Totally agree stainless is usually the way to go near saltwater, but have you considered aluminum fasteners or flashing? Aluminum holds up surprisingly well in coastal conditions and doesn't rust like steel. I've seen some aluminum flashing still looking decent after 10+ years right on the beach. Of course, it's softer and can be tricky to work with, but might be worth exploring if stainless prices make your eyes water...
Interesting point about aluminum—I hadn't really thought of that. I've always assumed aluminum would corrode pretty quickly near saltwater, even if it doesn't rust exactly like steel does. Have you noticed any issues with aluminum reacting badly when it's in direct contact with other metals? I've heard something about galvanic corrosion being a problem, but I'm not totally clear on how big a deal it is in practice...
"I've heard something about galvanic corrosion being a problem, but I'm not totally clear on how big a deal it is in practice..."
Galvanic corrosion can definitely be an issue, especially near saltwater environments, but in my experience, it's manageable if you're careful about material selection. A few years ago, I installed aluminum flashing next to copper gutters without realizing the potential reaction. Within months, noticeable corrosion appeared on the aluminum. Switching to stainless steel fasteners and using isolation barriers (like neoprene washers or plastic spacers) solved the issue nicely though. So yes, it's a concern—but with proper precautions, it's certainly not a dealbreaker.
I had a similar issue when I replaced some roof flashing near the coast. Didn't even cross my mind at first, but within a year, the aluminum was looking pretty rough. Ended up swapping it out for stainless steel and adding some plastic spacers to separate metals. Been fine ever since. Definitely something to keep in mind if you're close to saltwater...
"Ended up swapping it out for stainless steel and adding some plastic spacers to separate metals."
Wish I'd read this sooner... I went with galvanized steel thinking I'd save a few bucks. Big mistake—two years in and it's rust city up there. Guess stainless really is worth the extra cash near the ocean, huh?
