You nailed it—salt air just doesn’t care what you throw at it. I tried every trick in the book on my back porch windows: fancy sealers, endless sanding, the whole nine yards. After the third year of mushy corners, I finally swapped to composite too. They’re not exactly jaw-droppers, but I haven’t had to scrape or repaint once since. The time saved is worth the bland look, at least for me. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles, right?
The time saved is worth the bland look, at least for me.
Funny you mention that—my neighbor calls my new windows “hospital chic.” But hey, no more soggy sills. Did you notice any draft issues with the composites, or are they as tight as advertised? I’m still side-eyeing mine during storms.
I’m still side-eyeing mine during storms.
Totally get that feeling. I’ve seen some composites hold up great, but a couple installs I checked out had tiny gaps around the sash after a year or two—nothing major, just enough to make you wonder on a windy night. Honestly, I’ll take “hospital chic” over peeling paint and rot any day, but I do miss the old wood look sometimes.