"Salt air doesn't just eat metal—it can degrade certain membranes faster than you'd think, especially at seams or edges."
Good point about seams and edges. I've inspected a fair share of coastal properties, and you're right—TPO isn't always the magic bullet people hope for. I've seen cases where the membrane itself holds up okay, but the seams start failing prematurely, especially if installation wasn't meticulous. Wildlife definitely adds another layer of complexity; seagulls and raccoons seem particularly fond of poking around rooftop details.
The hybrid approach you mentioned—coated aluminum flashing paired with a tougher membrane—sounds practical. I've seen similar setups perform well, especially when the flashing is carefully integrated at vulnerable points like corners or penetrations. But I'm curious: Has anyone here experimented with PVC membranes near saltwater? I've heard mixed reviews—some swear by their durability against salt air, while others say they're prone to brittleness over time. Would be interesting to hear some firsthand experiences on that front.
Also, one thing I've noticed is that regular maintenance inspections are critical in coastal environments. Seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how often owners overlook routine checks until there's visible damage or leaks. Catching those tiny punctures or seam issues early can save a ton of headaches down the line.
Anyway, just my two cents...
PVC near saltwater can be tricky—I worked on a project last summer right on the coast, and the PVC membrane started getting pretty stiff and brittle after just a few years. Granted, it wasn't the top-tier stuff, but still made me skeptical. Makes me wonder if thickness or brand plays a big role... anyone seen a certain PVC type hold up better than others?
Had a similar experience myself a couple years back. We put PVC roofing on our little beach cottage, thinking it'd be a solid choice since metal was rusting out so fast. But after about four years, it started feeling noticeably stiffer and even cracked in a couple spots. Granted, we didn't exactly splurge on the premium stuff either, but still... it was disappointing.
I did some digging around afterward, and from what I gathered, thickness definitely matters. Thicker membranes seem to hold up better against UV rays and salt exposure. Also, some brands apparently add extra UV stabilizers or plasticizers specifically for coastal environments. I talked to a neighbor who used a higher-end PVC membrane (can't recall the exact brand, sorry), and theirs looked way better than ours after roughly the same amount of time. They said it cost more upfront, but honestly, seeing how ours turned out, I'd probably spend the extra money next time.
Have you considered looking into TPO membranes as an alternative? I've heard mixed things about them too, but some folks swear they're more resistant to salt air and UV damage. Might be worth checking out if you're still exploring options.
Either way, coastal roofing is always a bit of trial and error, isn't it? Seems like every material has its quirks when you throw saltwater into the mix...
Yeah, TPO can be decent, but honestly it has its own set of quirks too. I've seen some jobs near the coast where TPO seams started lifting after a few years. Definitely agree thicker PVC with extra UV protection is worth the investment though...
Yeah, I've run into that TPO seam issue a few times myself, especially after storms. Seems like once the wind gets under even one little corner, it's game over. PVC definitely holds up better, but man, nothing's perfect near the ocean. Have you guys ever tried using coatings or sealants on TPO seams to give them some extra protection? Curious if anyone's had luck with that route...
