"Salt air doesn't mess around... it's like it finds any tiny weak spot and just goes to town."
Couldn't agree more. Tried the spray-on coatings myself a few years ago at our coastal cottage—thought we were being clever and eco-friendly by avoiding a full replacement. Looked decent at first, but within a year, rust was creeping back in. Eventually went with a green roof covered in hardy coastal plants. Surprisingly low-maintenance, handles salt air like a champ, and honestly looks great. Not for everyone, maybe, but worth considering if you're tired of battling corrosion every season.
You're spot on about salt air—it's relentless. I've seen plenty of homeowners try the spray-on coatings route, and honestly, it's usually just a temporary fix. Sure, it looks good initially, but salt corrosion is sneaky. It finds microscopic imperfections in the coating, and once it gets in, it's game over. Rust spreads beneath the surface, and by the time you notice it, you're already looking at significant damage.
The green roof idea is pretty clever, actually. I've installed a few of those myself, mostly for clients who wanted something eco-friendly or visually unique. They're definitely hardy enough to handle coastal conditions, and the insulation benefits are a nice bonus. But you're right—it's not everyone's cup of tea. Some folks just aren't into the look or worry about maintenance (even though it's surprisingly minimal).
If plants aren't your thing, another solid option is aluminum roofing. Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion far better than steel or iron-based metals. It's pricier upfront, sure, but when you factor in the reduced maintenance and longer lifespan, it often pays for itself. Plus, modern aluminum roofing comes in plenty of styles and colors, so you're not stuck with that shiny metal look if that's not your vibe.
One thing I'd caution against is galvanized steel near the ocean. Even though it's treated to resist rust, salt air eats through galvanization faster than you'd expect. I've seen galvanized roofs start showing rust spots within just a couple of years in coastal areas. Stainless steel can hold up better, but again, cost becomes a factor.
Bottom line: coastal roofing is always a balancing act between aesthetics, durability, and budget. But hey, at least it keeps us roofers busy... salt air might be our best job security yet.
I've been considering aluminum roofing myself, but I've heard mixed things about noise levels during heavy rain or hail. Anyone have experience with how loud it actually gets inside the house?
"I've been considering aluminum roofing myself, but I've heard mixed things about noise levels during heavy rain or hail. Anyone have experience with how loud it actually gets inside the house?"
We switched to aluminum roofing about five years ago, and honestly, the noise hasn't been a big deal for us. I remember the first storm after installation—I was bracing myself for a deafening racket, picturing us all huddled in the living room unable to hear each other talk. But it turned out to be pretty mild. Sure, you can hear the rain tapping, but it's more of a gentle background sound rather than anything intrusive. Actually, I find it kind of soothing now, especially at night.
Hail is a bit louder, I'll admit, but it's rare enough here that it hasn't bothered us much. Plus, we added some extra insulation underneath, which probably helps dampen the sound quite a bit. If you're really sensitive to noise, that might be something worth considering. Overall, though, I wouldn't let the noise factor alone put you off aluminum roofing—it's been great for us, especially with the salty ocean air around here.
