If you’ve got aluminium joinery at home, the good news is it’s low maintenance. But low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. A quick clean now and then keeps your aluminium windows and doors looking sharp and helps them last longer.
When it comes to cleaning aluminium joinery, plenty of people make simple mistakes without realising it. For example, using rough sponges, blasting them with a high-pressure hose, or spraying on random cleaning products they find under the sink. That stuff can actually damage your joinery.
At Window Factory, we’ve been making quality aluminium windows and doors in Auckland since 1976. In this guide, we cover exactly how to clean your aluminium joinery the right way.
The Do’s of Cleaning Aluminium Joinery
- Do clean it regularly: Give your aluminium joinery a good clean every 3 to 6 months. If you live near the beach or on a dusty road, do it more often because salt and grime can build up fast.
- Do use mild soap and warm water: A small squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water is all you need. Stay away from anything too strong or full of chemicals.
- Do use a soft cloth or sponge: Use a soft cloth, sponge, or one of those microfibre towels. Anything rough can scratch the surface or dull the finish.
- Do rinse thoroughly with clean water: Once you’ve washed everything, rinse it all down with clean water. Make sure no soap or muck is left sitting in the corners.
- Do check drainage holes: Down the bottom of your frames, you’ll see little holes. That’s where water drains out. If they’re blocked, water can back up and cause damage. Clear them out with a cotton bud or soft brush
Durability and Maintenance
Timber doesn’t love water. It swells. It cracks. It rots. If you don’t keep up with sanding and repainting, it won’t last long. Especially near the coast or in damp parts of the country.
Aluminium is both durable and low maintenance. It doesn’t rust, doesn’t rot, and it handles wind and rain like a champ. You don’t need to repaint it either. A quick wipe down every so often to get rid of dust or salt is all it needs.
Energy Efficiency
Timber is naturally good at insulating, sure. But only if it’s well-sealed and looked after properly. Cracks and gaps let heat out. And over time, timber shifts, which means more drafts.
Today’s aluminium windows are available with thermal breaks. That’s a fancy way of saying they stop heat from escaping through the aluminium. Add double glazing and you’re sorted. You’ll stay warm in winter and cool in summer. And as an added bonus, you’ll save on power bills too.
Environmental Impact
Timber is renewable, but only if it comes from a good source. Not all of it does. Plus, you’ve got to chop down trees to get it in the first place. And if it rots after 10 or 15 years, it ends up in the bin.
Aluminium is fully recyclable. A lot of the aluminium used in windows today has already had a past life as something else. It lasts for decades. And when you’re done with it, it can be melted down and reused. So while the production side does use energy, it balances out over time.
Cost Considerations
Timber windows are pricey. Not just to buy, but to keep in good nick. You’ll be paying for paint, filler, sanding gear, and maybe a pro to do the hard bits of maintenance.
Aluminium windows cost less upfront in most cases, and you won’t need to fork out for upkeep. Once they’re in, they’re in. No messing around. Over the life of the house, they work out way cheaper than timber windows.
Best Applications for Each
If you’re doing up a villa and you want to keep the character, both options of timber and aluminium work well. Some people just like the look of timber, and that’s fine.
But for pretty much everything else, from new builds to renovations, apartments, and coastal homes, aluminium windows win hands down. Aluminium is strong, light, weathertight, and works for all kinds of layouts. It can handle high wind zones too, which matters if you’re near the coast or up a hill.
The Verdict
Let’s keep it simple. Timber has its place. It looks nice, it’s natural, and it fits certain styles.
But if you want something that lasts longer, needs less work, holds up better in wild NZ weather, and won’t drain your wallet, then go aluminium. It’s smarter, stronger, and way less hassle.
Aluminium Windows Auckland
So, it’s clear the aluminium windows are the better choice. Unless, of course, you’re restoring a heritage home or love sanding windows on your weekends.
At Window Factory, we’ve been building aluminium windows and doors for nearly 50 years. We make everything in-house at our Auckland factory, so we know exactly what’s going into each product. Whether you’re after sliding windows, awning windows, bifolds, or roof windows, we’ve got options for every kind of home. Everything’s made to measure, and we work with homeowners, builders, and architects across the country.
Our aluminium joinery is built to handle the wildest NZ weather, and our team is straight-up good to deal with. No fluff and jargon, just solid products and proper service. If you’re planning a build or thinking about swapping out old windows, have a chat with us. You can call us, send us a message, or get a free quote online. We’ll help you find the perfect fit.
