Living near the coast has its perks of ocean views, fresh sea breezes, and that laid-back lifestyle. If you own a home near the water, you’ll know that salt air isn’t always friendly to your building materials. That includes your roof.
At Advance Roofing, we’ve re-roofed countless homes in coastal areas like the North Shore, Eastern Bays, and the Hibiscus Coast. We see first-hand how salt-laden air, high winds, and humidity take a toll on traditional roofing materials. That’s one of the reasons we specialise in long run metal roofing, as it stands up to coastal conditions better than just about anything else on the market.
Why Salt Air Is Tough on Roofs
Salt in the air acts like a slow-moving corrosive. It settles on your roof and, over time, starts to break down protective coatings, fasteners, and exposed materials. It’s particularly harsh on older iron, concrete tiles, untreated metals, and poorly maintained flashing.
Even small amounts of salt can cause surface corrosion that leads to pitting, leaks, and ultimately, structural failure if left untreated. Add in Auckland’s humid conditions and coastal wind gusts, and your roof has a lot to contend with.
How Long Run Metal Roofing Resists Corrosion
Today’s long run roofing isn’t the old corrugated iron from back in the day. The metal roofing we install today is designed for New Zealand’s coastal environment.
We work with trusted NZ manufacturers like COLORSTEEL and other suppliers that provide coated metal roofing built specifically to perform in high-salt areas. Here’s how it’s protected:
- Zinc and Aluminium Alloys: These coatings provide a barrier against rust even if the paint layer gets scratched.
- Advanced Paint Systems: The coloured finish you see isn’t just decorative, but part of the roofing’s defence system. Coastal-rated paint systems offer UV protection and seal out moisture.
- Stainless Steel or Sealed Fasteners: We use coastal-grade fixings to prevent rust streaks and fastener failure over time.
- Proper Flashing and Detailing: This is critical. Even the best roofing can fail if it’s not installed with care. Our experienced team uses marine-rated flashings and sealants in every coastal install.
Learn more about our long run roofing service.
Where We See the Most Coastal Wear
In Auckland, homes near the sea tend to experience faster deterioration on:
- Southwest and East-facing roof slopes, which bear the brunt of prevailing winds and salt spray
- Exposed roof edges and ridges, where airborne salt settles
- Gutters and downpipes, especially older steel ones that trap moisture and salty residue
That’s why it’s important to not only choose a high-quality roofing product, but also a roofing team who understands local conditions. We know how to install with the sea in mind, ensuring proper slope for drainage, sealing every penetration, and placing fasteners in ways that avoid water traps.
Talk to us about your location and what we recommend for your home
Get in TouchWhy Homeowners Are Switching from Tile to Metal
We’re often called out to replace old concrete or clay tile roofs in coastal suburbs. These roofs absorb moisture, suffer from moss and lichen, and can become brittle over time. Salt accelerates that breakdown.
When we re-roof a tile home with long run metal, the transformation is massive. The house instantly looks more modern, the roof becomes easier to maintain, and there’s less risk of long-term water damage. Plus, metal weighs a fraction of what tiles do, which is better for your structure.
Learn about our re-roofing process.
Ongoing Care for Coastal Metal Roofs
Although long run roofing is low maintenance, a bit of care goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend:
- Annual Wash-Down: Rinse the roof with fresh water to remove salt and debris, especially on the windward side.
- Keep Gutters Clear: Salt and organic build-up in gutters can lead to corrosion at the eaves if left sitting.
- Inspect Flashings and Sealants: These are the first line of defence against water intrusion. We offer maintenance checks to catch issues early.
Explore our roof maintenance tips.
New Build? Design with Metal
If you’re building near the water, metal roofing gives you great flexibility. It suits all the modern architectural styles and it provides long-term peace of mind.
Because we work directly with architects and builders, we can ensure the correct product is specified for your site’s salt exposure level, pitch, and wind zone.
Learn more about our new roofing services.
Final Thoughts from Advance Roofing
Auckland’s coast is a beautiful place to live, but your roof has to work a bit harder out here. That’s why we stand behind long run metal roofing. It’s tough, light, clean-lined, and with the right coatings, more than ready to face salt air and stormy weather.
If your roof is starting to show signs of wear, or if you’re thinking about upgrading from tiles or shingles to something that performs better by the coast, we’d be happy to help. We offer honest advice, free quotes, and the kind of workmanship that only comes from years of hands-on roofing experience.
Contact Advance Roofing today for your coastal roofing assessment.