Copper's definitely a solid choice for salty air, but yeah, the price tag can sting a bit. I've seen copper gutters and flashing hold up beautifully near the coast—developing that nice patina over time actually protects it from further corrosion. But honestly, aluminum is still my go-to for most projects because it's way easier on the wallet.
About your stainless screw question: you're right on track with the nylon washers. That white powdery stuff you saw is likely galvanic corrosion—pretty common when two different metals touch, especially in salty environments. Nylon washers or even a thin layer of rubber tape between aluminum and stainless steel fasteners can help minimize that reaction. I usually recommend some kind of barrier whenever mixing metals, just to be safe.
Sounds like you're already ahead of the curve though... nothing like learning from experience, right?
Just tackled this exact issue myself—ended up using aluminum flashing with stainless screws and nylon washers. So far, so good... fingers crossed! Copper looks awesome, but my wallet said "maybe next time."
Good call on aluminum—it's held up well for me too. Quick tip: rinse it down occasionally if you can; salt buildup accelerates corrosion. Copper's gorgeous, but honestly, aluminum gets the job done without breaking the bank...
Aluminum definitely has its perks, but I'm curious if anyone's considered stainless steel for coastal roofing? I've inspected a few homes near the ocean recently, and while aluminum holds up decently, I've noticed it can still pit and corrode over time—especially in areas with heavy salt spray. Stainless steel, particularly marine-grade 316, seems to handle the harsh salty environment better in the long run. Granted, it's pricier upfront, but considering lifespan and maintenance costs, it might balance out.
I remember one client who had aluminum flashing around their chimney near the coast; after about 10 years, the corrosion was surprisingly advanced despite regular rinsing. They switched to stainless steel and haven't had issues since. Just something to consider... Has anyone else had experience comparing these two materials directly?
- Good call on stainless steel, didn't even cross my mind.
- Just bought my first place near the beach... now I'm paranoid about my aluminum gutters, haha.
- Thanks for the heads-up, guess I'll start saving for stainless upgrades!