Yeah, marine-grade stainless has definitely held up better for me too. Had aluminum fasteners on my deck railing once—thought they'd be fine—but after just a couple years near saltwater, they looked pretty rough. Learned my lesson there...
Marine-grade stainless is definitely the way to go, but aluminum isn't always a total disaster. I've seen some aluminum flashing hold up okay if it's properly coated and maintained. Still, near saltwater, stainless is worth the extra bucks—saves headaches down the road.
Good points here—I agree stainless is generally the safer bet. I've inspected plenty of coastal properties, and aluminum can be hit or miss depending on maintenance and coating quality. Saw a beachfront home last year where aluminum flashing was still holding strong after nearly a decade, but the owner was meticulous about upkeep. On the flip side, I've also seen aluminum corrode badly within just a few years when neglected. Marine-grade stainless steel might cost more upfront, but it usually pays off in durability and peace of mind. Definitely worth considering if you're close enough to catch that salty breeze regularly...
"Marine-grade stainless steel might cost more upfront, but it usually pays off in durability and peace of mind."
Couldn't agree more with this. When we redid our roof a few years back, I hesitated at first because of the price difference. But honestly, seeing neighbors constantly battling corrosion issues with aluminum flashing made me glad we chose stainless. Sure, it stung the wallet initially, but the lack of headaches and repairs since then has been totally worth it. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves you money (and sanity) down the line...
Good points about stainless, but aluminum flashing isn't always a lost cause near the ocean. I've seen some roofs hold up pretty well when the aluminum is properly coated and maintained regularly. The key seems to be consistent rinsing and inspections—salt buildup is the real enemy. Stainless definitely reduces maintenance hassle, but if budget's tight, aluminum can still work if you're diligent about upkeep. Just depends on how much time you're willing to spend on it, I guess...