It's a dream project to build along the coasts. You have a sea of ideas flooding in, but also an army of challenges. Homes along the coast are renowned for their breathtaking views and cool sea breezes. However, these sites require more than just a good blueprint when it comes to construction. The challenges of soil erosion, salt-laden air, and unpredictable weather demand specialised planning, materials, and execution.

Here are the main challenges you need to anticipate and how to overcome them if you're working on a project close to the coast.

Environmental Issues and Solutions 

1. Corrosion due to saltwater

The salty air that surrounds buildings by the sea corrodes steel, concrete, and even paint. The remedy? To help your build last longer, use corrosion-resistant materials like marine-grade cement, galvanised steel, and protective coatings like Durashine color-coated roofing sheets by Tata Steel Aashiyana.

2. Severe weather and wind loads

Structural integrity may be put to the test in coastal zones due to strong winds and storms. It is important to design wind-resistant structures with deeper foundations and reinforced concrete frames. Materials that help hold the fort (in this case, buildings) will help your construction stand the test of time. Tata Tiscon 550SD rebars are perfect for areas that are prone to wind because of their exceptional strength and earthquake-resistant build.

3. Elevated moisture and humidity

Humidity may accelerate wood rot and the development of mould. To keep interior spaces dry and healthy, use proper ventilation, moisture barriers, and proper insulation. 

4. Sea level rise and erosion

You cannot predict the movement of the sea. Rise in sea level poses persistent dangers that have the potential to erode foundations. To protect the site, it is often suggested to do soil reinforcement, retaining walls, and raised structures.

Construction Issues and Solutions 

1. Complex Foundation

Foundations in coastal areas must handle both water and wind impacts. Elevated pile foundations or raft foundations are commonly used to provide stability. Materials like Tata Structura and their hollow design can help in the building of complex layouts.

2. Tight Construction Regulations

There are multiple regulations that need to be followed when building along the coast. And it adds up even more when constructing in areas marked as flood zones or wind resistance. Always stay up to date with the local news and updated rules and regulations.

​​3. Material Selection

Material selection and the right material selection are what everything depends on. Be mindful while selecting them. Go for weatherproof, anti-corrosive, and water-resistant materials. From wiring to cladding and from roofing to rebars.

4. Logistics and Site Access

Transportation is yet another challenge that engineers and architects face when working on the coast. Due to soft, unstable soil or continuous erosion, it is always better to plan ahead. Additionally, collaborating with regional vendors who are familiar with the area will help resolve this challenge better.

5. Expense Control

With great resources comes great expenses. When working on the coast, the use of premium materials and compliance with regulations become paramount. This may result in incurring higher expenses when constructing near the coast as compared to other areas. To improve planning and prevent overruns, resources such as material estimators on websites like Tata Steel Aashiyana can be used.

Avoiding difficulties is not the goal of building in coastal areas. It's about anticipating them and coming up with clever fixes. There are sufficient resources available today, ranging from digital planning tools to corrosion-resistant products, to build durable, safe, and beautiful homes by the sea.

Visit Tata Steel Aashiyana to explore smart construction solutions designed for every climate, including coastal.