Good insights here, but have you noticed any difference in durability based on the type of coating used on aluminum? I've inspected a few coastal homes where aluminum flashing held up surprisingly well, but others corroded quickly despite regular rinsing. Makes me wonder if certain coatings or application methods are more effective at resisting salt corrosion long-term... Curious if anyone's had experience comparing different coatings directly.
I've noticed a pretty big difference actually—especially with PVDF coatings. Had a client near the beach whose aluminum flashing looked brand new after 5 years, while another home's cheaper polyester-coated flashing was already pitted after just two seasons... coating definitely matters.
"Had a client near the beach whose aluminum flashing looked brand new after 5 years, while another home's cheaper polyester-coated flashing was already pitted after just two seasons... coating definitely matters."
I get what you're saying about PVDF coatings, and I agree they're generally superior, especially in coastal areas. But honestly, I've found that installation quality and maintenance routines can make just as much difference as the coating itself. A neighbor of mine put in some mid-grade coated aluminum flashing—nothing fancy—and it still looks great after four years. He just makes sure to rinse it down every few months and checks for any buildup of salt or debris. On the flip side, I've seen high-end PVDF-coated flashing start to corrode prematurely because the contractor left exposed edges or didn't seal joints properly.
So yeah, coating matters, but it's not the whole story. Proper installation and upkeep can sometimes outweigh the benefits of pricier materials...
That's a good point about installation quality. A few years back, I replaced some flashing on my porch roof with budget-friendly aluminum—nothing special, just standard stuff from the local hardware store. I figured I'd save a few bucks and just be diligent about upkeep. Every few months, I'd hose it down and check for salt buildup or debris. Honestly, it held up surprisingly well for about three years, but then I got busy and skipped maintenance for almost a year. Sure enough, corrosion started creeping in around the edges.
Meanwhile, my brother-in-law splurged on premium PVDF-coated flashing for his beach house but didn't pay attention to sealing the joints properly. Within two seasons, he had noticeable corrosion spots at the seams. So yeah, coating quality matters, but if you neglect proper installation or regular maintenance—even the expensive stuff won't last as long as you'd expect.
"Honestly, it held up surprisingly well for about three years, but then I got busy and skipped maintenance for almost a year."
Maintenance definitely matters, but I think material choice might be even more critical near the ocean. I went with copper flashing on my shed roof about five years ago—no special coatings or anything—and I've barely touched it since. Sure, it cost more upfront, but considering the time and hassle saved on upkeep, it might actually be cheaper in the long run...
