Join the MRA | Member Login
Find a Professional
Sign Up Log In Add New Topic

TOPIC: Rust

Salt Water and Metal Roofs

Return to Rust

Return to Archive

Return to Forum

I live on a salt water river in Florida. I am considering a metal roof, but I am worried about the salt air. Do metal roofs hold up in salt air?
Guest User

8/15/2005
Today's quality residential metal roofs are produced from corrosion resistant metals and they include lasting coatings for extra corrosion resistance. You should check into any product you considers and see what sort of warranty it carries for salt climates. You may wish to consider non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper or zinc.
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

8/15/2005
I have a question about choosing a metal roof for waterfront. We are just 150 feet from the ocean in a warm climate (Virgin Islands). Most builders use tile in that situation, when people can afford it. We prefer metal because it is a more traditional look, and we actually love hearing the rain on the roof. Our roof now has a galvalum surface that started rusting along the exposed edge (along the gutter) only two years after installation. There is also rust along some scratch marks through the coating. Spraying the coating with rustoleum only slows the rust for a few months. We thought all galvalum was "equal," but apparently ours was low grade. Can we successfully replace this roof with a better metal roof that will withstand the salt air? Are there certain styles of roofing, such as flat panel perhaps, that have a finished edge for laying by the gutter? I see a suggestion for using pure copper, aluminum, or zinc (nonferrous) products. In the VI, I hear that copper is problematic because it contracts / expands too much. What about aluminum or zinc in tropical climates? Thanks for your advice!
Guest User

1/17/2008
Aluminum offers improved resistance to corrosion, but adds increased thermal movement. It will be considerably more expensive. 150' from the water will typically nullify a Galvalume warranty. I believe Zinc will do a little better on thermal, but the price is up there compared to Aluminum. As I have stated in previous responses, metal manufacturers do not like to talk about rust. It happens. Everybody knows it. It has to be factored when you are close to salt water.
Brian Selig
Architectural Building Components Metal Roof and Wall Panels

1/18/2008
I love stone coated steel. French Tile, Spanish Tile, WoodShake, even a designer laminate shingle without a batten system. The stone protects the metal. In reality, nothing lasts forever... but if you can transfer your warranty to a new buyer, it's hard to beat.
Guest User

1/19/2008
Susan, If you email me at [email protected] I will be glad to send you some good articles on things to consider.
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

1/19/2008
hi, i just had an aluminum roof put on in key west, southeastern metals, it is starting to have pinpoint rust spots everywhere--only two months old. anything i can do???? i dont know what grade a-lume v-crimp 26ga. [email protected]
Guest User

4/2/2008
Have you contacted the contractor and the manufacturer?
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

4/7/2008
thanks for quick reply. yes, talked to southeastern metals who said likelihood that the rust spots are particles when roof was put on, and do not warranty w/in 1/2 m from salt water, which is all of kwest! they are sending me some kind of form and want pictures, also recommending brushing it all off. im also checking with the distributor if others in the area have problem. in the final analysis im figuring if they dont do anything after i fight about it, should i paint it and if so what should i use. maybe i can at least make them pay for the paint and labor.
Guest User

4/10/2008
I would repaint only as a last option and actually the rust will probably surface through it anyway. You might try some Soft Scrub cleanser. Send me pictures if you wish ... [email protected]
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

4/15/2008