Living by the ocean has a lot of perks, but it can also have some disadvantages as well. Even though the salt air is good for your skin, it can wreak havoc on the roof of your home. In fact, salt can speed up the wear and tear on a home and decrease the lifespan of the roof. Discover more about the type of damage that salt air can do to different roof types and learn how to protect the roof of your home.
Salt Air Roof Damage
For most homes, metal roofing is a great option, but if you live too close to the ocean, the salt in the air can settle on the roof. This forms rust and corrosion on the metal surface as well as the smaller metal parts. As time progresses, the roofing material weakens, which can result in water leaks. Even a small leak needs attention so that it does not become a larger issue at a later point in time.
Other types of roofing will have issues as well. For example, salt causes asphalt shingles to wear more quickly and become more brittle. This means that they could potentially break during a storm, especially if higher winds are present. The lifespan of most materials becomes shorter in a coastal environment, but there are some materials that are more resistant to salt air.
Roofing Materials That Resist Salt
As stated above, metal is not a salt-resistant material, but if you prefer metal roofing options, stainless steel and aluminum are more resistant to salt. These materials will not rust as easily, so there is a bit of protection in place when these materials make up your roof. Make sure to use nails, screws, and gutters of the same type of metal to give them some resistance to the salt as well.
If you prefer a roof with shingles, make sure that you use durable options that will hold up to a harsher environment. One option of a design that holds up against salt air environments is composite shingles.
Maintenance Requirements With Salt Air
When you live in a coastal environment that has salt air, regular maintenance is a must. Scheduling these maintenance inspections once a year will help keep the roof in good condition. However, we suggest doing these checks twice a year in a coastal environment. If there are strong storms, additional checks should also ensue. This maintenance will ensure that a roofer, like our team at Action Roofing, can find and address issues quickly to keep them from becoming larger problems.
In addition to regular maintenance, there are some other measures that you can take to protect your roof and postpone corrosion damage that could require repairs.
Clean Your Roof
Debris remaining on your roof for a long period of time is going to promote rust and corrosion, so you need to clear away any debris from the roof. After the roof is clear, check around to see if algae or moss is present. If you find it on your roof, remove it. Then, using mild detergent, wash the area of the roof where the moss or algae was growing to keep it from coming back. You will also want to rinse your roof after a storm to remove any salt pockets left behind from the wind and rain. Use fresh water for this; then, check to see if there are any additional surfaces that need attention.
Once the roof is clean, you will need to check to see if the gutters have any salt on them. Also, check the inside of the gutters. Removing the salt is easy, but this area, especially the downspouts, is often forgotten when washing a roof.
Ventilate Your Roof
Ventilation is a great way to make sure that your roof’s lifespan does not decrease. You will need to check the ventilation in your attic because this is the space closest to the roof. Extra moisture in this space can speed up roof corrosion. This is because the humid air that exists in the attic creates condensation if it can’t circulate. When this occurs, algae and even mold can form on the roof or between the roofing materials and the attic ceiling.
If your roof doesn’t seem to be properly ventilated, call us at Action Roofing to see if adding vents to your roof could be a solution. These extra vents allow the salt air to move throughout the space instead of staying on the surfaces and dropping salt deposits.
Keep Trees Trimmed
Trees that hang over your roof can also be an issue when it comes to salt. Not only can salt drip from the trees to your roof after a storm, but when the limbs break, the debris can promote the growth of algae and moss. To prevent this, make sure to trim trees that are anywhere near your home frequently. Having extra clearance near the roof can also protect it from major storms in the area.
Use Protective Coatings Against Salt Air
Protective coatings are a great option for extending the life of your roof. However, some coatings, like paint, will chip away more in an area where salt is present in the air. Additional barriers on the surface of the roof can offer added protection. With a shingled roof, we suggest using a sealant to keep moisture from getting between the shingles. Metal roofs can utilize rust-resistant paints and primers, though this paint will still chip off, but not as quickly.
Roof coatings that work best for salt air:
- Elastomeric coating
- Acrylic coating
- Aluminum coating
- Silicone coating
- Polyurethane coating
These coatings shield your roof for differing periods of time, but all offer protection so that your roof doesn’t become damaged by salt in a coastal environment. At Action Roofing, we can help you decide which coating is best to protect your roofing material. Having both salt-resistant material and a protective coating will help keep your roof safe from salt spray for a longer period of time.
Quality Roofing in Fort Lauderdale
When salt air is something you contend with at your home, you need a reliable, quality roofing company that will dedicate their time to ensuring your roof is secure. At Action Roofing, we have been taking care of roofing needs in Fort Lauderdale for about four decades. We work with several types of roofing materials, so whether you need repairs or replacement, you can depend on us. We also provide commercial roofing services to the community.
If roof damage from a recent storm worries you, we can help by providing an evaluation of your roof to see what needs our attention. Then, we will work together with you to efficiently address issues and make your home more resilient to storms, sun, and salt. Call us at Action Roofing with any questions, or you can simply make an appointment for an inspection today!
