Got a design going on in TX. Client’s signif other is an elec and plumber and will GC the house, do a bunch of the work and sub out other. Nice guy based on our first conversation. In talking about doors and windows, he expressed concerns about using alum clad windows, Marvin, for example, because he says they’re about 8 miles from the power plant, and the chemicals emitted, scrubbers or no scrubbers, has a nasty effect on the alum and will ruin the finish well before its time. Leaning towards vinyl even though they don’t look as sophisticated. Money is not an issue in the preferences–just longevity. Any of you encounter this? Any experience with special finishes? Any other ideas on what might work good given his concerns?
Thanks. Jim
Replies
I'd be interested to hear what Marvin's Technical department had to say. A lot of people think "aluminum windows" and they envision the mill finish frames found in tract homes and trailer houses of the past where the metal would oxidize and look like crap with just ordinary exposure to time and weather.
The question is if the coatings on good quality aluminum windows will withstand the elements and protect the metal. My suspicion is that they will, but I am only riding a hunch and it's not my house or my money.
The guy has a legitimate concern, and is most likely going by experience in his area.
I live in an area with chemical plants, and have seen quite a few aluminum windows get eaten up by chemicals, salt, and all kinds of other airborne little nasties. The factory paint starts to bubble, then the aluminum oxidizes very badly.
It is not a real common thing, but it does happen. I'd do whatever makes him happy.
James DuHamel
J & M Home Maintenance Service
How'd you like to be working in that chemical plant and breathing that air all day for years and years. Another reason for the freedom of the road.Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
James,
They're only about 160 mi north of you. I checked the map the other day. Kinda nice to get a confirmation of what he's experienced.
Cheers...
Followup...if alum is a risky choice, what do the higher end projects there use? Gotta protect from power plant fallout and from hurricanes and from tornados (locust and the plague, too?!?!). What does work?
Edited 8/8/2002 9:20:14 AM ET by Cloud Hidden
160 miles north..... mmmmm.... sounds like Tyler, Longview, or maybe Marshall....
The upper end projects here use a lot of vinyl clad aluminum (with a short life expectancy), or some have started going to real wood Pella or Anderson windows with vinyl exterior. VERY nice windows, but pricy (about $500 a pop).
Some contractors here look at 10 years being a lifetime for a window finish. I don't. The aluminum windows I encountered lasted about 10 years, then had to either be painted with a factory type coating, or replaced.
I have seen aluminum windows going strong after 20 years with no problems. I guess it would depend on brand, finish, and exposure to oxidants. Windows that were protected by large overhangs or covers (like awnings, porches, etc...) seem to last a LOT longer. Maybe this guy could opt for some type of protection that looks good too?James DuHamel
J & M Home Maintenance Service
Well, the design includes deeeeeep recesses to protect from the piercing sun, but good to know they help with this, too. Thanks, James.
ps. Carthage
I agree that he's right to be concerned but also that the newwer finishes on aluminum are probably going to take care of it with a consult with the tech dept.
I've seen aluminum roof flashings five or six years old that you could push your finger through.Excellence is its own reward!