In this episode Natalie dives into the essential topic of winterising your beach hut. As the seasons change and winter approaches, Natalie shares her top six winterization checklist items to help hutters prepare their seaside abodes for the inevitable storms, high winds, and salt build-up. From protecting against moisture and rust to preventing wood rot and keeping pests at bay, Natalie emphasises the importance of regular maintenance checks to avoid costly repairs in the spring.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It's essential to winterize your beach hut by performing maintenance checks and addressing any issues before the harsh weather sets in.

• Protect your beach hut from moisture by checking the paintwork, sealing gaps, and ensuring good ventilation to prevent dampness and mould.

• Use marine-grade stainless steel for metal components to reduce rust and corrosion. Regularly check and replace rusty parts.

• Establish a cleaning routine to remove sand and salt buildup, which can be corrosive. Store soft furnishings in waterproof containers or vacuum packs to protect them from dampness during the winter months.

• Avoid leaving food in the hut and use sealed storage containers for perishables. Regularly check for signs of pests and consider natural deterrents like cedar wood blocks or essential oils to keep rodents and insects at bay.

BEST MOMENTS

"This episode is all about winterising. That is, getting our cherished seaside abodes ready for the inevitable storms, high winds and salt build-up over the next few months."

"Water ingress is dangerous and it can lead to mould and even rot. Waterproofing is our first defence, but your waterproofing needs will vary depending on the structure of your hut."

"Marine environments and metals are just not a great mix. Therefore, always go for marine grade stainless steel for your hinges and your locks."

"Regularly check for signs of rot, mould or wood-boring insects and replace any damaged wood. Depending on your beach hut structure, you could have wood in a number of areas."

"If your beach hut looks used and loved, this can actually deter opportunists, like thieves and vandals.  Being a happy beach hutter does come with a little bit of responsibility."

HOST BIO

My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce.  Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven. 

Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host.

The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too!

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We will be chatting with special guests from estate agents to lock specialists, beach hut associations to beach hut builders, and artists to interior designers. 

If you don’t know what all the fuss is about, join us every week and you too will become a little bit Bonkers Bbout Beach Huts.