The Best Roofing Materials for Coastal Homes in New Zealand

Coastal living in New Zealand offers amazing views and fresh sea air, but it also comes with a challenge - protecting your home from the elements.

Salt air, high humidity, strong winds and sudden downpours can cause roofing materials to wear out faster than usual.

Why Coastal Roofs Need Extra Protection

Salt air and sea spray can accelerate corrosion, especially in metal components like flashings, fasteners and roof sheets.

Coastal homes also deal with:

• Rust and corrosion on steel and fixings
• Moss, mould and lichen from moisture
• Loose materials caused by wind gusts
• Fading or peeling due to UV rays

1. Colorsteel® Roofing (Marine Grade)

Best for: Long-lasting, low-maintenance protection in salt-heavy air

Colorsteel comes in a marine-grade option specifically designed for coastal homes. It has a protective layer that resists corrosion, even when exposed to sea spray.

Benefits:

• Excellent rust resistance
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Available in a range of colours
• Long lifespan with low maintenance
• Matches traditional and modern home designs

Make sure your installer uses marine-grade fasteners and flashings to match.

2. Concrete Tiles

Best for: Coastal homes with a traditional or Mediterranean look

Concrete tiles are heavy, durable and highly resistant to wind and rain. They aren't affected by salt in the same way metal roofs are.

Benefits:

• Long lifespan (50+ years with maintenance)
• Resistant to salt and UV
• Fire resistant and quiet in rain
• Good insulation properties

3. Rubber Membrane Roofing (for Flat Roofs)

Best for: Modern homes with flat or low-pitch roof designs

Rubber roofing, like EPDM or TPO membranes, is ideal for homes where water pooling and salt exposure are concerns.

Benefits:

• Flexible and waterproof
• Low maintenance
• Long lifespan
• Great for coastal decks and balconies

4. Asphalt Shingles (With Marine Treatment)

Best for: Cost-effective roofing with good salt resistance

Asphalt shingles are popular for their look and price, and newer products come with marine-grade coatings that improve resistance to salt, algae and fading.

What to Avoid on Coastal Roofs

• Uncoated galvanised steel: Prone to rapid rusting
• Untreated timber shingles: Absorb salt and moisture
• Low quality fixings or flashings: These are the first parts to fail
• Old style corrugated iron: Without the right coating, it breaks down quickly near saltwater

Tips for Maintaining a Coastal Roof

• Wash your roof every 6 to 12 months to remove salt and dirt
• Trim back overhanging trees that trap moisture
• Check flashings, gutters and fasteners for early signs of corrosion
• Use marine-grade accessories during installation
• Get professional inspections every 1 to 2 years

At Solid Roofing, we provide routine maintenance plans for coastal properties to extend the life of your roof and avoid major issues.

Get a Coastal Roofing Quote Today

Call 0800 765 437 or email sales@solidroofing.co.nz - We work across all of Auckland's coastal suburbs.