Top Tips to Protect Metal Roofs from Saltwater Corrosion

Saltwater coasts are a great place to live, work, and raise a family. For starters, there’s nothing like the beauty of the ocean, fresh air, and amazing views year-round.

The challenge? A property near the coast, especially one with a metal roof in Canada, will also be subjected to corrosive elements from salt-laden air and high humidity. These factors can cause corrosion to develop and attack the materials on your roof, shortening their lifespan.

This guide is a complete overview for homeowners and building owners on how to prevent metal roof corrosion, no matter how old your current roof is or if it’s new construction. Follow our best practices for protecting and maintaining your metal roof to keep it in top shape for decades to come.

Professional Metal Roofing Services has installed roofing systems for hundreds of homeowners throughout Canada’s coastal communities, and we know first-hand what it takes to design, build, and maintain metal roofs that last.

Why Saltwater Coasts and the Ocean Are Bad for Metal Roofs

Saltwater itself and even sea air can be highly corrosive. This salt is more than capable of speeding up the breakdown of a roof’s paint, coating, fasteners, and the metal itself.

1. Salt Crystals & Chlorides in the Air

Tiny airborne salt crystals can accumulate on your roof from the spray or mist generated by ocean waves. This can wear down your roof’s protective coatings over time, especially on windy days or during storms.

2. High Humidity & Retention of Moisture

Humidity and moisture levels tend to be naturally higher near saltwater coasts. When combined with constant exposure to the elements, saltwater, and rain, moisture is easily trapped and absorbed, creating the perfect environment for corrosion to set in. This is especially true of fasteners and seams.

3. UV Exposure + Salt Accelerates Oxidation

Sunlight is strong and long-lasting near coastal regions. This means that when UV rays combine with salt deposits on the surface of your metal roof, oxidation is a faster process, leading to surface degradation and faster wear than in more inland environments.

Tips for Preventing Metal Roof Corrosion Near the Ocean

1. Select the Appropriate Metal Roofing Type and Paint Coatings

If you live near the coast and are building or replacing your roof, choose corrosion-resistant materials like:

• Aluminum roofing
• Stainless steel roofing
• Zinc and zinc-aluminum coated steel (Galvalume)
  

👉 Use our Metal Roofing Calculator to see what materials are recommended for your property.

2. Wash Your Metal Roof Twice a Year

Salt from the ocean sticks to the roof, especially under eaves and on flat surfaces. Wash your roof at least twice a year using:

• A garden hose or low-pressure washer
• Mild soap and water
• A non-abrasive brush for stubborn dirt
  

Focus on areas where salt accumulates.

3. Check and Maintain Roof Coatings

Inspect your roof once a year for:

• Faded or chalky paint
• Scratches or chips
• Exposed metal areas
  

Touch-up paint or a professional recoating will restore the roof’s protection.

4. Annual Roof Inspections by Metal Roofing Contractors

Schedule annual roof inspections by professionals to catch early signs of corrosion. Areas to inspect include:

• Flashings and fasteners
• Ridge caps and eaves
• Seams, overlaps, and hidden edges
• Gutters and roof valleys
  

Professional Metal Roofing Services offers free inspections and estimates.

👉 Request a Free Estimate

5. Clean Out Roof Gutters and Valleys

Gutters and valleys trap moisture when blocked by:

• Leaves
• Pine needles
• Seaweed or debris
  

Clean them at least twice a year — and after storms.

Bonus Tip: Install gutter guards to reduce debris buildup in storm-prone areas.

6. Fastener Maintenance is Essential

Fasteners are vulnerable points for moisture. Look for:

• Rust-colored streaks near screws
• Lifted panels or seams
• Missing or misaligned fasteners
  

Replace damaged ones with stainless steel or coated fasteners to protect the system.

For more background on how moisture, pollutants, and environmental exposure accelerate corrosion—and the preventive measures that can help—see the Canadian Conservation Institute’s guide on caring for metal objects

When is it Time to Recoat or Replace My Roof?

Maintenance prolongs life, but sometimes replacement is necessary.

Signs You Need a Recoat

• Dull, chalky surface
• Frequent minor leaks
• Surface rust or fading paint
  

Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

• Severe rust that penetrates the metal
• Sagging or structural weakness
• Failed seams and underlayment
  

If you’re unsure, reach out for an expert inspection.

Choose Professional Metal Roofing for Your Coastal Roofing Project

Professional Metal Roofing Services is your trusted source for durable, high-performance metal roofs designed for saltwater environments.

See Our Projects

Check out our Portfolio to view completed residential and commercial projects along Canada’s coasts.

Conclusion: Keep Your Metal Roof Safe from Coastal Corrosion

Living near the ocean has countless benefits — but it also means your roof needs extra protection. Salt, moisture, and sun work together to wear down unprotected roofs quickly.

To prevent corrosion:

• Choose the right type of metal
• Maintain coatings and fasteners
• Clean your roof and gutters regularly
• Schedule annual inspections
  

When it’s time to protect, repair, or upgrade your roof, Professional Metal Roofing Services is here to help.

Your home by the sea deserves the strongest, most reliable roof possible — and that starts with a professional team that knows coastal roofing inside and out.