I've heard mixed reviews...
Aluminum flashing can work fine near the coast, but it's all about prep and installation. Make sure you're using anodized or coated aluminum—bare aluminum corrodes quicker in salt air. Also, isolate it from other metals to avoid galvanic corrosion... learned that one the hard way.
Good points about anodized aluminum. I've had decent luck with coated aluminum flashing myself, but you're spot-on about isolating metals. A few years back, I replaced some flashing near my chimney and didn't think twice about mixing metals... big mistake. Within a year or two, the corrosion was pretty noticeable, especially where the aluminum touched galvanized nails. Ended up redoing the whole thing—lesson learned.
One other thing I'd add is regular maintenance. Even with coated or anodized aluminum, rinsing it down occasionally can help remove salt buildup and extend its lifespan. It's a bit of extra work, but worth it if you want to avoid replacing stuff prematurely.
"Even with coated or anodized aluminum, rinsing it down occasionally can help remove salt buildup and extend its lifespan."
Good tip about rinsing—I hadn't thought of that. I'm new to coastal living and just replaced some flashing myself. After reading your experience, I double-checked my setup and realized I used galvanized screws with aluminum flashing... yikes. Guess I'll be redoing that soon. Any recommendations on isolating materials? I've heard nylon washers or rubber gaskets can help, but haven't tried them yet.
After reading your experience, I double-checked my setup and realized I used galvanized screws with aluminum flashing...
You're definitely on the right track thinking about nylon washers or rubber gaskets—they can help a lot. Another easy trick is using stainless steel screws instead of galvanized; they're pricier but save headaches later. Learned that one the hard way myself...
"Another easy trick is using stainless steel screws instead of galvanized; they're pricier but save headaches later. Learned that one the hard way myself..."
Definitely agree on stainless screws—pricey, yeah, but worth it near the ocean. Salt air is brutal. Nylon washers help too, but honestly, I've seen rubber gaskets crack and degrade faster than people expect. Might just be the harsh UV combined with salty conditions, dunno.
One thing I've noticed (and this might just be my skeptical side talking) is that even stainless isn't foolproof. Had a job last summer where we replaced some flashing installed only about five years earlier—stainless screws and all—but the salt air had still done a number on the aluminum flashing itself. The screws were fine, but the flashing had corroded around the edges. Wasn't catastrophic or anything, just surprising how quickly it happened.
A veteran roofer I work with swears by coating everything metal with a marine-grade sealant. Thought he was overdoing it at first, but after seeing how fast things deteriorate near the coast, I'm starting to think he's onto something. Might be worth looking into if you're worried about longevity.
Anyway, good catch on your setup. Better to fix it now than deal with leaks or corrosion issues down the line. We all learn these things as we go—even the seasoned guys still get surprised sometimes.
