Anyone who’s lived in Bermuda knows how tough the climate can be on a home. Whether it’s the house itself, the yard or the furniture, nothing is spared for long.
Our subtropical weather has its upsides – no snow, for one – but it also means hot, humid summers and damp winters. Combined with the salt in the air and strong sun year-round, it’s a recipe for wear and tear.
The big problem is moisture and what it leaves behind. Mould is a constant battle, especially in poorly ventilated bathrooms and bedrooms that get little sunlight. But it’s not just about smells and unsightly spots on the ceiling. Mould can damage paintwork, ruin wood and even cause respiratory issues if left unchecked.
Over time, things warp, rust, rot and peel; wood swells and paint flakes and blisters.
For homeowners, that means constant upkeep: patching cracks, replacing wood, painting over discolouration, or chasing after that stubborn mildew smell in the cupboards. Even indoor furnishings don’t get a break: upholstered pieces and curtains often wear out faster than expected.
Air conditioners run constantly just to keep the moisture at bay, and dehumidifiers become as important as a stove or a fridge.
Think Bermuda!
Building or renovating in Bermuda means you have to think differently than someone living in a drier, cooler climate. You need materials that can withstand high humidity, salty air, intense UV exposure, and sudden changes in weather.
That gorgeous hardwood flooring you saw online might not be a wise choice here. Before you make any rash purchasing decisions, schedule a chat with the experts at Pembroke Tile & Stone Ltd, Bermuda Brickyard Limited, Stafford Surfaces or Surface Trends Ltd.
It’s equally true that certain types of exterior paints, tiles, sealants and adhesives won’t stand the test of time. It’s worth putting time into research and investing in anti-mould paint and waterproof underlays, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Karolina De Costa or any of the team at Rowe Spurling Paint Company will tell you most paint brands offer a range of lines, from basic to premium. At the top end, expect a paint that gives better adhesion, coverage, washability, mould resistance and durability.
Insider knowledge will help you choose the right products from the start. Doing so can make the difference between something that needs replacing in six months and something that holds up for years.
However, sourcing the right materials is only one part of the equation. The other is finding someone qualified to do the work.
Do your research
On Maj’s List you’ll see the same stories. People say they’ll show up, and they don’t. Others promise they can handle the job, but months later the cracks reappear, the leaks return, or the paint starts bubbling again. Follow-up calls go unanswered, and the homeowner is left to start the process all over again — usually with less money in the bank and more frustration.
It’s not always a matter of bad intentions. Bermuda has a limited number of skilled tradespeople and suppliers, and demand is high. Some workers are stretched too thin, taking on more jobs than they can manage. Others may not be familiar with the right methods or materials to handle Bermuda’s particular challenges.
Ask for references and choose wisely. If you have the time and the skill, do the repairs yourself. At a bare minimum it helps if you know what to look for and are able to ask storekeepers questions such as the ones below:
- What kind of sealant works best around windows exposed to salt spray?
- Which materials are mould-resistant?
- How can you tell if a wall has water damage beneath the surface?
- What kind of ventilation should you install in a bathroom to prevent black mould?
- Is it better to use oil- or water-based paint?
Knowing the answers — or knowing someone who does — puts you in a much better position to protect your investment.
Simple things like opening doors between rooms to increase circulation, increasing circulation by using fans and moving furniture away from wall corners, can also help.
Outside, trimming plants away from exterior walls, inspecting your roof annually, cleaning gutters before hurricane season, or using a moisture metre in suspicious areas can save you a lot of money down the line. Re-caulking a window now might prevent you from having to replace it next year.
It also helps to schedule seasonal check-ins with someone who understands Bermuda’s specific conditions and has a good track record of reliability.
It’s not just your home that needs protecting. Outdoor furniture and any wooden fencing or deck areas also need to be looked after. Pressure-treated wood might last longer, but it still needs staining and sealing. Aluminium and stainless steel fare better than untreated metal, but even they can corrode if not maintained.
Inside, keeping a handle on humidity is only half the battle. Contact the pros at Air Care, HVAC Shack or Sub Zero Air Conditioning & Refrigeration to make sure your air conditioning units are the right size for your rooms, filters are cleaned regularly, and air isn’t getting trapped behind furniture or under carpets.
Bermuda homes need constant tending to stay in shape. That doesn’t mean major work every year, but it does mean being proactive. Treat mildew when it first appears. Repaint high-moisture areas before the problem spreads.
It may feel like a lot, but the effort pays off. By staying on top of small issues, you avoid bigger—and much more costly—ones down the line.
