I've been following this thread and honestly, coatings can be a bit of a mixed bag. I've seen some coastal roofs where the owners swear by them, and others where it seems like the coating barely made a difference after a few years. It might depend heavily on the type of metal and the quality of the coating itself.
One thing to keep in mind is prep work. If the surface isn't cleaned and prepped properly before applying the coating, you might as well be throwing money away. Salt air is brutal—I've seen it chew through galvanized steel roofs in just a few years if they're not maintained. Aluminum or stainless steel usually hold up better, but even then, corrosion can creep in at seams or fasteners.
A few years back, I worked on a house right on the coast that had a coated aluminum roof. The homeowner had spent quite a bit extra for the coating, but after about 5 years, we noticed some bubbling and peeling in certain areas. Turned out, whoever did the original install skipped some critical prep steps—didn't fully remove oils and contaminants from the metal surface before applying the coating. So even though they'd paid extra, they ended up needing repairs way sooner than expected.
I guess my point is, coatings can definitely help—but only if they're applied correctly and maintained regularly. Otherwise, you're probably better off investing in higher-quality materials from the start.
Has anyone here had experience with copper roofing near saltwater? I've heard mixed things—some say it holds up great, others mention discoloration issues...
"Has anyone here had experience with copper roofing near saltwater? I've heard mixed things—some say it holds up great, others mention discoloration issues..."
Copper can definitely hold up near saltwater, but discoloration isn't just a possibility—it's basically guaranteed. The patina that copper develops is actually a protective layer, and while some homeowners love that greenish look, others find it pretty off-putting. I've seen a few coastal homes with copper roofs, and the patina formed surprisingly fast—within a year or two, the shiny copper turned a muted brownish-green.
But if aesthetics are a concern, have you considered green roofing options instead? A properly designed green roof can provide excellent protection from salt air corrosion, especially when combined with a durable waterproof membrane. Plus, it offers insulation benefits and helps manage stormwater runoff. I realize it's not the traditional choice, and installation can be a bit more involved, but it might be worth exploring if you're worried about corrosion and maintenance headaches down the line. Just throwing it out there as another angle to consider...
Copper roofs near the ocean...yeah, you'll definitely see some color changes. Like you mentioned:
"within a year or two, the shiny copper turned a muted brownish-green."
Honestly, that patina can look pretty cool if you're into a rustic seaside vibe. I had a neighbor who installed copper gutters near saltwater—same story, quick patina but zero leaks or issues. It might not stay shiny, but at least it'll hold up. Worth considering if you don't mind the weathered look.
Copper's patina definitely adds character and durability—it's one of the reasons copper has been used in coastal architecture for centuries. And you're right:
"It might not stay shiny, but at least it'll hold up."
I’ve seen copper roofs withstand decades near saltwater without structural issues. That said, has anyone here had experience with zinc or coated aluminum roofing near the coast? Curious how those alternatives compare in terms of corrosion resistance and overall longevity.
My neighbor installed coated aluminum roofing about five years ago, and it's held up pretty well so far. But honestly, I'm not sure it'll match copper's track record—like you said, copper roofs can
Guess time will tell..."withstand decades near saltwater without structural issues."
