I get the whole “galvanized is ugly but it works” thing, but honestly, I’ve seen plenty of galvanized stuff rust out faster than folks expect—especially on roofs.
Maybe for railings or hardware, but on a roof, once that coating gets scratched or you get standing water, it’s downhill quick. I’ve had better luck with aluminum in coastal spots. Doesn’t look fancy either, but at least it doesn’t turn into Swiss cheese after a few seasons. Just my two cents from crawling around up there year after year...“It’s the only thing that doesn’t have me out there every other weekend with a wire brush and a can of something.”
Galvanized hasn’t held up for me either, but I’m still not totally sold on aluminum. Maybe it’s just my luck, but the last batch I used got pitted from salt spray after a few years. Stainless has been the only thing that really lasted, though it’s pricey. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just picking your battles—nothing seems to stay perfect by the ocean.
Yeah, stainless is the only thing I’ve found that really stands up, but man, the price hurts. I tried powder-coated hardware once thinking it’d be a good compromise—looked great for about a year, then the coating started bubbling and the rust crept in anyway. Galvanized just doesn’t cut it this close to saltwater, and aluminum’s hit or miss depending on grade. It’s almost like you have to accept some level of corrosion unless you’re willing to shell out for marine-grade stainless every time.
Galvanized just doesn’t cut it this close to saltwater, and aluminum’s hit or miss depending on grade.
That’s been my experience too. I tried using hot-dipped galvanized lag bolts for a deck project, thinking they’d last longer than the regular stuff, but after two winters, I started seeing orange streaks anyway. The salt air just eats right through.
I’ve heard some folks swear by using a zinc-rich primer or even spraying hardware with a clear coat before installation, but I’m skeptical about how much that really helps long-term. Anyone actually gotten decent results with extra coatings or sealants? Or is it just delaying the inevitable? I keep wondering if there’s some overlooked trick, or if it’s just a matter of budgeting for stainless every time you’re working outdoors near the coast.
I’ve tried a few of those coatings—zinc-rich primers, clear sprays, even some of the marine-grade paints. They definitely slow things down, but honestly, nothing’s really held up more than a couple years right on the coast. The salt just finds its way in eventually. Stainless is pricey, but I’ve found it’s less hassle (and less maintenance) in the long run. If you’re set on using coatings, just be prepared for regular touch-ups... it’s more of a stopgap than a solution.
