A metal roof that is installed on a beach house faces different elements than a metal roof installed in the countryside. Coastal metal roofing can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the longevity of the paint system. A major concern for using painted panels on the coast is if the paint will be covered under a paint warranty. Remember that paint does not rust, but the metal can.
A paint warranty only covers paint and not any corrosion of the material. If your paint fails due to corrosion, it will not be covered under a paint warranty. Therefore, you should be concerned about more than just the paint warranty.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we manufacture metal roofing and siding panels that come in materials and finishes that are compatible with these coastal environments. We work with many different clients that need materials for waterfront properties and are aware of the concerns that come along with these materials. One of the biggest ones is how the paint and aesthetic of the panels will last on the coast.
In this article, we go over everything you need to be aware of when it comes to paint warranties for metal roofing on the coast.
There are four types of warranties that you should know about.
Let’s just be clear from the start: Metal roofing that’s located near the ocean should not have a steel substrate. If your roofing panels have a paint warranty it will be based upon the panels having an aluminum substrate that the paint is then applied to.
There are two types of paint warranties:
We will take a deep dive into each of these types of warranties to fully explain their differences.
Most aluminum roofing and siding panels that are supplied for use in a coastal, or marine, environment come with a standard paint warranty from the manufacturer. It’s not any different than the warranty that you receive on a steel roof that’s inland. Even if you use painted aluminum panels, the paint warranties typically will have a proximity to the ocean clause.
Every manufacturer is different, so it’s important to get a copy of the warranty prior to purchasing the material. Just keep in mind that paint warranties are written by the paint companies and they’re full of inclusions and exclusions. Always read the fine print.
This is the main thing to look for if you have a metal roof that’s near the ocean. This is an exclusion that states the metal roofing and siding must be a specified distance from a seacoast, saltwater, or other brackish water environments.
The distance will vary from warranty to warranty, but 1,500 feet is the most common. If the panels are installed closer than 1,500 feet then they’re not warrantable.
For a deeper dive into paint warranties we recommend:
Analyzing Paint Warranties For Metal Roofing And Siding
Metal roofing installed on the coast can be granted without a proximity to the ocean clause, but the warranties are normally customized on a job by job basis. You have to have a larger project or home for this to even be an option. If you have a 2,500 square foot roof this will not be an option for you.
The length of the warranty for the paint will depend on each project’s specifications.
Below are the project considerations that are taken into account for each coastal warranty:
The length of a coastal marine warranty is dependent on how the metal panels are being installed.
Roofing panels receive a significant exposure to moisture and UV rays from the sun, both of which have a negative impact on paint. Siding panels, however, receive less exposure to the elements.
This results in coastal paint warranties on siding panels covering a longer period of time than roofing panels in the same environment.
Marine paint systems will offer greater protection from the elements when compared to a standard paint system. This is accomplished by doing two things, adding additional primer and/or a clear coat over the top of the standard PVDF paint finish.
Primer offers additional protection against galvanic action. A thicker primer will have more protection against galvanic action and it’s less likely that the paint will get scratched and expose the panel substrate.
Thick film primer systems usually will have 2-3 times the amount of primer when compared to a standard paint system.
This type of paint system consists of a thick film primer, one coat of standard PVDF, and one coat of clear PVDF.
Clear coats on top of PVDF offer additional protection from the elements. Think of it as putting saran wrap on your panels. UV absorbers are included in the clear coat that help to increase pigment, resist corrosion, and provide an overall longer service life.
This is the best available paint finish for metal roofing in coastal areas.
Paint systems that have additional primer and/or clear coats are painted on a job by job basis. Metal roofing manufacturers don’t keep this type of material in stock. It has to be custom painted and large paint companies don’t like small jobs. It slows down their production.
You really have two problems when trying to get a coastal marine paint system.
This can vary dramatically due to the size of the job. Larger jobs will only add 10% to 20% to the price when compared to a standard PVDF paint finish. However, smaller jobs could cost 50% more and up to double the price.
Size matters here even more so than just having a thick film primer. The material needs to go through the paint line twice and now the production time delay is double. Larger jobs cost at least 50% more when compared to a standard PVDF paint finish. However, smaller jobs could cost twice or three times the price if they’re even available.
As the Rolling Stones say, you can’t always get what you want. It’s a tough question as there aren’t any great options to choose from.
If your job is too small to qualify for a custom coastal marine warranty then you will have three options.
Most of the painted aluminum roofing panels that you see in coastal areas fall under this category. Your best bet is to find a contractor that’s experienced installing aluminum roofing panels and ask them if they have had any problems with their coastal installations.
If the aluminum panels are performing well, you will need to make a judgment call to determine if it’s the correct product for your house.
Regardless of what you decide, get a copy of the paint warranty and double check to see if the aluminum panels have a proximity to the ocean clause.
If you’ve decided to use a painted panel on the coast, you still need to decide what type of metal you’re going to use. There are multiple types of metal, such as aluminum, that are compatible with coastal areas that come with different benefits and price points.
For a deep dive into these materials and their different costs, we suggest reading:
Metal Roofing In Coastal Areas: Best Materials To Use Near The Ocean
View our available colors for coastal applications by looking at our standard PVDF color card.
Request a sample of your favorite colors.
If you’re ready to get started on your project, request a free quote today