If your Sunshine Coast home has a metal roof — especially near the coast — you’ve likely wondered:

“Is my roof protected from rust and salt damage?”

It’s a fair concern. While metal roofs like Colorbond are built tough, coastal conditions can push them to their limits. The good news? With the right maintenance and upgrades (like flashing reinforcement), you can dramatically extend your roof’s lifespan.

Here’s what every Sunshine Coast homeowner should know.

Why Coastal Metal Roofs Are Prone to Rust

The closer your home is to the ocean, the higher the exposure to salt air, which settles on roof surfaces and begins a slow but steady corrosive process. Add in:

• High humidity and rainfall
• Sun/UV exposure breaking down protective coatings
• Poor roof design or faulty flashing

…and you’ve got a perfect storm for corrosion.

Common Areas Where Rust Appears First:

• Roof screws and fasteners
• Valleys and flashings
• Around skylights or roof vents
• Under poorly sealed penetrations

What Is Roof Flashing and Why Does It Matter?

Flashing is the thin metal sheeting used to redirect water away from critical areas like:

• Roof edges
• Junctions between roof planes
• Around chimneys, skylights, or solar panels

In coastal areas, poorly installed or corroded flashing is one of the biggest causes of water ingress and long-term roof damage.



“We often find that early roof leaks are caused not by the main roof sheets, but by failed flashing seams.”

Signs Your Metal Roof Needs Rust & Flashing Attention

• Visible rust or staining around screws or valleys
• Bubbling paint or flaking coating
• Water marks on ceiling after rain
• Flashing lifting or separating from the surface

How to Protect Your Sunshine Coast Metal Roof

 1. Regular Inspections

Every 12 months (or after major storms), get a full roof check from a coastal roofing specialist.

 2. Rust Neutralisation and Repainting

Surface rust should be treated early — before it reaches deeper layers.

 3. Upgrade to High-Grade Flashing

Using marine-grade or sealed flashing materials helps protect junctions in salt-exposed areas.

 4. Apply Protective Roof Membrane

Roofcote Supa Cool or similar heat-reflective membranes add a new weatherproof layer that resists UV and salt air.

Why Sunshine Coast Homes Need Extra Protection

Living in areas like Noosa, Coolum, Mooloolaba or Pelican Waters puts your roof just a few kilometres (or less!) from sea spray zones. Even if you don’t see the ocean, the wind carries the salt — and your roof collects it.

If your home is over 10 years old and hasn’t had a professional roof treatment or inspection in that time, it’s due.

JMZ: Coastal Roof Care Experts

• Specialists in Sunshine Coast metal roofs
• 30+ years of corrosion prevention and repairs
• Roofcote-certified applicators
• Local team, no subcontractors
• Transparent reporting — no upselling, just honest advice