Metal Roofing in Santa Monica
Metal roofing is lightweight, long-lasting and well suited to modern Santa Monica homes, ADUs and commercial buildings, as long as it's built for the coast. Salt air changes which metals and finishes make sense near the ocean.
Metal Roofing Near the Coast
- Salt air speeds corrosion, so material and finish choices matter more close to the ocean.
- Aluminum and steel with marine-grade coatings and high-performance paint finishes resist coastal corrosion best.
- Standing seam systems hide their fasteners and suit modern and mid-century homes.
- Light, reflective colors help keep buildings cooler and can help meet cool-roof requirements.
- Metal is light, which matters on additions and ADUs.
Metal roofs we install
Standing seam
Concealed fasteners and clean vertical lines. The most popular metal roof for Santa Monica homes and ADUs.
Low-slope metal
Some standing seam systems are rated for low slopes, useful on modern homes and additions.
Coastal-grade materials
Aluminum or steel with corrosion-resistant coatings and PVDF finishes, chosen for distance from the ocean.
Accents
Metal on porches, bays and entries alongside tile or other roofing.
Choosing metal for Santa Monica
The closer a building is to the ocean, the more salt spray and marine air it gets. Ask any contractor which metal, coating and paint system they’re quoting and what the manufacturer’s warranty says about coastal exposure, since many warranties set conditions based on distance from salt water. Cut edges and fasteners need proper treatment so they don’t become rust points.
Metal roofs also need the right slope for the panel system and may need cool-roof rated colors under California’s energy code on some projects; see Santa Monica roofing codes. For new roofs, see roof installation; for commercial buildings, commercial roofing.
Santa Monica Roofing Pros install metal on homes, ADUs and commercial buildings across the Westside. As Santa Monica roofing contractors, we’ll tell you when metal fits your building and when tile or flat roofing makes more sense. Talk to our Santa Monica roofing company about your project.
Frequently asked questions
Are metal roofs a good idea near the beach?
They can be, with the right materials. Aluminum or steel with marine-grade coatings and high-performance finishes hold up best near salt water.
Will a metal roof rust in Santa Monica?
Uncoated or poorly protected steel can corrode in salt air. Proper materials, coatings and edge treatment prevent it.
Is metal roofing good for ADUs?
Often, yes. It's lightweight, works on low slopes when the system is rated for it, and suits modern design.
Does a metal roof keep a house cooler?
Light, reflective colors reflect more sunlight than dark roofs, which can reduce heat gain.
Related services and guides
Considering a Metal Roof?
Request a free inspection and a written quote naming the metal, coating and finish.