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Protecting Your Coastal Home from Corrosion due to Marine Salt Spray

March 10, 2025

Living by the coast offers stunning views, fresh air, and a serene lifestyle — but it also comes with the challenge of protecting your home from the damaging effects of marine salt spray.

The salty air can accelerate corrosion, particularly on metal surfaces, windows, CrimSafe screens, Colorbond roofs, gutters, airconditioner units and other external fixtures. One effective solution to combat this issue is the SaltWash Treatment from Inspectra, a specialized cleaning method designed to remove salt residue and protect your home from long-term damage.

Recreational boat, RV and 4WD owners always spent time and money to remove the salt from their $50 000 toy after their adventures on the sand or the ocean, but they do not often have a maintenance plan in place to look after their R1 million plus coastal home investment.

Coastal home owners often refer to it as the Ocean Tax they have to pay in exchange for the magnificent views.

Well, you can see Inspectra as your Ocean Tax accountant. Yes, you will eventually pay your Ocean Tax, but you can pay less or prolong the process with a Corrosion Care Plan in place.

Why replace those air conditioner units after 5 years, when you can prolong it to maybe 10 to 15 years, or your CrimSafe screens, roof screw and much more.

What is a SaltWash Treatment?

SaltWash Treatment is a professional-grade cleaning service that uses a specially formulated solution that is pH neutral, non-toxic and biodegradable to dissolve and remove built-up salt deposits from your home's exterior surfaces.

The treatment not only cleans but also neutralizes salt particles, preventing them from continuing to corrode your home’s structure and finishes.

Why is a Salt Removal Important?

Marine salt spray can cause:

Corrosion of metal fixtures like Colorbond roofs, gutters, CrimSafe screens, railings, gates, air conditioning units and outdoor BBQ’s and furniture
Deterioration of paint and protective coatings
Clouding or pitting of glass windows and balustrades
Damage to timber decking and other wooden elements

Without regular cleaning, salt can build up and weaken your home's exterior materials, leading to costly repairs and reduced lifespan of fixtures.

Why can’t I just rinse my house with fresh water or let the rain do its thing?

Fresh water alone does not effectively remove marine salt deposits because of how salt (primarily sodium chloride) interacts with surfaces and water.

Here’s why:

Salt Crystallization

Marine salt spray deposits form crystals that can cling tightly to surfaces like glass, metal, and concrete.
These crystals can wedge into tiny surface pores and irregularities, making them harder to dislodge with plain water.

Hydrophilic Nature of Salt

Salt is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water.
When fresh water is applied, the salt may partially dissolve on the surface but can recrystallize once the water evaporates — often in an even finer layer.

Electrostatic Bonding

Salt particles can form electrostatic bonds with certain materials, especially glass and metals.
These bonds are not easily broken by water alone without the help of detergents or chemical agents.

Alkaline Film

Marine salt can create an alkaline film on surfaces, which needs to be neutralized before full removal is possible.
Fresh water does not neutralize this film, leaving behind residue even after rinsing.

Surface Protection Requirement

SaltWash treatments or other specialized cleaning solutions contain neutralizing agents that break down the salt’s chemical structure and remove it without damaging the surface.

Benefits of a SaltWash Treatment

Extends the lifespan of your home’s exterior fixtures
Prevents long-term damage caused by corrosion
Maintains the aesthetic appeal of windows, glass, and metal surfaces
Reduces maintenance costs over time
Environmentally friendly and safe for use on a variety of surfaces

How Often Should You Schedule a SaltWash Treatment?

The frequency of SaltWash treatments depends on your home’s proximity to the coastline and the prevailing weather conditions.

Homes within 1 kilometres of the ocean may need quarterly treatments, while those further away can benefit from bi-annual or annual applications.

Conclusion

Investing in Inspectra’s SaltWash Treatment is a proactive way to protect your coastal home from the relentless effects of marine salt spray. Regular treatments not only preserve your property’s beauty but also save you from expensive repairs in the future.