Assess actual exposure
Distance from the coast alone does not describe salt exposure. Prevailing wind, sea spray, shelter, elevation and how often surfaces are washed by rain can all change the maintenance burden.
Build Project BriefOutdoor Living & Architecture · Coastal guide
Coastal projects place additional demands on finishes, hardware and maintenance. The correct approach is not simply to choose one metal grade—it is to review the complete exposed assembly and how it will be cared for.

Distance from the coast alone does not describe salt exposure. Prevailing wind, sea spray, shelter, elevation and how often surfaces are washed by rain can all change the maintenance burden.
Aluminium, coatings, fasteners, tracks, motors, drainage and dissimilar-metal interfaces all matter. A single material label should not be treated as proof that the full assembly is maintenance-free.
Fresh-water rinsing, debris removal and inspection need practical access. Concealed tracks, gutters and hardware should still be reachable for maintenance.
The final maintenance schedule should follow the selected system, actual exposure and current product instructions rather than a universal coastal interval applied to every Apollo product.
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