Yeah, I’ve seen some wild stuff on the coast. Did a walk-through last month where the copper flashing had turned green and started flaking off in chunks—looked cool but definitely not doing its job anymore. Even those “marine grade” fasteners don’t always survive. Funny thing is, I’ve noticed wood sometimes outlasts metal in these spots, as long as it’s sealed up right... but then you’re trading corrosion for rot. Just seems like you’re always picking your poison near the ocean.
That green copper look is wild, right? I’ve seen it on a few properties and it’s always a toss-up—looks kind of artsy, but you know it’s trouble. I totally get what you mean about wood sometimes outlasting metal. I’ve had cedar trim hold up better than galvanized flashing in salty air, as long as it’s sealed and maintained. But yeah, then you’re always watching for rot or termites instead of rust. It really does feel like you’re just picking which headache you want to deal with. Coastal maintenance is a never-ending game... but at least the views are worth it.
That green patina is cool for sure—almost makes you forget it’s basically just corrosion. With all the stuff salt air does to metal, I’ve started wondering if it’s even worth going with metal at all near the coast. My neighbor swapped his metal roof for composite shingles a couple years back and swears he’s had less hassle since, though I’m not totally sold on how those look. I’ve got cedar shakes on a shed and, like you said, they’re holding up surprisingly well, but I have to keep an eye out for any soft spots after storms.
Has anyone here tried one of those newer “coastal” coatings on metal? Curious if they actually make a difference or just delay the inevitable rust. Sometimes feels like whatever you pick, nature’s got a way to break it down eventually...
That green patina does look pretty cool, but yeah, it’s basically nature’s way of saying “I’m winning.” I actually tried one of those so-called coastal coatings on a galvanized shed roof about five years back. It held up better than the plain metal, but after a couple hurricane seasons, I started seeing rust around the fasteners anyway. Maybe it bought me a few extra years, but it wasn’t a miracle fix. Honestly, I’ve got a love-hate thing with cedar shakes, too—love the look, hate the maintenance. Seems like you just trade one set of problems for another near the ocean...
Honestly, I’ve got a love-hate thing with cedar shakes, too—love the look, hate the maintenance. Seems like you just trade one set of problems for another near the ocean...
It’s funny you mention that trade-off, because I keep running into the same thing with clients who want that “classic coastal” vibe but then get surprised by the upkeep. Cedar looks amazing at first, but between the mildew, splitting, and all the rest, it’s not exactly low-maintenance. I’ve seen some folks go with those synthetic shakes that mimic cedar—have you looked into those at all? They’re pricier up front but supposedly hold up better against salt and wind.
On the metal side, I’m curious about your experience with rust around fasteners. Did you use stainless or just whatever came with the panels? I’ve noticed that even “coastal-rated” coatings don’t mean much if the fasteners aren’t up to par. Had a place out in Cape May where we swapped every screw for stainless after three years of ugly streaks. Not cheap, but it stopped the rust cold (at least for now).
I get what you’re saying about “nature’s way of saying ‘I’m winning,’” but sometimes I wonder if we’re just not picking the right combos for these environments. Like, is anyone actually happy with their roof ten years down the line by the ocean? Or is it always a compromise between looks and longevity? Clay tile seems to last forever in some spots, but then you’ve got weight and hurricane issues.
Anyway, just thinking out loud—sometimes feels like no matter what you pick, there’s always a catch...
