“The Complete Photo Guide To Coastal Maintenance” retails for $19.95 and is available online at www.coastalhomebook.com and amazon.com and in coastal book stores, Ace Hardware stores, True Value Hardware stores and Do it Best Hardware stores.

The coastal environment, while tranquil and beautiful, also can be harsh and damaging — and not just during a hurricane.

Salt air, water, wind and sand can take a heavy toll on buildings both inside and out. If homeowners don’t utilize the right materials, homes can end up with wood rot, rust and water damage that can cost thousands in repairs, a lesson that North Carolina native Wayne Higson learned the hard way.

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