Been daydreaming about moving closer to the coast someday, but then I started thinking about practical stuff like windows. I mean, aluminum seems pretty sturdy, but what if you're right by the ocean with all that salty air blowing around? Would they start corroding or looking nasty after a while? Anyone here live near the beach and have aluminum windows—how are they holding up for you?
I've had aluminum windows on my coastal property for about 6 years now, and honestly, they've held up pretty well. The key is getting ones with a good powder-coated finish—makes a huge difference against corrosion. Sure, you'll see some minor wear eventually (salt air is relentless...), but regular rinsing with fresh water every few months helps a ton. Definitely wouldn't let it stop you from your beachside dreams; just be ready for a bit of extra TLC now and then.
"The key is getting ones with a good powder-coated finish—makes a huge difference against corrosion."
True, powder coating helps, but honestly, I've seen aluminum windows near the ocean start to pit and corrode even with regular rinsing. Salt air just eats through eventually. Personally, I'd lean toward fiberglass or vinyl frames for coastal properties—less hassle long-term and fewer worries about corrosion creeping in. Aluminum works, sure, but be ready for more maintenance than you might expect...
Yeah, powder coating definitely helps slow down corrosion, but I've noticed the same thing near the coast—aluminum eventually starts showing signs of wear no matter what. One thing I've tried that's helped a bit is applying a marine-grade wax or sealant every few months. It's an extra step, sure, but it creates another barrier against salt air. Also, check the hardware regularly—hinges, screws, and latches tend to corrode faster than the frames themselves, and swapping those out with stainless steel parts early on saves headaches later.
Fiberglass or vinyl frames are solid alternatives too, like you mentioned. I switched a couple windows to fiberglass a few years back, and they've held up great with minimal fuss. But aluminum can still work fine if you're proactive about maintenance and realistic about its lifespan near saltwater.
It's an extra step, sure, but it creates another barrier against salt air. Also, check the hardware regularly—hinges, screws, and latches tend to corrode faster than the frames themselves, and sw...
Yeah, aluminum near the ocean is always gonna be a bit of a compromise. Powder coating and marine wax definitely buy you some time, but honestly, I've replaced enough corroded hinges and locks to know it's not a permanent fix. If you're set on aluminum, just factor in regular maintenance as part of coastal living—otherwise fiberglass or vinyl might save you some hassle in the long run.
You're spot on about the hardware being the weak link. I've had aluminum windows at my beach place for about 8 years now, and honestly, the frames themselves have held up surprisingly well with regular waxing. But those hinges and latches... man, they're another story. Seems like every year I'm swapping out at least one or two pieces of hardware that've rusted beyond saving.
One thing that's helped me is keeping a small stash of replacement parts handy—just makes it less of a headache when something inevitably goes. Also, silicone spray lubricant on hinges and moving parts every few months seems to slow down corrosion a bit.
But yeah, coastal living means accepting some extra maintenance no matter what material you choose. Fiberglass or vinyl might be easier overall, but if you prefer aluminum for looks or whatever reason, it's doable—just gotta stay on top of it.
"Seems like every year I'm swapping out at least one or two pieces of hardware that've rusted beyond saving."
Yeah, that's been my experience too. Honestly makes me skeptical about aluminum long-term... but I guess if you're diligent enough with upkeep, it's manageable. Still, silicone spray's a lifesaver—learned that the hard way!
I've had similar experiences living near the coast. Aluminum can hold up pretty well, but a lot depends on the quality of the finish and coatings. I've found that investing upfront in marine-grade finishes or anodized aluminum actually saves money down the line. Silicone spray is definitely handy, but have you tried wax-based protectants? Some neighbors swear by them... might be worth experimenting to see if it holds up better over time.
Marine-grade finishes are definitely worth the extra upfront cost. Silicone sprays are handy for quick fixes, but wax-based protectants seem to last longer in my experience. Also, regular rinsing with fresh water helps a ton... salt buildup is sneaky stuff.
"regular rinsing with fresh water helps a ton... salt buildup is sneaky stuff."
Couldn't agree more about the sneaky salt buildup. When I moved into my current place near the beach, the aluminum windows seemed fine at first glance. But after just one winter, I started noticing tiny white spots and some roughness on the frames. Initially, I tried silicone sprays—quick and easy, sure—but they didn't hold up for long, especially when storms rolled through.
Eventually, I switched to a wax-based protectant every six months or so. Here's what worked best for me: first, thoroughly rinse the windows with fresh water to remove any loose salt and grime. Dry them off completely (don't skip this step!). Then apply a thin coat of wax-based protectant and buff gently. It's a bit tedious, but honestly, it made a noticeable difference in slowing down corrosion. Marine-grade finishes might be great if you're starting fresh, but if you've already got standard aluminum frames like mine, regular maintenance is your best bet.