Caring for aluminium near the sea
Why the coast is different
Much of the Western Cape sits right on the coast, from the Atlantic seaboard to False Bay. The air carries salt, and the south-easter drives it — along with fine sand — into every frame, track and fixing that faces the sea. Aluminium handles this well, but it does better with a little care.
Finishes
Powder-coated and anodised finishes are the usual choices for coastal homes and buildings. Both protect the aluminium surface; which suits your site depends on how exposed it is. It is a good question to raise when you ask for a quote.
Fixings
Screws, hinges and handles matter as much as the frame. Stainless fixings are the usual choice on the coast, because salt attacks ordinary steel long before it troubles the aluminium around it.
Rinse with fresh water
Salt left to dry on a frame keeps working at the finish. Rinse frames and glass with fresh water, then wash with mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaners, which scratch the finish. Sea-facing walls need this more often than sheltered ones.
Keep tracks and drainage clear
Sand collects in sliding tracks and makes doors and windows heavy to open. Brush or vacuum the tracks, and check that the small drainage slots along the bottom of each frame are clear, so water can get out.
What to ask at the quote stage
- Which finish suits how exposed the site is?
- Which fixings are used?
- How much wind does the opening take — and does that change the frame?
Send photos of your openings on WhatsApp and ask for a free quote.
