Advice · JÁVEA WINDOWS
Frame, hardware, finish and maintenance all matter in exposed coastal positions.
Last reviewed: 13 August 2026
MEASURED ON SITE · MADE FOR THE OPENINGA sheltered street and an open sea-facing terrace may be close together but place different demands on hardware and finishes.
Discuss coating quality, hardware, drainage and maintenance during the survey.
Regular cleaning and early attention to hardware can prevent small issues becoming difficult repairs.
Salt-laden air accelerates corrosion, and the effect is strongest on exposed elevations within sight of the water. Frames themselves are generally resilient. The parts that fail first are usually the hardware — handles, hinges, rollers and fixings.
Both perform well when specified for the location. For aluminium, the quality of the powder-coated finish and the grade of hardware determine longevity. PVC does not corrode, but its hardware still can. Component specification matters more than the frame material.
Rinsing frames and tracks with fresh water clears salt deposits before they build up, and keeping drainage channels clear prevents standing water. Moving parts benefit from periodic lubrication. Little of this is demanding, but neglect shortens hardware life noticeably.
Colour affects heat absorption more than corrosion. Dark finishes run hotter in direct sun, which places more load on seals and can be relevant on unshaded south and west elevations. Finish quality matters more than the shade itself.
On exposed positions, higher-grade stainless fixings and hardware are usually a sound decision. Hardware is the first thing to seize or corrode near the sea, and replacing it later costs more than specifying it correctly at the outset.
See the available systems, related products and practical information for planning the work.
