Renovation in Jurmala: seaside property specifics

How to renovate by the sea correctly: protection from humidity, salty air, and choosing materials for a long‑lasting result

Published: December 2025 | Reading time: 10 minutes

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Jurmala is the pearl of Latvia, a resort town on the Baltic Sea where property is in high demand. Apartments and houses here are a lifestyle, not just housing. But renovating seaside property has its own specifics that must be considered to achieve a quality, durable result. In this article, I share all the nuances of renovation in Jurmala based on over 20 years of work in the region.

Why renovation in Jurmala differs from Riga

Many property owners in Jurmala mistakenly think that renovation by the sea is no different from renovation in Riga or other Latvian cities. This misconception can lead to serious problems a few years after completion. The coastal climate sets its own requirements for material choice, work technology, and protection of structures.

Main factors affecting renovation in Jurmala

• High air humidity — proximity to the sea creates constant 70–85% humidity, 1.5–2 times higher than in Riga
• Salty sea air — salt causes corrosion of metal elements and destroys some finishing materials
• Frequent fogs — especially in autumn-winter, which further increases humidity
• Strong onshore winds — wind load on buildings is higher than in central areas
• Sandy soil — a feature of Jurmala ground that impacts foundations and utilities
• Temperature swings — proximity to the sea creates sharper day/night temperature changes

Specifics of different property types in Jurmala

Wooden houses

Jurmala is famous for its wooden architecture—historic villas and summer houses make up a large part of the housing stock. Renovating a wooden house by the sea requires special care:

• Mandatory wood treatment — use antiseptics that protect against moisture, mold, and insects. Re-treat every 5–7 years
• Foundation ventilation — a wooden house must “breathe”. Check the vents in the foundation and add more if needed
• Condensation control — use vapor-permeable materials for interiors so moisture does not accumulate in structures
• Facade renewal — paint and protective coatings wear faster due to salty air
• Check sill logs — the bottom courses of a wooden house rot first in high humidity

Apartments in Soviet-era buildings

Jurmala has neighborhoods of Soviet apartment blocks (Dzintari, Bulduri, Majori). Renovation specifics:

• Replace metal pipes with plastic—corrosion is faster because of humidity
• Insulate exterior walls with vapor permeability in mind
• Install supply and exhaust ventilation
• Check and repair panel joints (for panel houses)
• Install windows with special moisture-resistant profiles

Modern new builds

New residential complexes in Jurmala are built with coastal climate in mind, but there are still nuances:

• Check waterproofing quality of balconies and terraces
• Install additional ventilation in bathrooms
• Select moisture-resistant finishing materials
• Protect metal elements (railings, balcony fences) from corrosion

Selecting materials for renovation in Jurmala

The right material choice is key to a long-lasting renovation in a coastal climate. Pay attention to:

Wall materials

Recommended:

• Moisture-resistant plaster — with additives that prevent mold
• Silicate paints — vapor-permeable, prevent condensation
• Vinyl wallpaper — moisture-resistant, with anti-fungal treatment
• Silicone-based decorative plaster — handles humidity well
• Fiberglass wallpaper for painting — not afraid of moisture, “breathes”

Not recommended:

• Paper wallpaper — will peel and mold quickly
• Regular gypsum plaster without hydrophobizers
• Acrylic paints without anti-fungal additives

Floor materials

Recommended:

• Ceramic tile — ideal for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms
• Moisture-resistant laminate (class 33–34) — joints wax-sealed
• Vinyl floors (LVT, SPC) — absolutely moisture-resistant
• Natural stone — for representative rooms
• Cork flooring — with extra moisture protection

Not recommended:

• Regular laminate without moisture protection — will swell
• Solid wood without special treatment — may deform
• Felt-backed linoleum — accumulates moisture

Ceiling materials

Recommended:

• Stretch ceilings — not afraid of moisture, can be washed
• Moisture-resistant drywall — then treat with anti-fungal compounds
• Suspended ceilings from plastic panels — for bathrooms and kitchens
• Painting with silicate paints — for bedrooms and living rooms

Windows and doors

Selection specifics:

• Windows — profiles with drainage, glazing with anti-condensation coating, hardware of stainless steel or with anti-corrosion finish
• Entrance doors — moisture-resistant materials, corrosion protection of metal parts
• Interior doors — moisture-resistant models, especially for bathrooms and kitchens

Moisture and mold protection

High humidity in Jurmala is the main enemy of renovation. Without proper protection, in 1–2 years you may face mold, fungus, and destroyed finishes.

Ventilation system

Natural ventilation is not enough in Jurmala. Install:

• Supply and exhaust ventilation — ensures constant air exchange and moisture removal
• Extractor fans in bathrooms — with humidity sensor and timer
• Heat recovery unit — for houses, saves heat and brings in fresh air
• Dehumidifiers — in especially damp rooms (basements, semi-basements)

Waterproofing

Pay special attention to waterproofing:

• Bathroom and kitchen — waterproof the floor and walls to at least 15 cm height
• Balconies and terraces — quality waterproofing turned up onto walls
• Basements and semi-basements — exterior and interior waterproofing
• Junctions — windows, doors, utilities — thorough sealing

Anti-fungal treatment

Mandatory steps:

• Treat all surfaces with antiseptics before finishing
• Use paints and plasters with anti-fungal additives
• Treat wooden structures with special compounds
• Do preventive treatment every 2–3 years

Corrosion protection

Salty sea air is aggressive to metals. Without protection, metal elements can rust through in 2–3 years.

What to protect:

• Metal railings and balcony fences — use stainless steel or anodized aluminum
• Rebar in concrete — check cover depth; use corrosion inhibitors if needed
• Fasteners — only stainless steel
• Metal roofing and gutters — with polymer coating and extra cut-edge treatment
• Metal doors and gates — regular painting, anti-corrosion primers

Protection methods:

• Use stainless or aluminum alloys
• Powder coating of metal structures
• Regular treatment with anti-corrosion compounds
• Galvanizing of steel elements

Stages of apartment renovation in Jurmala

The sequence of work is similar to other cities but with extra moisture and corrosion protection steps.

1. Inspection and planning

Before starting, conduct a thorough survey:

• Check condition of structures, especially wooden ones
• Inspect for mold and fungus
• Assess utility condition
• Measure moisture of walls and slabs
• Develop a design project with climate in mind
• Prepare an estimate including specialized materials

2. Demolition and prep

• Remove old finishes
• Eliminate mold and fungus if present
• Treat surfaces with antiseptics
• Remove old utilities
• Check and repair wooden elements (for wooden houses)

3. Rough work

• Replace windows and doors
• Lay new utilities (use plastic pipes)
• Install waterproofing
• Level walls with moisture-resistant mixes
• Pour floor screed
• Install ventilation system

4. Finishing works

• Apply finishes suited to humid climate
• Install moisture-resistant flooring
• Paint with anti-fungal paints
• Install moisture-protected doors and hardware

5. Final stage

• Commission ventilation and dehumidification
• Seal joints and penetrations
• Final cleaning and delivery
• Provide maintenance recommendations

Renovation cost in Jurmala

Renovation in Jurmala costs 15–25% more than in Riga because of specialized materials and extra protective measures.

Seasonality of renovation in Jurmala

Choosing timing for renovation in Jurmala is even more important than in Riga.

Best time: May–September

Pros:

• Optimal temperature and humidity for materials
• Fast drying of plaster, paint, screed
• Easy quality ventilation
• Convenient debris removal and material delivery
• Comfortable conditions for the crew

Cons:

• High demand — prices may be 10–15% higher
• Harder to find a free crew
• Many tourists in July–August, parking issues

Possible: April, October

Shoulder months — you can renovate, but with caveats:

• Watch the weather forecast
• Ensure heating in the premises
• Add time for material drying
• Use dehumidifiers

Not recommended: November–March

Winter in Jurmala is especially humid:

• Very high air humidity (often 85–95%)
• Frequent fogs
• Difficult ventilation
• Materials dry 2–3 times slower
• High risk of mold

Exception: if you have quality supply and exhaust ventilation and dehumidifiers, renovation can be done year-round.

Common mistakes in Jurmala renovations

Over the years I have seen many failed renovations in Jurmala. The most common mistakes:

1. Using standard materials — saving on moisture-resistant materials becomes very expensive; rework is needed in 1–2 years
2. No ventilation — relying only on natural airflow doesn’t work here: result is mold and fungus
3. Insufficient waterproofing — especially critical in bathrooms and on balconies
4. Ignoring metal protection — regular fasteners and metal parts rust quickly
5. Renovating in winter without dehumidifiers — materials don’t dry, mold appears
6. No antiseptic treatment — especially in wooden houses
7. Hermetic windows without ventilation — moisture stays inside, condensation on windows, mold
8. Saving on foundation waterproofing — in private houses leads to damp basements

Working with historic property

Jurmala is famous for its historic wooden villas and early 20th century summer houses. Renovating such properties requires a special approach:

Approvals

• Get a permit from the Jurmala Construction Board
• Coordinate with the heritage protection inspectorate (if the house is listed)
• Preserve the historic facade appearance
• Use traditional materials for exterior finishing

Restoration works

• Restore carved facade elements
• Restore historic windows (or make replicas)
• Restore original layout
• Preserve historic interior elements

Modern tech in a historic building

You can and should combine historic value with modern comfort:

• Hidden supply and exhaust ventilation
• Modern wiring and smart home
• Energy-efficient heating
• Quality thermal and sound insulation

Useful post-renovation tips

To make your renovation in Jurmala last, follow these recommendations:

Maintain optimal humidity

• Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity (optimal 40–60%)
• Ventilate regularly, even in winter
• Run a dehumidifier in especially damp periods
• Do not dry laundry indoors without ventilation

Regular maintenance

• Inspect and clean ventilation ducts yearly
• Renew antiseptic treatment of wooden elements every 3–5 years
• Check sealant of joints and seams
• Inspect metal elements for corrosion
• Renew protective coating of exterior wood every 5–7 years

Mold prevention

• Do not block ventilation grilles
• Regularly wash and dry the bathroom
• Do not dry laundry indoors without ventilation

Mold prevention

• Do not block ventilation grilles
• Regularly wash and dry the bathroom
• Use anti-fungal cleaners in wet areas
• Ventilate after showering and cooking

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Read also:

• Apartment renovation in Riga 2025: prices, timelines, specifics
• Renovation consultations: how to save 30% of the budget
• Full support of real estate deals in Latvia