We’ve lived in our 1940s Florida bungalow for over eight years, and while we’ve lovingly renovated so many parts of our home, the roof had always been… well, the elephant on the ceiling.
Last year, after yet another hurricane brushed by, our old shingle roof finally gave out. Leaks sprang up in all the worst places, and suddenly “replace the roof” shot straight to the top of our to-do list. We knew this wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. It was about protecting our home and everything inside it. And with more storms expected every year, we needed something stronger. Smarter. Built for coastal living and storm season.
That’s when we found COASTALUME™ by U. S. Steel and everything changed. We would like to thank U.S. Steel for partnering with us on this project!
From Shingles to Steel: Why We Made the Switch
We went into our research thinking this would be a battle between practicality and design. But surprisingly, we found something that offered both without compromise.
Traditional shingles might be cheaper up front, but they’re no match for the Florida heat, humidity, and hurricane-level winds. We’ve seen the damage firsthand. steel roofing, on the other hand, gave us the durability we needed. And COASTALUME™? It took it even further.
Made by U. S. Steel in collaboration with DuPont™, COASTALUME™ is designed with the ocean and hurricanes in mind. It’s finished with Tedlar® film, which resists corrosion, cracking, and color fading even in a salty, stormy climate like ours. In fact, this roof doesn’t just survive coastal living it’s made for it.
And when you live in a small home, every upgrade counts. Choosing a roof that’s built to last wasn’t just a practical decision. It was a long-term investment.
A Roof That Performs—Even in a Hurricane
We’ve had more than eight hurricanes head our way in the past few years alone. We needed peace of mind.
The COASTALUME™ roof is high-wind rated and won’t lift, peel, or crack under pressure. That’s huge for us living just 2.5 miles from the Gulf. And the Tedlar® film? It’s like a protective raincoat for your roof, shielding it from salt spray, heavy rain, and everything in between.
Plus, the warranties are no joke. There’s a 25-year substrate warranty on the steel, and up to 50 years on the finish even if you live right on the shore. That’s real, long-term protection.
What We Picked:
The Look: Standing Seam & Subtle Coastal Charm
We chose a standing seam steel roof because of its clean lines and concealed fasteners. It’s just as beautiful as it is functional. There are no exposed screws, which means less chance of leaks and a more seamless, polished look.
Our color, “Dawn Gray,” shifts from a soft cool gray in the mid-day sun to a dreamy blue undertone during golden hour. It’s subtle, elevated, and fits right in with our beach town charm.
And COASTALUME™ isn’t a one-size-fits-all roof. There are 30+ designer finishes to choose from, including woodgrains, stone textures, and modern steellics. So whether your style is a coastal cottage or modern farmhouse, there’s something for you.
Why Small Homes Deserve Big Design
People assume that because our home is tiny, it doesn’t deserve high-end finishes. But we’ve always believed that size shouldn’t limit style. If anything, it makes every detail more important.
Upgrading to a COASTALUME™ steel roof was our way of saying our home deserves the best because it protects the people and the life we love most. Just because a home is small doesn’t mean it can’t be smart, strong, and elevated.
We’re proud to show that investing in top-quality materials isn’t just for luxury estates. Our bungalow now stands a little taller (and looks a lot prettier) with a roof that’s ready for anything.
Final Thoughts: Why COASTALUME™ Was the Right Choice for Us
In the end, we didn’t just get a new roof we got peace of mind, maintenance-free protection, a coastal modern look. Plus, a roof that was made in America, go USA!
This isn’t just about replacing something old. It’s about protecting what matters most: our family, our home, and everything inside.
If you’re a coastal homeowner, especially in a hurricane-prone area, don’t wait for the next storm to make the call. Trust me… you’ll want a roof that’s built for the coast, and ready for anything.
