Curious if anyone’s tried the coated steel panels by the water? Do they actually last, or is it just delaying the inevitable rust?
We went with coated steel about 300 yards from the shoreline. It was a tough call because, like you, I nearly bailed on metal entirely after seeing neighbors’ roofs go south. The coating held up for maybe six years before I started noticing small rust spots where the screws go in and at a couple of seams. Not catastrophic, but I’d say it’s more of a pause button than a real solution if you’re right near salt air. If budget’s tight, it’ll buy you some time, but I wouldn’t call it a forever fix.
That lines up with what I’ve seen—coating slows things down, but salt air finds a way in eventually. Did you ever look into aluminum panels? I’ve heard they hold up better, but I’m not sure if the price difference is worth it for most folks.
Did you ever look into aluminum panels? I’ve heard they hold up better, but I’m not sure if the price difference is worth it for most folks.
Aluminum does stand up to salt air a lot better than steel, especially if you’re right on the coast. The upfront cost is definitely higher—sometimes double depending on the gauge and finish—but you’re trading that for less rust and fewer repairs down the line. I’ve seen some older aluminum roofs with just minor pitting after 20+ years, while galvanized steel ones nearby were already leaking. It’s really a question of how long you plan to stay in the house and whether you want to deal with patching or replacing panels every decade or so. For rentals or flips, most people stick with coated steel and just accept the maintenance.
You’re spot on about aluminum’s longevity, especially in salty environments. I’ve inspected plenty of coastal homes where aluminum panels outlasted their steel counterparts by a decade or more. The upfront investment can sting, but it often pays off in the long run. If you’re planning to stay put, it’s definitely worth considering.
Aluminum’s definitely got the edge near the coast, but I’ve seen some folks go with coated steel and get decent results too—just gotta stay on top of maintenance. If you’re weighing options, here’s what I’d look at: first, check your budget and how long you plan to stay. Next, think about the pitch of your roof and how exposed it is to wind-driven salt spray. Aluminum’s less hassle long-term, but if you’re flipping the house in a few years, steel might make sense if it’s cheaper up front. Just don’t skip the regular inspections—salt finds its way into everything eventually.
