Aluminium copes well with the coast. It does not rust the way steel does, and a good factory finish protects it for years. But salt spray, wind-blown sand and long dry spells between rains still take their toll on frames, tracks and moving parts, especially along the Atlantic Seaboard and the West Coast. Most of what keeps them in good order is simple and takes a few minutes.

Rinse off the salt

Salt carried on the wind settles on frames and glass. Left there, it holds moisture against the surface and dulls the finish over time. Rinse frames with fresh water and wipe them down with a soft cloth and a little mild soap. Rain does part of this job in winter. In a dry summer, or on a house right on the beachfront, a rinse every few weeks is sensible.

Avoid scouring pads, abrasive powders and solvents such as thinners. They scratch or soften the coating, and damaged coating is where corrosion starts.

Keep tracks and drainage clear

Sliding and folding doors run in tracks that collect sand, leaves and grit. Vacuum or brush them out, then wipe them clean.

Frames also have small drainage holes along the bottom of the sill that let water escape. If they block, water can collect in the frame and find its way indoors during a storm. Check them before winter and clear them with a soft brush or a piece of wire.

Look after the moving parts

Rollers, hinges, locks and window stays work better with a light lubricant. Use a silicone spray rather than oil or grease, which hold on to sand and turn it into grinding paste. Wipe off any excess.

If a sliding door has become heavy to move, check the track first. If the track is clean and the door still drags, the rollers may need adjusting.

Check the seals

Rubber gaskets and brush seals keep wind, rain and dust out. When they shrink, crack or pull out of their grooves, you usually notice draughts, whistling in the wind or water marks on the sill. Worn seals can be replaced.

A simple routine

  • Every few weeks near the sea: rinse frames and glass with fresh water
  • Every few months: clean the tracks, clear the drainage holes and spray the moving parts
  • Before winter: check the seals and drainage, and make sure every lock closes properly

Planning new doors or windows for a coastal home? See aluminium doors and aluminium windows, or request a quote.