Galvanized can still work if you prep it right. Did you try coating it with a marine-grade sealant or paint? I've seen galvanized roofs hold up surprisingly well near saltwater when they're properly sealed and maintained... might save you from swapping everything out again.
I've seen galvanized roofing hold up pretty well myself, actually. My uncle has a small beach cottage down in Florida, maybe a quarter-mile from the ocean. When he first bought it, the roof was galvanized metal and already showing signs of rust from the salty air. He was convinced he'd have to rip it all off and start fresh with something else—probably aluminum or stainless steel—but a neighbor talked him into trying a marine-grade coating first.
He spent a weekend prepping it thoroughly—cleaned off all the rust spots, sanded it down, and applied a good rust-inhibiting primer before putting on two coats of marine-grade paint. Honestly, we were skeptical at first because the salt air there is brutal. But it's been about seven years now, and that roof still looks surprisingly solid. Sure, he's had to touch up a few spots here and there, but nothing major.
I think the key is really in the prep work and choosing the right coating. If you just slap paint over existing rust or don't use something specifically designed for marine environments, you're probably wasting your time. But if you're meticulous about cleaning and prepping the surface, galvanized metal can definitely hold its own near saltwater.
So yeah, I agree with what you're saying—no need to jump straight into replacing everything if you haven't tried sealing it properly yet. Could save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run.
"I think the key is really in the prep work and choosing the right coating."
Exactly this. I've inspected plenty of coastal homes, and honestly, galvanized roofs can surprise you if they're properly maintained. It's usually rushed prep or cheap coatings that cause headaches down the line...
"galvanized roofs can surprise you if they're properly maintained."
Fair point, but I'd add a caution here—galvanized steel isn't always the best choice near the ocean, even with meticulous prep and coating. I've seen plenty of cases where salt air finds its way into tiny scratches or edges that coatings miss, and corrosion sets in quietly underneath. Aluminum or copper roofing tends to hold up better long-term in coastal areas, even though the upfront cost is higher.
Also, keep in mind that maintenance schedules near the coast need to be more aggressive. Checking every couple of years might not cut it; yearly inspections are safer. Salt spray is relentless...and sneaky.
"Checking every couple of years might not cut it; yearly inspections are safer. Salt spray is relentless...and sneaky."
Couldn't agree more. I've seen cases where galvanized roofs looked perfectly fine on the surface, but once you lifted a panel or checked an edge—yikes, rust city. Zinc coatings do help initially, but salt air eventually finds its way in. I'd also suggest stainless steel fasteners for coastal areas; regular steel screws corrode surprisingly fast and can compromise the whole installation before you even notice.
