I've messed around with sealants on TPO seams a couple times—honestly, mixed results. Sometimes it buys you a little extra time, but if the wind really wants in, it's getting in. Ever thought about seam tapes instead? Might hold up better near salty air...
I've never tried seam tapes myself—are they pretty straightforward to apply, or is it one of those things that looks easy until you're halfway through and covered in adhesive? I've had my own battles with sealants near the coast, and honestly, salt air seems to laugh at anything metal or adhesive-based. Last year I patched up some flashing with what was supposed to be a "marine-grade" sealant... yeah, marine-grade my foot. It lasted maybe three months before the rust started creeping back.
Do you think seam tapes would hold up better over time, or is it more of a temporary fix too? I'm curious if anyone's had luck with something totally different—maybe a coating or something specifically designed for coastal conditions? Seems like everything near the ocean needs replacing twice as often, so I'm always open to new ideas.
I've had mixed results with seam tapes myself—easy enough to apply, but durability near salt air? Eh, questionable. Ever considered a liquid-applied membrane or elastomeric coating instead? Might hold up better, though nothing's bulletproof near the ocean...
I've messed around with elastomeric coatings a fair bit, and honestly, they're decent—definitely better than seam tapes near salt air. But even then, I've seen some coatings start to degrade faster than you'd expect when you're right on the coast. Salt air is just brutal, man. It gets into everything.
One thing I've found helpful is going with aluminum or stainless steel flashing whenever possible. Yeah, it's pricier upfront, but it holds up way better than galvanized stuff. Galvanized metal near the ocean? Forget about it... rust city in no time flat. Aluminum isn't bulletproof either, but it tends to last longer and doesn't corrode as aggressively.
Another trick I've used is applying a primer specifically designed for marine environments before putting down any coating or membrane. Marine-grade primers are formulated to handle salt exposure better, and they can really extend the life of whatever you put on top. It's an extra step, sure, but worth it if you're tired of redoing the same spots every couple years.
Honestly though, nothing's gonna last forever near the ocean. I've seen roofs that were supposed to be "salt-proof" start showing signs of corrosion after just a few years. The best you can do is pick materials and methods that slow down the inevitable. Liquid membranes are solid, elastomerics too—but don't expect miracles. Just keep an eye on things and be ready to touch up or recoat every few years.
And yeah, seam tapes... they're convenient, but I wouldn't rely on them alone in coastal areas. Maybe as a quick fix or temporary patch, but long-term? Nah.
- Elastomerics are decent, sure, but honestly I've had pretty good luck with galvanized metal if you prep it right. I know, I know... everyone says galvanized rusts out fast near salt air, but hear me out.
- A few years back, I put galvanized flashing on my shed roof (about 500 ft from the beach). Before installing, I cleaned it thoroughly and sprayed it down with a cold galvanizing compound—basically zinc-rich spray paint. Then topped it off with a marine-grade enamel. It's been holding up surprisingly well. Not perfect, but way better than I expected for the price.
- Aluminum and stainless steel are definitely better long-term, no argument there. But if you're budget-conscious like me, galvanized metal isn't necessarily a lost cause. Just gotta put in some extra prep work upfront.
- Also, marine primers are great, but they're not cheap. I've found regular rust-inhibiting primers (like Rustoleum) can do a decent job too if you're diligent about maintenance and touch-ups every year or two.
- Totally agree about seam tapes though—those things are useless near the ocean. Learned that lesson the hard way...
