Aluminum has definitely improved, but honestly, in salty coastal air, I'd still be cautious. Even with the treatments they're using now, I've seen aluminum frames start to pit and corrode after a few years—especially near the hinges or corners where moisture likes to hide. Fiberglass or even vinyl might hold up better long-term. Not saying aluminum is a total no-go, just that I'd weigh how close you are to the water before making the call...
"Fiberglass or even vinyl might hold up better long-term."
Yeah, I'm leaning toward fiberglass myself. Just moved into my first place near the coast, and after seeing how quickly my patio furniture started looking rough, I'm not taking chances with aluminum windows. I mean, if salt air can do that to a chair... imagine hinges and frames after a few years. Fiberglass seems pricier upfront, but probably worth it to avoid headaches later on.
Fiberglass is definitely the way to go if you're near saltwater. Aluminum can corrode surprisingly fast, even with protective coatings. I've seen hinges and frames practically crumble after just a few years in coastal areas. Vinyl isn't bad either, but fiberglass has the edge in durability and structural integrity—especially if you get strong winds or storms. Like you said:
"Fiberglass seems pricier upfront, but probably worth it to avoid headaches later on."
Exactly my thinking... spend a bit more now, save yourself from constant maintenance down the road.
Fiberglass definitely holds up better in coastal conditions, no doubt about it. I replaced some aluminum frames at my parents' beach house a few years back, and the corrosion was pretty shocking—hinges practically turned to dust. Fiberglass has been solid ever since. One thing I'm curious about though...has anyone tried stainless steel hardware with fiberglass windows? Wondering if that's worth the extra cost or if standard hardware holds up fine.
I've got fiberglass windows at my place near the coast, and honestly, standard hardware has been okay so far—but it's only been two years. Makes me wonder if stainless steel would really make a noticeable difference long-term or if it's just marketing hype...anyone have longer experience?
"Makes me wonder if stainless steel would really make a noticeable difference long-term or if it's just marketing hype..."
Had fiberglass windows with standard hardware for about 7 years near the coast—held up decently, but eventually saw corrosion creeping in. Switched to stainless steel hardware afterward, and it's definitely holding up better. Not night-and-day, but noticeable. Curious though, anyone tried aluminum frames with marine-grade coating? Heard mixed things about those...
Switched to stainless steel hardware afterward, and it's definitely holding up better.
I've installed a fair number of aluminum frames with marine-grade coatings near coastal areas, and honestly, it's been a mixed bag. Had one project near the ocean where the homeowner insisted on aluminum because they liked the look. After about five years, most were holding up well, but we did notice some bubbling and minor corrosion around corners and joints. Not horrible, but noticeable enough to make me skeptical. I'd say stainless steel hardware is definitely worth it, but aluminum—even marine-grade—isn't foolproof.
We went with aluminum frames with marine coating at our beach place, and yeah... same deal. Looked great for a few years, then bam—little bubbles and crusty bits around edges. Stainless hardware helped, but honestly, nothing beats regular cleaning and maintenance out here. Salt air always wins eventually, lol.
"Salt air always wins eventually, lol."
Haha, yeah, salt air is relentless... but you can definitely slow it down. I've seen good results with fiberglass frames—less prone to corrosion and bubbling compared to aluminum. Also, using silicone-based lubricants on moving parts and hinges every few months helps a ton. Have you tried fiberglass yet, or are you set on metal frames? Curious how others' fiberglass setups are holding up near the ocean.
Fiberglass sounds promising, but honestly, I've had pretty good luck with vinyl frames so far. Bought my first house near the coast about two years ago, and the previous owner had installed vinyl windows maybe five years before that. They're holding up surprisingly well—no noticeable corrosion or bubbling yet. I do give them a quick rinse every couple of months to get rid of salt buildup, and I think that's helping a lot.
I haven't tried silicone lubricants yet though...might give that a shot on the hinges and tracks. Fiberglass was on my radar initially, but the cost difference made me hesitate. Curious if fiberglass really lasts significantly longer than vinyl in salty conditions, or if it's mostly marketing hype. Either way, anything beats aluminum around here—my neighbor's aluminum frames look rough after just a few years.