Are you worried that living near the ocean could damage your roof more quickly? Are you uncertain about which roofing materials can withstand the harsh salt air while still meeting your budget and aesthetic preferences?
For homeowners near the ocean, choosing the right roofing material is essential to prevent corrosion, leaks, and costly repairs caused by salty ocean air. Not all materials are suited for this environment, and making the wrong choice could mean frequent maintenance or premature roof replacement.
At RoofSmart, we install hundreds of roofs per year, including homes on or near the ocean in Puget Sound. Before every installation, we have an in-depth discussion with our customers about their budget and aesthetic preferences to help them choose the best roofing material for them.
If they’re near the ocean, we make sure to discuss with them which types of roofs do best in that environment so that they are getting the best long-term value for their money.
We’ll compare 6 top materials based on durability, maintenance, and long-term value, and help you choose the right one for your Seattle-area oceanfront home.
Wondering how much it would cost to replace your roof? Use our Instant Estimator tool to get a ballpark estimate.
How Does Ocean Air Damage Roofing Materials in Seattle?
Anyone who lives on or near the ocean is likely aware that the salty air is very hard on your home. It wears materials down and corrodes metal at a much faster pace than homes further inland experience.
Puget Sound vs. True Oceanfront: What’s the Difference for Your Roof?
There are many homes along the water that experience this issue in the Seattle area, though there is a bit of a distinction between an area like Puget Sound and an actual coastline.
Homes in the Puget Sound area are still impacted by the ocean air, but they don’t get the same salt air spray effect as homes on the coast.
Winds blowing across the ocean right up to the shoreline create a harsh environment, but in Puget Sound, we don’t have as big of an issue with this. It is more prevalent if you live near the ferry.
But that’s not to say that homes in Puget Sound are not impacted by ocean air. It is still important to take precautions and choose the right roofing materials if you live in that area.
Which Roofing Materials Should You Avoid If You Live Near the Ocean?
There are some roofing materials that we’d recommend you avoid entirely because they will corrode or break down very quickly in the salty ocean air.
Steel
A steel metal roof typically is a bad idea near Puget Sound (specifically areas close to the ferry) because it is naturally prone to rusting.
Unless your roofing contractor is extraordinarily talented with their sheet metal work, you're going to end up with some raw edges that are exposed to that salt water, which will cause it to rust.
Concrete Tile
If you choose to do concrete tile, it’s going to grow lichen and algae and moss like crazy near the ocean. Your maintenance and upkeep costs will skyrocket, counteracting any money you saved by choosing concrete tile over clay tile.
Which Roofing Materials Last the Longest In Marine Environments?
The good news is that there is a wide variety of other types of roofing materials for you to choose from that will hold up well in the salty Puget Sound air.
The good news is that there is a wide variety of other types of roofing materials for you to choose from that will hold up well in Seattle’s marine environment.
1.) Asphalt Shingles
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Holds up well in Seattle’s coastal and marine environments
- A practical choice for budget-conscious homeowners
Cons:
- Requires corrosion-resistant roofing nails to prevent rusting
- May not last as long as higher-end materials
2.) Metals: Aluminum, Copper, or Stainless Steel
Pros:
- Naturally corrosion-resistant (ideal for Puget Sound and coastal areas)
- Long-lasting with proper installation
- Aluminum is cost-effective and comes in a variety of colors
- Copper is extremely durable and has a premium appearance
- Stainless steel performs similarly to aluminum and resists corrosion
Cons:
- Copper is the most expensive metal roofing option
- Stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum and only comes in one color
- Metal roof installation must be done well to avoid exposure issues at seams or edges
3.) Cedar Shake
Pros:
- Natural resistance to corrosion and breakdown from ocean air
- Salt air can actually help keep the material drier, reducing the risk of rot
- Offers a natural, rustic aesthetic that blends well with many Seattle-area homes
Cons:
Quality varies: lower-grade cedar won’t perform as well- Requires oiling every 5 years to maintain moisture balance
- Oiling is dangerous to DIY and adds long-term maintenance costs
- Quality varies: lower-grade cedar won’t perform as well
4.) Composite or Synthetic Shingles
Pros:
Mimics the appearance of wood shake or tile at a lower cost- Mimics the appearance of wood shake or tile at a lower cost
- Made from plastic or synthetic materials that won’t corrode along the Seattle coast
- Low maintenance and lightweight
- Ideal for homeowners who want premium aesthetics without structural upgrades
Cons:
- Less traditional in material, which may be a consideration for buyers wanting natural products
- Premium versions can still carry a higher price point than asphalt
5.) Clay Tile
Pros:
- Extremely durable in marine environments
- Classic, high-end aesthetic (Mediterranean style)
- Excellent long-term investment if the structure can support it
Cons:
- Very expensive upfront cost
- Heavy — not suitable for all homes without reinforcement
6.) Slate
Image from Brava Roof Tile
Pros:
- Natural stone that is incredibly durable and corrosion-resistant for your Seattle oceanfront home
- Long lifespan, often outlasting other materials
- Luxurious and timeless appearance
Cons:
- One of the most expensive roofing materials available
- Extremely heavy — requires a structurally reinforced home
Roofing Type Comparison Chart for Seattle Coastal Homes
To help make the comparison process easier, here’s a condensed version of the information in this section. Now you can see the benefits and drawbacks of each roof type side by side.
What Other Roof Components Are Affected by Ocean Air Near Seattle?
When you’re building a home or getting a new roof near the ocean, you not only need to consider the big picture items like roofing materials, but also smaller details like the flashing that goes around the roof and the nails used to secure the roof.
Each of these elements is equally as important for ensuring that your roof functions well and actually protects your home.
A standard roofing nail will rot out and rust in the ocean air. The same thing will happen with nails used on siding or windows. Your exterior fasteners (nails or staples) all need to be something that can handle saltwater, which gives you a very narrow range of options.
You need 316 series stainless steel, which is also called marine-grade stainless steel. That grade of metal is hard to get in a roofing nail or staple, so you need to make sure that your contractor brings it up during your conversation.
Flashing, which is made of metal, is also at risk of corroding. The two types of metals used for flashing that work well near the ocean are aluminum and copper. Copper is the more expensive option, but it will last a lot longer than aluminum.
How Can I Choose the Best Roof Type for My Puget Sound or Seattle Area Home?
When it comes to selecting the right roof for your home near the ocean, the key is to balance durability, aesthetics, and your budget. Materials like asphalt shingles and aluminum offer affordable, corrosion-resistant options, while higher-end materials like copper, slate, or clay tile provide longevity and beauty, though at a higher cost.
No matter which material you choose, ensure that smaller details like flashing and nails are also resistant to ocean air corrosion. By taking these precautions, you’ll protect your roof from the elements and extend its lifespan.
Want more information about the roofs listed in this article? Check out our article “Roof Types: Pros and Cons of 8 Options to Help You Choose the Best One for Your Home” to dig deeper into other benefits of each roof type.
If you are interested in one of the metal roofs from this article, read “6 Types of Metal Roof Materials: Pros, Cons, and Costs” to learn more and help you you decide which one is right for you.
Looking for a professional opinion? We at RoofSmart can match you with the right roof for your Puget Sound home. Contact us today!
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