Nylon washers and sealants def help, but I've seen salt air chew through aluminum flashing surprisingly fast... even with precautions. Anyone tried stainless steel fasteners instead? Curious if the extra cost actually pays off long-term.
"Nylon washers and sealants def help, but I've seen salt air chew through aluminum flashing surprisingly fast... even with precautions."
Yeah, aluminum flashing near the coast is always a gamble. Stainless steel fasteners are pricier upfront, but honestly, I've seen them hold up way better over time. Had a client who switched to stainless after aluminum corroded badly within just a few years—he hasn't regretted it yet. Might sting the wallet initially, but avoiding early replacements and repairs could make it worth it in the long run.
Good points about stainless... another thing I've seen work surprisingly well is copper flashing. Yeah, it's pricey too, but it develops that patina layer that actually protects it from salt air. Plus, gotta admit, it looks pretty cool once it ages a bit.
"Yeah, it's pricey too, but it develops that patina layer that actually protects it from salt air."
True, copper flashing does look great once it ages, but honestly, the upfront cost still makes me hesitate. I've found aluminum flashing with a good marine-grade coating to be a pretty solid alternative. It's way cheaper, and if you prep and install it right, it holds up surprisingly well against salt corrosion. Sure, it won't get that cool green patina, but for budget-conscious folks like me, it's hard to beat the value.
Copper definitely has its charm, but honestly, aluminum—even marine-grade—can be hit or miss near the ocean. I've seen some aluminum flashing hold up fine for years, but I've also replaced plenty that corroded quicker than expected. Stainless steel flashing might be worth considering too. It's pricier than aluminum but cheaper than copper, and in my experience, it handles salt air pretty reliably without needing much maintenance. Just another option to think about...
