Marine-Grade Hardware FAQs

Properties within 3.2 miles (5km) of the coastline, estuary or tidal rivers are considered to be within corrosive environments, leaving them subject to higher levels of alkaline, moisture and elements.

Aluminium windows in a marine environment should be cleaned at least once every three months.

Aluminium doors limited to everyday normal use or intensive use within a commercial or public property should be cleaned once every three months.

Aluminium doors classified as a panic door should be cleaned once every month.

Aspect Windows recommend that you track your routine cleaning schedule. Download and print our Aspect Windows Cleaning Record to follow at home. You may be asked to produce evidence of routine cleaning at a later date.

For more information, please refer to our Care and Maintenance Guide for Coastal Marine Locations.

We recommend using a mild detergent to clean the inside timber surfaces at least once every six months. For the aluminium outer frame, clean once every three months.

For more information, please refer to our Care and Maintenance Guide for Coastal Marine Locations.

Hardware should be cleaned after fitting and at least every six months once in use, or bi-monthly if located in a highly corrosive environment such as on or near the coast.

Regular cleaning and maintenance is required for hardware. As these external hardware elements have coatings, do not use water to clean these elements.

For more information, please refer to our Care and Maintenance Guide for Coastal Marine Locations.

Marine-grade stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is used in marine locations or applications. It is also known as 316 stainless steel.

It offers improved durability and performance in marine locations due to its corrosion resistance.

Marine-grade stainless steel includes the chemical element molybdenum, which increases its strength and durability within these environments.

Choosing the right material for your location is paramount. Stainless steel offers the best protection for marine locations.

Aspect Windows can offer further enhancements to provide greater protection against the elements, including a 60-micron polyester powder coat finish, which is offered as standard with all of the products we supply and install.

A matt or metallic matt finish is recommended. You could also consider a Coatex textured finish as an exclusive alternative to the standard paint finish.

Pre-anodisation is a treatment applied to the aluminium before powder coating. Pre-anodisation protects the paint surface from beneath to reduce the chance of bubbling and lifting of the powder coating.

All standard handles are polyester powder coated with no exposed metal surfaces. Or 316 marine-grade stainless steel handles can be selected.

For more information, please refer to our Care and Maintenance Guide for Coastal Marine Locations.

Tea Staining is the term used to describe a surface that has become discoloured as a result of corrosion. From a visual perspective, it can be likened to rust, but it is important to note there is a difference.

Tea staining is a visual defect and does not impact the structural integrity or performance of the hardware.

To prevent this, ensure you’re following a regular care and maintenance plan that includes a sufficient stainless-steel cleaner.

Many of our manufacturers will specify that cleaning records are kept as part of their guarantee.

This could be in the form of receipts from cleaning companies, or examples like this window cleaning tracker.

We would encourage you to refer to your window manufacturer to ensure you follow their recommended care and maintenance plans. This will ensure that any routine care does not invalidate any product warranties.

We can recommend the following as best practice, however:

Cleaning Powder-coated aluminium profile and glass

Use a light soapy solution and non-abrasive cloth to remove dirt from the doors and/or glass.

Do not use washing-up liquid, solvent-based cleaning products or abrasive cleaning cloths or pads.

Within marine environments, doors and hardware should be washed down weekly with fresh water to prevent the build-up of harmful deposits.

Seals

Use a light, soapy solution and non-abrasive cloth to gently clean seals. Do not use solvent-based cleaning products on the seals.

Tracks

Use a small brush to loosen any debris from the track. Use a suitable vacuum cleaner with a thin attachment to collect debris within the track. Don’t allow debris to build up in the tracks over time as this will impact operation moving forward.

Moving Parts

Your doors contain mechanical moving parts that will require lubrication periodically, including the locking mechanisms and trolley wheels. Lubricate using silicone spray or grease and wipe away any excess with a non-abrasive cloth.