Coastal locations are a unique challenge for home extensions and new build projects. Factors like having more salt in the air along with strong winds and constant moisture can all wear away some materials over time.
For this reason, some window and door frames perform better than others in coastal areas. The wrong system may look good or fit into a certain budget – but it can also degrade far quicker and require replacement sooner.
That’s why, for many UK coastal homes, aluminium frames are increasingly popular. It gives you elegant designs with a strength, stability and resistance to the elements that other materials might not have. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
First, let’s see why coastal areas in particular are tough on exterior building materials:
For these reasons, it’s important to choose the right glazing system. And if you’re looking for the strongest possible performance for decades to come, you might consider aluminium frames.
There are many reasons why aluminium windows, doors and glass roof systems are popular choices for coastal homes.
Firstly, aluminium has a natural advantage in coastal environments. When it’s exposed to air, it forms a thin oxide layer on its surface that protects it from corrosion. And unlike other metals, such as steel, aluminium doesn’t rust. This makes it well suited to salt air exposure.
Coastal homeowners will know that strong winds are a common occurrence. Weaker materials might become displaced during particularly violent storms, or gradually over time. However, aluminium’s excellent strength-to-weight ratio means it can support large glass panels without compromising stability.
Moisture levels and temperature changes are also tough on buildings. Some materials, like timber, might swell or rot, while uPVC may expand and contract. On the other hand, aluminium doesn’t warp or distort, even in challenging conditions, helping to maintain your seals and performance over time.
An aluminium system will typically last you 30 to 50 years or more. In coastal environments, where other materials may need regular replacement, this long lifespan can be even more valuable. All that’s required from you in simple routine maintenance.
You can also make your aluminium systems go further with protective finishes. At Atlas Aluminium, our systems use polyester powder coating, with marine-grade options available. This adds an extra protective barrier to further resist exposure, fading, peeling and wear over time.
Many coastal homeowners build sliding doors into their home. They help maximise sea views and can also connect your interior with the surrounding landscape.
In these conditions, aluminium sliding doors give you the best of both worlds. They allow for large glazed panels with slim frames, which keeps your views clear and uninterrupted.
And as we’ve seen, aluminium is also built to handle the demands of coastal environments. This makes it an excellent choice for larger openings, giving your long-term performance without degrading.
Not planning on having sliding doors? Aluminium also works equally well across a full range of glazing systems. The Atlas Aluminium range, including the Alitherm 400 system, is designed for both residential and commercial use.
Specifically, these systems offer you strong, stable frames. You also have the choice between double or triple glazing, with high levels of security with PAS 24 options. In coastal settings, this combination of strength and performance helps maintain reliability over time while creating a seamless and integrated home design theme.
If you’re planning on installing glass roof systems in a coastal home, it’s extremely important to use the right materials. Roof lanterns and flat glass rooflights have it the hardest of all systems – dealing with direct sunlight, heavy rain, sitting water and constant moisture.
The strength and durability of aluminium make it a great choice for these conditions. It will retain its structure and support frames without warping due to wear or weight. Likewise, the frames will resist rusting or corrosion thanks to their protective layers. If longevity is your goal, it’s a good idea to consider aluminium glass roof systems.
One of the major benefits of aluminium for homeowners is how little maintenance it requires. In coastal areas, or if you’re simply looking for easy maintenance, this can be a massive bonus.
While salt can build up, occasional cleaning helps remove the deposits and keeps the frames looking their best. It’s also worth checking seals and moving parts from time to time just to make sure. However, compared to other materials, aluminium maintenance is minimal.
Here’s how different materials may perform in coastal environments:
If you have specific designs or a lower budget project, uPVC and timber can be good choices. They will require a good deal of maintenance and may need replacing early. For all other projects, aluminium is a strong balance of performance and aesthetics.
Are you planning a coastal home design project with aluminium systems? Here are a few key things to consider before you start:
Above all, choosing the right specification at the start helps avoid problems later.
Whether aluminium windows and doors are worth it for your coastal home depends on your priorities.
Aluminium often costs more upfront than alternatives like uPVC. However, it has a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements, preserving its appearance and structure even in coastal conditions. For many homeowners, this makes aluminium a good long-term investment.
Are you considering aluminium for your coastal home? Browse the Atlas Aluminium range of aluminium doors and windows to explore your possibilities.
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