Top 3 Best Building Materials For Coastal Homes

Living in a coastal town like Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Daniel Island, James Island, and John’s Island means that homes need to be ready for flooding, hurricanes, salty air, humidity, and other conditions that come with the climate. While flooding and hurricanes raise concern for homeowners in Charleston, building with the right materials and methods can make even the toughest storms feel like a light drizzle. Charleston custom home builders like Titan PMC design homes built for longevity, and using the following top three materials for each build ensures each home is Titan strong.

 Standing Seam Metal Roofing

With an average annual rainfall of approximately 48 to 52 inches, Charleston is one of wettest cities on the East Coast, meaning roofs on homes need to be ready to manage heavy showers. Standing seam metal roofing is one of the best choices you can make for your home. Besides being one of the most durable/long lasting options, standing seam metal roofing uses concealed fasteners underneath the seams. Screws under the seams assist with reducing leak potential by eliminating the need to pierce the metal. Not to mention, raised seams provide channels for water runoff. Standing seam metal roofing can be made using steel, aluminum, and copper. 

Engineered Lumber

Anyone who lives in Charleston knows that the humidity here is NO JOKE! That’s why engineered lumber is the preferred choice for custom home builds in Charleston. Unlike solid sawn lumber, engineered lumber fights humidity thanks to its crossply construction. Engineered lumber is made by gluing layers of wood together with the grain running in opposite directions. This kind of engineering provides strength for the lumber and helps prevent warping of the wood. When a home is built using engineered wood, homeowners can rest assured knowing their investment is built to last.

Fiber Cement Siding

Charleston is also known for its intense heat especially during the months of July, August, and September. Unlike vinyl or wood siding that is known to warp when temperatures rise, fiber cement siding withstands extreme heat without compromising its shape. Fiber cement siding contains a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fiber which gives it its durability. One of industry leading developers of fiber cement siding is James Hardie’s ‘Hardie Board’, which has quickly become the generic term for all fiber cement siding. As far as maintenance goes, the only thing homeowners need to worry about is repainting the siding every 10-15 years. 

Built To Last

A custom built home is one of the biggest investments anyone can make, so building with the right materials is imperative for longevity. Building with the wrong materials, especially in Charleston, could lead to a long list of repairs and issues down the road. When the time comes, homeowners looking to build should choose a builder like Titan PMC that can provide the best suggestions for materials.