"Has anyone tried fiberglass frames? I've heard they're pretty tough against coastal weather, but haven't seen them in person yet."
Fiberglass is actually pretty solid for coastal areas. I've installed a fair number of fiberglass frames near the shore, and honestly, they've held up better than I initially expected. They're definitely less prone to corrosion and fading compared to aluminum, especially the cheaper anodized stuff that starts looking chalky fast. Your neighbor probably got stuck with a lower-grade brand—seen that happen plenty of times.
Bronze does look amazing, but yeah... the upkeep can be a real pain. Fiberglass won't have that same classic charm, but it's low-maintenance and durable enough to handle salty air without much fuss. Only downside I've seen is that some fiberglass frames can look a bit plasticky if you pick the wrong finish or color, so definitely check out samples in person before committing.
Fiberglass is pretty reliable, but have you considered vinyl? I've seen fiberglass hold up nicely, but vinyl frames can be surprisingly durable too—and sometimes cheaper. Depends on your budget and how picky you are about looks, I guess...
Fiberglass and vinyl both have their merits, sure, but I'm surprised no one's brought up aluminum yet. I've lived near the coast for years, and honestly, vinyl can warp a bit under extreme heat or prolonged sun exposure—seen it happen firsthand. Aluminum frames, especially if they're powder-coated, can handle coastal conditions pretty well. They might cost a bit more upfront, but durability-wise, they're tough to beat. Just something else to think about...
Good point about aluminum, especially powder-coated. I installed some along the coast a few years back, and they're still holding strong. Have you noticed any issues with condensation buildup though? Sometimes metal frames get tricky with moisture...
I've had aluminum frames for about ten years now, powder-coated too, and condensation can definitely be a thing. But honestly, it's manageable if you keep an eye on ventilation. I found cracking the windows slightly during humid spells helps a lot. Also, checking seals regularly and wiping down any moisture buildup promptly keeps things in good shape. Sounds like you're already ahead of the game though, since yours are holding up nicely after a few years...
Yeah, ventilation really is key. I've been dealing with coastal weather for nearly two decades, and aluminum frames have held up surprisingly well, but they can get tricky during those prolonged rainy spells. One thing I've found helpful is running a small dehumidifier nearby—especially in rooms that don't get as much airflow. It's not a miracle fix, but it definitely cuts down on the moisture buildup. Sounds like you've got a good routine going already though...
Have you tried those moisture absorbers like DampRid? I've found them pretty handy in closets or smaller spaces where a dehumidifier feels like overkill. Not perfect, but definitely helps keep the sogginess at bay during those endless rainy stretches...
I've used DampRid in smaller spaces too, but for persistent coastal humidity issues, I've found silica gel packs more effective. They're reusable—just dry them out periodically in the oven—and they handle moisture spikes better during stormy periods. Might be worth a try...
Silica packs can work nicely for smaller spaces like closets or cabinets, but in my experience, tackling coastal humidity around window sills and larger areas needs something more robust. I've dealt with this issue for years in my beach cottage, and honestly, neither DampRid nor silica gel really did the trick long-term. Eventually, I upgraded to a small electric dehumidifier—nothing fancy or expensive, just a basic unit designed for bedrooms or basements—and it made a world of difference. It's quieter than you'd expect, too.
The reusable silica packs are handy, sure, but drying them out frequently got old fast for me... especially when humidity spikes during storm season mean you're constantly rotating batches through the oven. I'm all for DIY solutions where practical (believe me, I've tried them all!), but sometimes investing in a simple appliance saves you time and headaches down the line. Just my two cents from years of trial-and-error on this soggy battlefront.
Electric dehumidifiers can definitely help, but I've found that if your window installation isn't solid, you're still fighting a losing battle. Moisture loves gaps, and even tiny imperfections in sealing can let humidity seep in, especially during storms. A few years back, I had a client who kept trying different moisture control solutions, but nothing really stuck until we resealed and upgraded their windows. It wasn't a huge job, just swapping out old weatherstripping and adding some quality silicone caulk around the frames. Afterward, they noticed a huge difference, even without running their small dehumidifier 24/7.
Have you checked how well your windows are sealed? It's surprising how many people overlook that step and chase after humidity solutions instead.