I get where you’re coming from about stainless, but I’ve actually had a different experience with galvanized—at least for certain uses. My neighbor put up a galvanized shed about 12 years ago, and while the roof’s got some surface rust, it’s holding up better than I expected. Granted, we’re not right on the water, but we do get plenty of salt in the air. He rinses it down every few months, nothing fancy.
That said, I’m a big fan of green roofs for coastal spots. I know it sounds out there, but I helped install one on a friend’s garage last year (just sedum mats and some drainage layers), and it’s been surprisingly low-maintenance. The plants actually help shield the metal underneath from salt spray and sun. Not totally rust-proof, but it slows things down a lot.
It’s definitely not for everyone—costs more up front and you need to make sure your structure can handle the weight—but if you’re already thinking outside the box, might be worth looking into. Sometimes the “weird” solutions end up lasting longer than you’d think...
Green roofs really are underrated, especially in salty air. I’ve seen sedum mats last a decade with barely any rust underneath, even when nearby metal fences look trashed. Upfront cost is a pain, but the long-term protection and insulation can make it worthwhile. Not for every building, but definitely worth considering if you’re already thinking beyond the basics.
That’s actually really encouraging to hear about sedum mats holding up so well. I’ve been weighing the upfront cost myself, since every dollar counts, but the idea of not having to deal with rusted-through flashing or constant repainting is tempting. If I were to try it, I’d probably start by checking local suppliers for leftover or discounted mats, then maybe do a small section first—just to see how it holds up in our salty air. The insulation bonus is a nice touch too, especially with energy bills creeping up. Not sure it’s in the cards for my whole roof, but maybe a partial install could be a good compromise.
Partial installs are actually a smart way to test things out, especially with coastal weather. I’ve seen folks do just the garage or a shed first—gives you a feel for how the mats handle the salt and wind. Just double-check your drainage setup, since sedum can hold a surprising amount of water if it’s not sloped right. Insulation’s a real bonus too, though honestly, you’ll see more impact if you cover bigger sections. Still, every bit helps when those energy bills hit...
Just double-check your drainage setup, since sedum can hold a surprising amount of water if it’s not sloped right.
That’s spot on—seen more than a few sheds where folks underestimated how much water those mats retain. One thing I’d add: if you’re near the ocean, even galvanized fasteners can start to rust out faster than you’d expect, especially around the edges where salt spray sneaks in. I’ve had clients use stainless hardware for partial installs, and it’s held up way better. It’s pricier, but swapping out corroded screws every couple years is a pain. Also, keep an eye on any exposed metal flashing—coastal air finds every weak spot.
