Yeah, those little track brushes are honestly more for show than anything else. I’ve tried everything—vacuum attachments, compressed air, even a chopstick wrapped with a microfiber cloth. The sand just finds a way back in, especially after a windy day. I will say, sliding a bit of silicone spray along the tracks makes it easier to wipe out the grit later. Doesn’t solve it, but at least I’m not wrestling with stuck windows every time. If anyone’s found a miracle fix, I’d love to hear it too... but I’m not holding my breath.
I hear you on the brushes—mine just push the grit around, never really clear it out. Here’s what I do: first, I run a dry paintbrush along the tracks to loosen everything up. Then I use a handheld vacuum with the crevice tool, but honestly, it never gets all the sand either. After that, I’ll wipe with a damp rag and finish with a little silicone spray like you mentioned. It’s decent, but not foolproof.
Has anyone tried those magnetic window screens? I’m wondering if they help at all with keeping sand out or if it’s just another gimmick.
Has anyone tried those magnetic window screens? I’m wondering if they help at all with keeping sand out or if it’s just another gimmick.
Funny you mention those screens—I put a set on my rental a few years back, hoping they'd cut down on the grit. Honestly, they helped a little with bugs, but sand still found its way in. The wind just pushes it right through the mesh. What’s made the biggest difference for me is swapping to windows with tighter seals and using a foam weatherstrip along the tracks. Not perfect, but I spend less time vacuuming up tiny dunes. Those screens are easy to pop off and clean, though, so there’s that...
What’s made the biggest difference for me is swapping to windows with tighter seals and using a foam weatherstrip along the tracks.
That’s interesting—tight seals definitely help, but I’ve found even the best weatherstripping gets worn down fast with all the salt and humidity. The magnetic screens didn’t block fine sand for me either, but I did notice a drop in drafts, which kept my cooling bills a bit lower. Maybe not a total fix for grit, but worth it for energy savings alone.
I get the appeal of tighter seals and weatherstripping, but honestly, I’m not convinced it’s a long-term solution around here. Maybe it’s just my luck, but every time I’ve replaced the foam strips, they start peeling or turning mushy after maybe a year—sometimes less if we get one of those endless stormy stretches. The salt just eats through everything, even stuff that claims to be “marine grade.” I’ve started using silicone caulk around the frames for extra backup, but that’s kind of a pain if you ever need to open things up.
Magnetic screens were a bust for me too. They helped with wind and kept out the bigger debris, but that fine sand still found its way in. I actually tried doubling up with a cheap nylon mesh on top of the magnetic screen—looked pretty janky, but it did catch more grit. Not exactly something I’d show off to the neighbors, though.
Energy savings are nice, but when you’re constantly replacing parts or cleaning up sand drifts inside the window tracks, it kinda cancels out. At this point, I’m leaning toward spending more upfront on impact windows with built-in gaskets. Pricey for sure (my last quote made my wallet cry), but if it means less hassle over the years... maybe worth it? Just wish someone would invent a window that actually repels salt and sand instead of just slowing them down.
Anyway, curious if anyone’s found something that actually lasts more than a season or two in this climate. Feels like everything’s temporary out here.
Funny you mention the built-in gaskets—I’ve been eyeing those impact windows too, but yeah, the price tag hurts. Has anyone actually had them in for a few years? I keep wondering if they really hold up to the salt and sand, or if it’s just a slightly longer honeymoon period before the same issues show up. Also, do any of you bother with regular cleaning routines or coatings to stretch out the lifespan, or is that just wishful thinking?
Had impact windows for about four years now—honestly, they’ve held up better than I expected. The salt air is brutal, but I just rinse ‘em every couple months and haven’t seen any real corrosion yet. Not religious about it, though...sometimes I forget for a while. Haven’t bothered with any special coatings, just soap and water when the seagulls get too friendly. Price was rough, but so far, no regrets.
Funny you mention forgetting to clean them—I’ve worked on plenty of homes where folks just let the salt build up for months, and honestly, most of the newer impact windows take it like champs. I remember installing a set near the boardwalk about six years back. Owner called me last year, worried about some pitting, but it turned out to be just stubborn bird mess. A quick scrub and they looked new again. I always tell people: don’t stress too much, just keep ‘em rinsed when you remember. The upfront price stings, but I’d say peace of mind during hurricane season is worth it.
The upfront price stings, but I’d say peace of mind during hurricane season is worth it.
Couldn’t agree more on that tradeoff. The initial cost gave me pause, but after two storms with barely a scratch on the glass? Worth every penny. I do think folks sometimes over-worry about the salt—modern coatings are a lot tougher than they used to be. Still, can’t hurt to give 'em a rinse after a windy week... I’ve found it helps with the hardware longevity more than anything.