The coastal roofing solution that’s making waves

October 17, 2025 at 12:00 a.m.

By Jenny Yu.

Learn about the corrosion-resistant steel contractors are turning to for high performance and durability.

At the Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA) show, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Ken Krawcheck Sr. and Ken Krawcheck Jr. of East Lake Metals about their innovative product that’s making the most waves: Armored Coast, a coated steel solution built for coastal durability.

Ken Sr., national sales manager for East Lake Metals, emphasized the product’s unique capabilities that make it the ideal material for builders in coastal environments. “Armored Coast is a 24-gauge Grade 50B steel,” he stated. “We put ZAM on it, and the coating does cut-edge protection and allows us to go right up to 300 feet from the breaking surf.”

The product’s design offers an alternative to aluminum, especially as metal roofing continues to gain traction in hurricane-prone regions like Florida and the Carolinas. “Now they have a different option, and distributors are using it to win more bids and sell to a wider market,” said Ken Jr., who helps manage national distribution.

One of Armored Coast’s standout features is its self-healing coating. “The coating weight on the ZAM is a ZAM 90. It has a heavier coating weight than you’ll find with AZ50 or A60,” Ken Sr. explained. “The magnesium really helps better the product where they can offer a 20-year substrate warranty.”

Importantly, contractors don’t need to change equipment to start using the product. “They’re running it right through their machines without any changes,” Ken Jr. shared. “It’s the same strength going up on the roof.”

With 22 standard color offerings — and the option to custom-match — Armored Coast also meets the growing design demand for black, charcoal and silver metallic finishes. “Check it out, get a hold of us, and get going with this product,” encouraged Ken Sr. “It’s going to work everywhere.”

Watch the webinar to learn more about Armored Coast and how it is transforming the coastal roofing industry.