Green roofs can work well in coastal areas, but they're not maintenance-free. You'll need proper waterproofing and drainage layers to handle moisture and salt accumulation. Definitely doable, just factor in extra upkeep and structural support during planning...
Good points about the waterproofing and drainage—definitely can't skip those steps. One thing I've noticed managing properties near the coast is how quickly metal flashing and fixtures corrode from salt spray. Even stainless steel isn't immune; it just lasts a bit longer. We've had to replace metal components way sooner than expected, which can get pricey if you're not prepared.
One workaround we've tried is using coated aluminum or copper flashing. Copper holds up pretty well, but it's expensive upfront. Coated aluminum is cheaper, but you gotta inspect regularly for scratches or damage because once salt gets under the coating, corrosion speeds up fast.
Curious if anyone here's had experience with alternative materials like fiberglass or PVC-based flashings? Heard they might resist salt better, but haven't personally tested them yet...
"Copper holds up pretty well, but it's expensive upfront."
True, copper's pricey, but honestly, PVC flashing has been a lifesaver for me. Installed it two years ago after my aluminum turned into ocean-flavored swiss cheese... still going strong, knock on wood.
Copper definitely holds up, but yeah, the upfront cost can sting a bit. PVC flashing's a solid choice too—seen plenty of coastal homes where it's held up surprisingly well. Good call switching from aluminum; salt air just eats that stuff alive...
Copper's definitely a champ in salty air, but yeah, your wallet feels it upfront. PVC flashing surprised me too—I was skeptical at first, but I've seen it hold strong even after some nasty coastal storms. Aluminum though... learned that lesson the hard way. Had a client whose aluminum flashing looked like Swiss cheese after just a few years near the beach. Salt air is no joke.
Switching away from aluminum was smart. It's always good to see someone thinking ahead and avoiding headaches down the road. Coastal roofing can be tricky, but sounds like you're on the right track with PVC or copper. Either way, your roof (and your sanity) will thank you later.
