Salt, sun, and storms can age a coastal home fast. If you own or plan to buy on Figure Eight Island, you know the ocean is beautiful and unforgiving. The right materials will save you money, protect your home, and keep it looking sharp year after year. In this guide, you’ll learn what lasts in New Hanover County’s coastal climate, how to maintain it, and what to check for permits and insurance. Let’s dive in.
Why coastal conditions demand specific materials
Figure Eight Island homes face constant salt spray, high humidity, strong UV, and hurricane-force winds. Salt speeds up metal corrosion. Moisture encourages rot and mold. UV breaks down coatings and finishes. Wind can lift roof coverings and send debris into windows.
That mix means you need materials that resist corrosion, moisture, and UV, and meet wind and flood design standards. You also need a consistent maintenance plan to protect your investment.
Roofs that resist salt and wind
Choose roofing designed for high exposure:
- Standing-seam metal roofs with coastal-grade coatings, aluminum or coated steel.
- Concrete or clay tiles with proper fastening and underlayment.
- High-wind-rated architectural shingles if needed, using corrosion-resistant fasteners.
What to know:
- Metal and tile shed water quickly and last longer in coastal UV when installed correctly.
- Tiles are heavy and need the right structural support.
- Asphalt shingles have a shorter service life in coastal UV and wind.
Maintenance tips: Inspect after storms, check flashings and ridge caps, rinse off salt, and recoat as required by the manufacturer.
Siding and trim that hold up
Durable options include fiber-cement siding, marine-grade composite cladding, and PVC trim with stainless fasteners. Avoid untreated softwoods in exposed areas.
Why it works: Fiber cement resists rot and insects and holds paint well. Composites and PVC do not absorb moisture and are more resistant to decay.
Care notes: Rinse siding periodically, touch up paint, and inspect joints and sealants so water stays out.
Decks, railings, and stairs built for salt air
For long-lasting outdoor living:
- Capped composite decking from high-performance lines, or dense tropical hardwoods like ipe if you are willing to maintain the finish.
- Railings of aluminum or stainless steel with marine-rated powder coating.
- Use 316 stainless fasteners and connectors throughout.
Tradeoffs: Composites resist rot and require less refinishing, but can stain and get slippery. Tropical hardwoods are durable but need regular oiling to hold color.
Maintenance: Rinse off salt and sand, clean seasonally, and inspect fasteners and connections. Reapply protective finishes to hardwoods as needed.
Windows and doors for hurricane strength
Choose impact-rated or pressure-rated windows and exterior doors suitable for hurricane zones. Frames that perform well include reinforced vinyl, aluminum-clad wood, or corrosion-resistant aluminum with protective finishes. Specify stainless hardware.
Benefits: Impact-rated glazing helps defend against windborne debris and can support insurance goals. Non-ferrous frames reduce corrosion risk.
Keep them working: Clear tracks and weep holes, rinse salt from frames, and inspect seals and flashing.
Fasteners and hardware that do not rust
Use Type 316 stainless steel for exposed fasteners, bolts, and hardware in high-exposure zones. If budget requires alternatives, hot-dip galvanized options designed for marine exposure can work in protected areas. Avoid electroplated zinc.
Why it matters: 316 stainless resists pitting from chlorides in salt spray. Fastener failure can lead to bigger structural issues, so inspect and replace at the first sign of corrosion.
Foundations and concrete that endure
On or near the water, concrete and structural elements should be specified for chloride resistance and flood action. Use low-permeability concrete mixes, adequate cover for rebar, and consider epoxy-coated or stainless rebar where chloride intrusion is likely. Elevated piling systems are common and reduce surge damage risk.
What to watch: Inspect for cracking, spalling, and exposed reinforcing. For timber piles, consider marine borer risks and use protective jackets or encasement when appropriate.
Paints, sealants, and coatings that last
For exterior paints, choose 100% acrylic formulations with high UV resistance. For seawalls or splash-zone elements, use marine-grade primers and epoxies. For joints, choose polyurethane or silicone sealants rated for exterior coastal exposure. Specify powder coats on metal rated for marine environments.
Plan to repaint or re-seal more often in high UV and salt exposure. Follow manufacturer schedules for best results.
Interior materials that handle moisture
Inside, choose finishes that tolerate humidity and potential wetting on lower levels:
- Flooring: Waterproof LVP and porcelain or ceramic tile are strong choices for ground floors or flood-prone areas. Engineered hardwood can work above the flood elevation with humidity control.
- Walls and insulation: Use moisture-resistant gypsum above flood elevation. In spaces that could get wet, select materials that dry quickly.
- Cabinetry: Marine-grade plywood or moisture-resistant substrates with stainless hardware for lower cabinets. Avoid particleboard where occasional wetting is possible.
- Systems: Elevate HVAC, water heaters, and electrical components above design flood elevation. Choose outdoor HVAC units with corrosion-resistant coils or coatings.
- Ventilation: Use balanced ventilation and dehumidification to control indoor humidity and slow mold growth.
Maintenance calendar for island homes
Set a routine to keep materials performing:
- Every 3–6 months: Rinse siding, decks, railings, and windows to remove salt buildup. Rinse after storms.
- Annually: Inspect roofs, flashings, gutters, and downspouts. Service HVAC, clean coils, and review protective coatings.
- Annually: Check deck ledgers, railings, and all exterior fasteners. Tighten or replace any corroded pieces.
- Every 1–3 years: Inspect and replace failing sealant around windows, doors, and penetrations. Clean and refinish deck surfaces as specified.
After major storms: Evaluate roofing, soffits, and eaves for uplift. Check windows and doors for seal failure. Inspect pilings and foundation elements for scour or movement. Confirm mechanical equipment remains dry and functional.
Cost and insurance considerations
Expect higher upfront costs for impact windows, metal roofs, and 316 stainless hardware. Over time, these choices reduce emergency repairs and replacement cycles. Insurers often favor impact-rated glazing, documented wind mitigation, and elevated mechanicals. Properties in high-risk flood zones must follow flood elevation and construction standards that can affect coverage and premiums.
How to plan a project on Figure Eight Island
Before you start a build or renovation:
- Verify flood zones and Base Flood Elevation using current flood maps for your property.
- Confirm New Hanover County permit and floodplain requirements, including elevation and foundation rules in coastal high-velocity areas.
- Align materials and assemblies with North Carolina building codes and local amendments.
- Ask your insurance carrier about discounts for wind mitigation and impact glazing.
- Hire contractors with coastal experience and request references for similar island projects. Confirm they specify 316 stainless and coastal-rated products in writing.
Lifespan expectations at a glance
Actual service life depends on product quality, installation, exposure, and maintenance, but typical ranges include:
- Composite decking: about 25–30+ years
- Tropical hardwood decking (ipe): about 25–50 years with maintenance
- Fiber cement siding: about 30–50 years
- Coated metal roof: about 30–50 years
- Architectural asphalt shingles in coastal settings: about 15–25 years
- Impact-rated windows: about 20–40+ years, depending on frame and care
Ready for confident coastal choices?
You deserve a home that looks beautiful and performs in salt, sun, and storm. If you are planning a renovation, comparing listings, or preparing a property for market on Figure Eight Island, our team can help you evaluate materials, spot construction risks, and budget for maintenance so you avoid surprises. Request a Red Carpet Consultation with the Sherwood Strickland Group to get expert, construction-informed guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
What roofing lasts longest on Figure Eight Island?
- Metal standing-seam roofs with coastal-grade coatings and properly fastened concrete or clay tiles deliver strong wind resistance and long service life when maintained.
Are impact windows worth the cost in New Hanover County?
- Yes. Impact-rated or pressure-rated glazing reduces damage from windborne debris and can support insurance goals in coastal high-velocity zones.
Which exterior fasteners should I use near the ocean?
- Choose Type 316 stainless steel for exposed fasteners and hardware. Use hot-dip galvanized only in protected areas where allowed by specifications.
What siding stands up to salt and sun?
- Fiber-cement siding, marine-grade composites, and PVC trim resist rot and moisture. Plan for periodic rinsing and repainting in high UV.
How should I protect decks and railings in salt air?
- Use capped composite decking or well-maintained tropical hardwoods, paired with aluminum or stainless railings and 316 stainless fasteners. Rinse salt and inspect annually.
What interior flooring works best on lower levels?
- Waterproof luxury vinyl plank and porcelain or ceramic tile handle humidity and possible wetting better than solid hardwood on ground floors.
