- Tried coated steel panels on my shed near the beach a few years back.
- Held up okay at first, but once a scratch went unnoticed, rust spread pretty quick.
- Switched to aluminum last summer—definitely pricier upfront, but worth it for peace of mind.
- Agree 100% on rinsing regularly... learned that lesson the hard way after seeing salt buildup eat through hinges in no time.
Aluminum's definitely a solid choice near the coast, but if you're ever looking at steel again, try marine-grade stainless or galvanized with a heavy zinc coating. I've installed a few roofs right on the shoreline, and marine-grade stainless fasteners and hinges hold up surprisingly well—even better if you give them a quick freshwater rinse every month or two. Salt air is ruthless though... seen it chew through cheaper metals in just a season or two. Aluminum's pricier upfront, but long-term it's usually worth the peace of mind.
Good points, aluminum does hold up well overall... but have you seen any issues with corrosion around fasteners or where different metals meet? I've noticed galvanic corrosion can sometimes sneak in if metals aren't matched carefully—especially near saltwater. Curious if you've found using isolation washers or barrier tapes helpful to prevent that. Seems like a small detail, but could make a big difference in durability long-term.
I've actually dealt with this exact issue on my aluminum shed roof near the coast. Initially, I didn't pay much attention to isolating metals, thinking it was a bit overkill... but after just a year, I noticed corrosion around the stainless screws. Ended up adding nylon isolation washers and a barrier tape between dissimilar metals. Honestly, that small step made a noticeable difference in slowing down corrosion. Definitely worth the minor extra cost and effort if you're trying to stretch your budget long-term.
Yeah, nylon washers are a solid move. Another trick I've seen work well is using aluminum-compatible sealants around fasteners—helps keep moisture and salt out. Coastal air is no joke... learned that the hard way myself, haha.