may need to be installed on the south or west facing entry locations when the house is in a high wind area.
Decks
Deck beams should not be cantilevered over existing walls. This creates an easy place for water infiltration. All deck framing should be pressure treated. All of the flashings, connectors and fasteners should be stainless steel. We have built decks using wood and synthetic. Despite claims from manufacturers, we have found that all types of decking require some maintenance to keep them looking good.
Deck beams should not be cantilevered over existing walls. This creates an easy place for water infiltration. All deck framing should be pressure treated. All of the flashings, connectors and fasteners should be stainless steel. We have built decks using wood and synthetic. Despite claims from manufacturers, we have found that all types of decking require some maintenance to keep them looking good.