Funny thing—I’ve actually seen roots cause problems, but only when trees are way too close and the house is older. Usually, though, like you said, it’s just water sneaking in somewhere. I do wonder if stainless is always enough near the ocean. I’ve seen some “stainless” hardware still rust out after a few years—maybe not marine grade? Coastal roofs seem to need a whole different level of attention compared to inland spots.
I do wonder if stainless is always enough near the ocean. I’ve seen some “stainless” hardware still rust out after a few years—maybe not marine grade?
That’s interesting—I always thought stainless was the go-to, but I guess not all stainless is created equal. Is there a specific grade people use for coastal roofs, or is it just trial and error? I’ve seen some fasteners labeled “marine,” but they’re way pricier. Wondering if it’s worth it or if regular replacement is just part of the deal near salt air.
I do wonder if stainless is always enough near the ocean. I’ve seen some “stainless” hardware still rust out after a few years—maybe not marine grade?
That’s been my experience too, honestly. Stainless sounds like it should be bulletproof, but I’ve seen plenty of “stainless” screws and brackets get that orange fuzz after just a couple seasons right on the coast. The grade really does matter. 304 stainless is what you’ll find in most big box stores, but it’s not really up to the job if you’re within a mile or two of salt water. 316 (the so-called “marine grade”) holds up way better, but yeah, it’s not cheap.
I remember a job we did in Cape May—customer wanted to save a few bucks and went with standard stainless fasteners for their metal roof. Looked great at first, but by year three, you could see streaks running down from the screws and some were already seizing up. Ended up having to swap out a bunch for 316s anyway, which was a pain and cost more in the long run.
Wondering if it’s worth it or if regular replacement is just part of the deal near salt air.
Honestly, I think it depends how close you are to the water and how much wind you get. If you’re right on the beach or even within a few blocks, I’d say it’s worth biting the bullet for marine grade hardware from the start. Otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for extra maintenance headaches. Further inland, regular stainless might be fine.
I’ve also seen folks try to coat their fasteners with sealant or paint as a workaround, but that only buys you so much time before the salt finds its way in. Galvanized stuff is even worse—looks good for about five minutes and then starts flaking.
Anyone else notice that even “marine” labels can be misleading sometimes? I’ve had boxes show up labeled marine grade and then they turn out to be 304s when you check the specs... It’s kind of wild how much difference those two numbers make when you’re dealing with salt air.
Curious if anyone’s tried any of those newer composite fasteners or hidden systems? I haven’t used them myself yet but keep hearing about them as an alternative for coastal installs.
Can confirm, 304 just doesn’t cut it if you’re anywhere near salt spray. I’ve had customers swear by “stainless” hardware, then call me a couple years later when their roof looks like it’s crying rusty tears. 316 holds up, but yeah, your wallet will feel it. Tried painting fasteners once—looked good until the first nor’easter. Haven’t messed with composites yet, but honestly, anything that doesn’t turn orange is worth a look at this point.
I hear you on the cost of 316—my wallet winced just thinking about it. I’m right on the coast, and when I did my shed roof last year, I figured “stainless is stainless,” grabbed the cheaper 304 screws, and now they’re already showing little rust freckles. Not the end of the world for a shed, but if I’d done that on the house, I’d be kicking myself.
Painting fasteners sounded smart to me too, but that lasted maybe one storm before they chipped and started rusting anyway. Haven’t tried composites either—honestly, I don’t even know what’s out there for that. I’ve seen some plastic-looking stuff at the hardware store, but it’s hard to trust something that feels like a toy.
If I ever redo the main roof, I might just have to bite the bullet and pay up for 316. Or maybe just move a few miles inland and call it a day...
