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Living by the sea offers stunning views and a unique lifestyle, but it also brings specific challenges for homeowners, particularly when it comes to windows. In South Wales, where beautiful coastlines stretch from Cardiff Bay to the Gower Peninsula, coastal properties face harsh conditions that can affect the longevity and performance of glazing products.
At Futureglaze, we’ve been serving South Wales homeowners for over three decades, and we understand the unique demands that coastal environments place on windows.
Let’s explore what you need to consider when choosing windows for your seafront property.
The Coastal Challenge: What Your Windows Are Up Against
Salt Air Corrosion
Salt-laden air is perhaps the biggest threat to windows in coastal regions. Salt particles carried by sea breezes can settle on window frames and hardware, potentially causing corrosion and deterioration over time. This is especially true for properties within 5-10 miles of the shoreline, where salt concentration in the air is highest.
Strong winds and Driving Rain
Coastal homes often experience stronger winds than inland properties. In South Wales, where Atlantic weather systems regularly sweep in, windows need to withstand not just the force of wind but also heavy rain that can be driven horizontally against your home. This tests the weatherproofing of windows and puts extra stress on hinges, locks, and colour finishes.
Temperature Fluctuations
Coastal areas typically experience more moderate temperatures than inland regions, but the combination of bright sunshine, reflected light from the sea, and sudden weather changes can cause repeated expansion and contraction of window materials. This can eventually lead to warping or gaps forming, especially if they are installed poorly.
UV damage
Increased exposure to sunlight, especially with reflection from water, means coastal windows can suffer from accelerated UV damage. This might cause fading of frames or deterioration of seals if they’re not designed to handle such conditions.
Window materials for coastal homes
uPVC Windows: Cost-Effective Protection
Our Rehau uPVC windows offer excellent resistance to salt corrosion and don’t require painting or treatment to maintain this protection. They’re also highly resistant to warping and fading, even in strong sunlight.
For South Wales coastal homeowners, our uPVC windows provide a practical solution that combines durability with excellent thermal performance. With multi-chambered frames that achieve A+ energy ratings, they help keep heating costs down while standing up to coastal conditions.
Aluminium Windows: Strength Meets Style
Smart Systems aluminium windows offer exceptional strength and durability in coastal settings. The powder-coated finish provides a tough barrier against salt corrosion, and the material won’t warp, rot, or fade over time.
Our aluminium windows offer narrow sightlines that maximise sea views while providing the structural integrity needed to withstand strong coastal winds. With polyamide thermal breaks, they also deliver excellent energy efficiency with low U-values.
Our Window Styles
Casement Windows
Casement windows remain one of the most practical choices for coastal homes. Their simple, effective design allows for excellent weatherproofing when closed, while providing good ventilation options when open. Our uPVC and aluminium casement windows feature multi-point locking systems and durable weather seals that help prevent water ingress.
Sliding Sash Windows
Our Spectus sliding sash windows offer traditional aesthetics with modern performance. Available in both uPVC and timber options, these windows combine traditional looks with modern weatherproofing, featuring brush seals and internal drainage channels to manage water effectively.
Flush Sash Windows
Flush sash windows have become increasingly popular for coastal renovation projects. Their design, where the opening part sits flush with the frame, reduces the areas where salt can collect and helps create a cleaner look that complements coastal architecture.
They combine the appearance of traditional timber with modern uPVC performance, making them ideal for older coastal properties that need authentic-looking replacement windows without the maintenance concerns.
Why Choose Futureglaze for Your Coastal Windows
As a family-run business based in South Wales for over three decades, we understand the local climate and its effect on your home. Our installation teams are experienced in working with coastal properties, and all our windows come with comprehensive guarantees, including our 10-year insurance-backed warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. We’re also fully accredited by FENSA, CHAS, and Construction Line, ensuring all installations meet the highest standards.
Upgrade Your Coastal Property with Us
Choosing the right windows for your coastal home in South Wales requires careful consideration of materials, styles, and installation methods. Whether you’re undertaking a renovation project or need replacement windows, selecting products designed to withstand salt air, strong winds, and heavy rain will ensure your new windows look good and perform well for years to come.
We’d love to see you in person and invite you to visit our showroom for a chat. Here, you can view and use our windows, including the design options and find the right choice for your property.
For more information, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, please call us on 01443 423 423, email us at sales@futureglaze.co.uk, or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should coastal windows be maintained?
Windows in coastal areas should be cleaned more frequently than inland – we recommend at least every 3 months. This includes rinsing frames with fresh water to remove salt deposits and checking seals and hardware for early signs of corrosion.
Are patio doors suitable for coastal properties?
Yes, our sliding patio doors and bifold doors are designed to withstand coastal conditions. For seafront properties, we typically recommend our Smart Systems aluminium options with marine-grade hardware.
Will new windows improve energy efficiency in my coastal home?
Absolutely. Coastal homes often experience higher winds that can find their way through older windows. Our modern double-glazed windows offer significantly improved weatherproofing and insulation, adding a lot of benefits like improved comfort and reduced heating bills.
