Best Metal Roofing Materials for Hurricane Zones: Coastal SC Guide (2026)

Five metal roofing materials are commonly available for residential installation in coastal South Carolina: aluminum, Galvalume steel, galvanized steel, copper, and zinc. Each has distinct strengths and weaknesses when evaluated for hurricane-zone performance. Before diving into each material, here is the framework we use to evaluate them.

The three factors that matter most in coastal SC are:

1. Salt spray corrosion resistance: Myrtle Beach sits in a severe marine environment. Salt-laden air travels 3 to 5 miles inland depending on wind conditions. Any metal roofing material must resist chloride-induced corrosion without relying solely on sacrificial coatings that degrade in this environment.
2. Wind uplift performance: SC building code requires roofing systems in Horry County to withstand ultimate design wind speeds of 140 to 170 mph, depending on your exact location and risk category. The panel system (standing seam vs. exposed fastener) matters as much as the metal type.
3. Total cost of ownership: A cheaper metal that fails in 20 years costs more than a premium metal that lasts 50. Factor in insurance discounts, maintenance, and replacement timing when comparing materials.

For context on how metal compares to other roofing materials in storm performance, see our storm damage roof repair guide for Myrtle Beach.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the five major metal roofing materials rated for coastal South Carolina performance.

Aluminum is our top recommendation for most coastal South Carolina homes, especially properties within five miles of the ocean. It is the only common roofing metal that is naturally immune to rust and does not rely on coatings or sacrificial layers for corrosion protection.

Why Aluminum Excels in Coastal SC

• Natural corrosion resistance: Aluminum forms a self-healing oxide layer when exposed to air. Unlike galvanized steel, which relies on a zinc coating that degrades over time in salt environments, aluminum's corrosion resistance is inherent to the metal itself.
• Lightweight: At 45 to 65 pounds per roofing square, aluminum is roughly half the weight of steel. This matters in hurricane zones because lighter panels create less structural stress during wind events.
• Thermal performance: Aluminum's high reflectivity and low thermal mass make it excellent at shedding heat. In Myrtle Beach summers, an aluminum roof with a Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 finish can reduce peak roof surface temperature by 50 to 70 degrees compared to dark asphalt shingles.
• Wind ratings: Standing seam aluminum panels with mechanical seaming achieve wind uplift ratings up to 180 mph — exceeding the design wind speed for any location in Horry County.
• Recyclability: Aluminum is approximately 95 percent recyclable with meaningful scrap value at end of life.

Aluminum Limitations

• Softer than steel: Aluminum dents more easily. Thicker gauge (0.032 inch or higher) mitigates this but adds cost.
• Thermal expansion: Aluminum expands and contracts more than steel. Standing seam systems accommodate this through their floating clip design, but exposed-fastener aluminum panels can develop issues over time.
• Cost premium: Aluminum costs 15 to 25 percent more than Galvalume steel. However, the longer coastal lifespan often makes aluminum less expensive on a per-year basis.

Our recommendation: For any home in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, or Pawleys Island — anywhere within five miles of the Atlantic — aluminum standing seam is our first recommendation.

Galvalume steel combines the structural strength of steel with a protective coating of 55 percent aluminum, 43.5 percent zinc, and 1.5 percent silicon. This dual-protection system gives Galvalume 2 to 4 times the corrosion resistance of traditional galvanized steel. For homes more than two miles from the ocean — Conway, Carolina Forest, Socastee, Aynor — Galvalume offers the best balance of performance and cost.

Galvalume Strengths

• Structural strength: Steel is stronger than aluminum at equivalent thickness, providing better resistance against denting from hail and wind-driven debris.
• Wind performance: Standing seam Galvalume panels achieve the same wind ratings as aluminum — up to 180 mph with mechanical seaming.
• Cost advantage: Galvalume typically costs 15 to 25 percent less than equivalent aluminum panels.
• Proven track record: Manufactured since 1972 with decades of documented performance. Most 50-year metal roof warranty programs use Galvalume substrate.

Galvalume Coastal Limitations

• Salt air vulnerability: Homes within one to two miles of the ocean will see the Galvalume coating degrade faster. The zinc component sacrifices itself to protect cut edges, and once depleted, corrosion accelerates.
• Cut edge exposure: Wherever panels are cut during installation, raw steel is exposed. In salt-heavy environments, the self-healing capacity is consumed faster.
• Warranty exclusions: Some manufacturers void or limit substrate warranties for installations within 1,500 feet to one mile of salt water. Always verify terms for your location.

Our recommendation: Galvalume standing seam is excellent for homes 2+ miles from the ocean. For oceanfront and near-coast properties, choose aluminum instead.

Galvanized steel is the most affordable metal roofing option, but it is also the least suitable for coastal environments. It uses a pure zinc coating for protection, but salt air consumes that coating 3 to 5 times faster than inland environments.

Why We Rarely Recommend Galvanized for Coastal SC

• Accelerated zinc depletion: A galvanized coating that would protect steel for 30+ years in Greenville may be depleted in 8 to 15 years in Myrtle Beach.
• Rust once zinc is gone: Once the zinc coating is consumed, the steel begins rusting — creating holes, weakening panel strength, and allowing water intrusion.
• Shorter coastal lifespan: We estimate 20 to 35 years for galvanized steel in coastal SC, compared to 40 to 60 for aluminum.
• Warranty concerns: Many warranties exclude or limit coastal installations. A "40-year warranty" may only cover the paint system, not the substrate.

When galvanized makes sense: Detached structures (barns, workshops) more than five miles inland where affordability is the priority. For primary residences in coastal Horry County, spend the difference for Galvalume or aluminum.

Copper is the longest-lasting metal roofing option available — 60 to 80+ years on the coast — with complete salt immunity. Over time, copper develops a protective green patina (verdigris) that self-renews and gives the metal an effectively unlimited corrosion lifespan.

Why Copper Excels at the Coast

• Complete salt immunity: Copper does not rust and is unaffected by salt air. The patina actually protects the metal from further corrosion.
• Zero maintenance: No coatings to reapply, no zinc layers to monitor, no paint system to maintain.
• Naturally antimicrobial: Copper inhibits algae, moss, and biological growth — a meaningful advantage in Myrtle Beach humidity.

Copper Limitations

• Cost: 3 to 5 times more than aluminum or Galvalume. Limits practical use to high-value properties or accent applications.
• Galvanic corrosion risk: Copper causes accelerated corrosion of adjacent aluminum and steel. All connecting metals must be compatible.
• Limited wind uplift testing: Fewer copper systems have high-wind certifications compared to aluminum and steel.

Our recommendation: Copper makes sense for oceanfront homes, historic properties, and architectural accents. For typical residential homes, aluminum provides 90 percent of copper's coastal performance at 25 percent of the cost.

Zinc develops a self-healing zinc carbonate patina that provides excellent salt resistance and 50 to 70 year coastal lifespan. It is more common in European architecture but gaining popularity in high-end American residential construction.

Zinc Strengths

• Self-healing patina: Scratches and minor damage heal over time — valuable in environments with wind-driven sand and debris.
• Excellent salt resistance: The zinc carbonate patina provides effective long-term marine corrosion protection.
• Environmentally responsible: 100 percent recyclable with lower production energy than aluminum or copper.

Zinc Limitations

• Cost: 30 to 50 percent more than aluminum. Hard to justify when aluminum offers similar corrosion resistance at lower cost.
• Softness: Dents from hail and debris impact.
• Limited wind testing and fewer local installers compared to aluminum and steel.

Our recommendation: Strong option for premium coastal homes seeking a distinctive look. For most Myrtle Beach homeowners, aluminum provides similar corrosion resistance with better wind ratings and lower cost.

The panel system matters as much as the metal type. For coastal South Carolina, this choice has major implications for wind resistance and lifespan.

Standing Seam: The Hurricane Zone Standard

1. No exposed penetrations: Concealed clips eliminate screw holes on the panel surface, dramatically reducing leak risk during wind-driven rain.
2. Floating clip system: Panels expand and contract freely with temperature changes (40 to 170 degree swings in Myrtle Beach) without stressing fasteners.
3. Superior wind uplift: Mechanically seamed panels achieve ratings up to 180 mph. The seam creates a structural connection that resists uplift forces.

Exposed Fastener: Lower Cost, Lower Performance

• Screw hole degradation: Rubber washers degrade in coastal UV and salt within 10 to 15 years, creating leak points at every fastener.
• Thermal stress: Rigid fastening causes screw holes to elongate and washers to compress over years of temperature cycling.
• Lower wind ratings: Some exposed fastener profiles may not meet Horry County code requirements without additional engineering.

Any metal roof in Horry County must meet the 2021 SC Building Code, which requires design for ultimate wind speeds of 140 to 170 mph depending on location. Key requirements include UL 580/UL 1897/ASTM E1592 uplift testing documentation, ring-shank deck nails at 6-inch spacing, self-adhering underlayment at eaves and rakes, and wind-rated edge metal and flashing.

FORTIFIED Roof Designation

Metal roofs are ideal candidates for IBHS FORTIFIED Home designation. FORTIFIED requires sealed roof deck, enhanced edge metal, and reinforced details at hips, ridges, and penetrations. The reward: SC insurance premium discounts of 15 to 30 percent, plus eligibility for SC Safe Home grants up to $7,500. Read our insurance survival guide for details.

Insurance Savings Summary

A homeowner paying $4,000 per year for insurance with asphalt shingles could save $1,000 to $1,400 annually with a FORTIFIED metal roof. Over 40 to 60 years, that totals $40,000 to $84,000 in insurance savings alone — often offsetting the higher upfront cost of metal roofing entirely.

Here is a simple decision framework based on your property location.

Oceanfront or Within 1 Mile of Ocean

Choose aluminum standing seam (or copper for premium properties). Most aggressive salt exposure. Avoid galvanized steel entirely.

1 to 5 Miles from Ocean

Choose aluminum or Galvalume standing seam. Both perform well. Aluminum has the corrosion edge; Galvalume has the cost advantage. Covers much of Myrtle Beach proper, inland NMB, and Surfside Beach.

5+ Miles Inland

Choose Galvalume standing seam for best value. Salt exposure is lower, and Galvalume's structural advantages and lower cost are most compelling. Covers Conway, Carolina Forest, Socastee, Aynor.

All Locations: Standing Seam over Exposed Fastener

The superior wind performance, zero exposed fasteners, and longer maintenance-free lifespan justify standing seam for any residential home in Horry County.