The shore thing: Durable roofing for the harshest marine environments

By Metal Roofing Alliance.  

Coastal natives know the drill: when it comes to living seaside, it’s important to have the proper roof system to survive the weather.  

In coastal climates where salt water and raging storms are common, it’s important to have a roof that will endure for the long-haul. That’s why the experts at Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) suggest metal roofing for homes located in coastal areas. 

So, why are marine environments hard on a home's roof? For starters, marine environments come with high levels of saltwater exposure, which can lead to corrosion. Marine environments typically experience higher winds which can also wreak havoc on a home's roof, causing damage and accelerated wear and tear. And with the increase in stormy weather comes the potential for water leaks as the wind blows rain and salty water into areas where it would typically not go 

Why is metal roofing a great choice for marine environments? For starters, a quality metal roof offers durability (strength), longevity (long-lasting), energy efficiency (saving on heating/cooling costs), and easy maintenance. Plus, it can mimic other roofing material styles while providing the beauty and benefits only metal roofing can give. 

Metal roofing continues to gain popularity with homeowners throughout the U.S. and Canada due to its exceptional durability, strength, and performance. When it comes to marine environments, a quality metal roof also offers superior longevity. How? It's all in the qualities of the metal combined with the protective aspects of the coatings applied on top. 

Regarding metal alloys, aluminum has a longstanding reputation for being highly resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, making it a superior choice for homes situated near the coastline. Most quality aluminum roofing panels coated with a standard PVDF paint system will perform well in marine environments. 

In addition, 55% Aluminum-Zinc Alloy Coated steel roofing panels (aka Galvalume or Zincalume) have also been proven to perform well in coastal regions when coated with paint systems designed specifically for marine environments. The coatings typically used over a steel-based metal roof may include a film barrier, a heavy primer and/or a thick film coating applied over a standard paint system. 

Copper is also a great metal roofing option for coastal areas. Copper naturally forms a protective layer of patina (a bluish-green coating) that resists corrosion in environments where saltwater and salt-laden air can damage other roofing materials. 

No matter the aesthetic preference, a quality metal roof manufactured to specifications for marine environments are sure to provide homeowners with a beautiful roof and proven performance in coastal climates. 

Original article and image source: Metal Roofing Alliance