How Coastal Homes Can Prevent Corrosion of Window Hardware & Hinges
What do San Diego coastal homeowners need to know?
Another best thing about living in San Diego is living close to the coast. You have the air, the scenery and the sunsets. However, you have the unpleasant part too: the salty air. And when your window lock is rougher than usual, though you might say so. There is genuine truth to the fact that coastal houses experience greater problems of corrosion than the ones situated in the interior.
The good news? No matter what you have in your hardware, you can secure it with the right habits and the right window upgrades that will ensure that everything runs well in years to come. We shall deconstruct the causes of corrosion and the ways to avoid it.
The reason why Coastal Windows are corroding more rapidly is explained below.
The primary source is salt in the air. As the ocean moisture reaches your hardware and evaporates it deposits small crystals of salt. With time those crystals increase the amount of moisture, and such a mixture begins to fracture metal surfaces.
Hardware, such as hinges, locks, rollers, and screws, is particularly vulnerable. The nearer your house is to the water the sooner this process occurs.
It is not necessary to live on the beach to have it as a problem. A few miles inland will still subject your windows to so much marine moisture as to trouble.
The Telltale Signs That Your Window Hardware is Corroding.
Corrosion is normally easy to detect early provided you know what to look at. A few common signs include:
Minute rust dots on the hinges.
Stiff or squeaky opening
Stiff locks or locks that stick.
SCREWS or Hardware plate discolouration.
And windows that are not sliding as they should.
You need not panic in case you are already seeing these. Simple maintenance can slack most of the issues or prevent them.
The Most Effective methods of preventing corrosion of homes in coastal areas.
1. Wash your windows once in a while.
This almost sounds too easy, and it is affordable. Salt accumulation can be eliminated by a washing with clean fresh water before it becomes a problem. You don’t need anything fancy. All you need to do is hose down the exterior frame and hardware every so often, mostly after the windy days.
2. Rub your hinges and locks.
When metal parts remain lubricated they last longer. Silicone-based spray is normally the best since it does not attract dirt. The hinge and moving parts are also sprayed by a little spray on a few times each few months to ensure everything remains smooth and shielded.
3. Select hardware that is resistant to corrosion.
When replacing windows or upgrading the hardware, choose the stainless steel or specially coated coastal grade elements. Not every hardware is designed to survive in salt and it can be felt in terms of longevity.
An example of such windows is ClearMax ® where the hardware is built to resist the local weather conditions that will lower maintenance and replacement expenses in the long run.
4. Keep tracks and frames clean
Minor debris can retain moisture even if it is a little amount. Clean the tracks and frames every few minutes and clear any leaves, dust or dirt that is likely to contain the water around hardware.
5. Close gaps to minimize the intrusion of moisture.
In the event that there are gaps or torn weatherstripping in your frames, the salty air can easily access the interior of the window assembly. Making replacements or changing to highly-engineered windows keeps dry and does not allow the metal components to corrode.
When Replacement Windows Are the Order of the Day.
Maintenance is one thing but old windows that have worn-out hardware would also not work well along the coastline. New windows may be the less complex, cleaner option should you be tired of constant sticking, drafts or rust returning.
New vinyl and fiberglass frames are designed with hardware that can withstand the corrosion affecting the framing as well as the humid climate of the San Diego communities closer to the shore. It is better functioning, high-energy consumption, and much fewer headaches in the years.
Final Thoughts
It is worth maintaining the house when you live close to the ocean–but you should not have to work full time on your windows. Coastal corrosion can be completely controlled with a bit of routine maintenance and the proper hardware.
In case you wonder what window options are most resistant to the elements around the coast, the ClearMax team might assist you in the process of window option comparisons and locate one that has been designed to fit the specifics of your home.
Want expert guidance? Free consultation may be scheduled any time.
Living near the ocean is a dream until salt in the air starts wearing down your hinges, locks, and window hardware. Learn how salt buildup happens, the early signs of corrosion, and the simple steps that keep your windows smooth, safe, and long-lasting in coastal weather.
📧 info@clearmaxwindows.com | 📞 (858) 220-4506
