You're spot-on about the windows—salt air is brutal. As for roofing, metal roofs can hold up pretty well if they're properly coated, but I've seen corrosion issues pop up near seams and fasteners. Asphalt shingles rated for coastal use might be simpler long-term...just my two cents.
Good points about the asphalt shingles, but have you seen how they hold up after a big coastal storm? I've done a couple of beach house remodels, and honestly, budgeting for unexpected repairs is just as important as your initial renovation budget. Salt air laughs at warranties, trust me on that one... Have you thought about fiber cement siding or composite decking? Might cost a bit more upfront, but saves headaches (and wallet aches!) down the line. What's your timeline looking like for this project?
Fiber cement siding sounds interesting, hadn't really considered that yet. We're hoping to start in the next couple months, but now you're making me rethink some of my choices, haha. Did you find composite decking slippery when wet? I've heard mixed things about it, and with kids running around, that's definitely something I'm keeping an eye on...
We went with composite decking at our lake cabin a few years back, and honestly, it hasn't been too slippery. That said, we chose one with a textured finish, which probably helps a lot. My kids run around barefoot all summer, even after swimming, and we've had no major wipeouts yet (knock on wood...). I'd say just make sure you avoid the super smooth options—those can get slick. Overall though, it's been pretty low-maintenance and worth it for us.
We considered composite decking too, but ended up sticking with wood since our place is historic and we wanted to keep that authentic vibe. Honestly though, every summer I spend way too much time sanding and staining—my back hates me by August. Your low-maintenance experience is making me reconsider my life choices, haha... Textured composite sounds like a smart compromise, especially if you've got kids sprinting around wet all day. Maybe next renovation I'll finally cave in and join the modern world.
