What metal facade options perform best in humid or coastal environments?

Humid and coastal environments accelerate corrosion and coating degradation, so select metal facades and details engineered for aggressive exposure. Aluminum alloys with higher magnesium content (e.g., 5000 series) offer improved corrosion resistance; pair them with high-performance fluoropolymer (PVDF) or anodized finishes designed for marine exposure. For critical junctions and hardware, use 316 stainless steel or specially coated fasteners and anchors to resist galvanic corrosion. Isolate dissimilar metals with non-conductive barriers or sealants and avoid direct contact between aluminum and steel without proper separation. Consider sacrificial lower cladding or kick plates in street-facing zones to handle mechanical and corrosion damage while allowing inexpensive replacement. Ventilated rainscreen assemblies with free-draining cavities prevent water retention and reduce salt accumulation—design cavity flushing and access for periodic washing in maintenance plans. Sealants and gaskets must be selected for UV stability and salt spray resistance; expect accelerated replacement intervals and plan accordingly. For high-splash zones, specify thicker coatings and consider powder-coated systems with extra topcoats. Finally, incorporate a robust inspection and maintenance schedule that includes periodic rinse-downs to remove salts and contaminants—this simple regimen extends coating life and prevents under-film corrosion. Combining corrosion-resistant alloys, durable finishes, isolated connections and purposeful maintenance yields facades that perform reliably in humid and coastal climates.