We all want our homes to look great, especially with exterior paint. A perfect paint job boosts your home’s appeal and your satisfaction. If you’ve had your home for a while, you might notice your aluminium windows fading. But why does this happen? Let’s explore the reasons.
Table of Contents
- Reasons for Fading Windows?
- Understanding the Chemical Reactions?
- That Got a Bit Technical. Can you Explain in Layman’s Terms?
- How Can I Address Faded Windows?
Why are my aluminium windows fading?
We all want our homes to look great, especially after painting. A good paint job boosts your home’s appeal and your satisfaction. But, if you’ve been in your home a while, you might notice your aluminium windows fading. Why does this happen? Let’s find out.
Reasons for Fading Windows
Aluminium windows, whether bare or painted, fade due to the sun. The sun’s UV rays heat the Earth. They also fade the window by triggering chemical reactions on its surface.
Although sunlight is the primary cause, other factors contribute too. Moisture, pollution, and atmospheric chemicals can hasten window fading. Living near the sea can exacerbate this process due to the corrosive effects of salty air.
- UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the paint or anodized finish on aluminium windows to fade over time.
- Weather Conditions: Harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and saltwater (in coastal areas) can wear down the protective coatings on aluminium, leading to fading.
- Pollution and Contaminants: Airborne pollutants, chemicals, and other environmental contaminants can contribute to the degradation of the aluminum finish.
- Improper Maintenance: Lack of regular cleaning and maintenance can accelerate the fading process. Dirt, grime, and other residues can build up on the surface and affect the finish.
- Low-Quality Coatings: Using low-quality paints or coatings can result in faster fading. High-quality, UV-resistant coatings are essential for long-term durability.
- Age: Over time, even the best-maintained windows will naturally fade due to the breakdown of materials.
Understanding the Chemical Reactions
To understand why aluminium windows fade, you need some chemistry. But don’t worry—it won’t cause high school panic.
Painted, powder coated, or anodized, your aluminium windows will fade. The process is similar for all three. The coating absorbs certain wavelengths of light and reflects others. The colors you perceive are the reflected wavelengths.
When sunlight is absorbed, molecules in the coating gain energy and become excited. To return to a stable state, they release this energy as heat, which can make the window warm to the touch in sunlight.
During this energy transfer, chemical bonds between molecules can sometimes break. Over time, these broken bonds accumulate, altering the properties of the window coating and causing fading.
That Got a Bit Technical. Can you Explain in Layman’s Terms?
Certainly. Your windows absorb or reflect sunlight depending on the wavelength. The heat energy they absorb triggers minor chemical reactions.
These reactions can occasionally harm the window coating, whether it’s paint or another type of finish. Over time, this leads to the appearance of faded aluminium windows.
How Can I Address Faded Windows?
Addressing faded aluminium windows involves several steps, ranging from cleaning and minor touch-ups to complete refinishing. Here’s a detailed guide on how to tackle this issue:
1. Cleaning the Windows
Start by thoroughly cleaning the windows to remove any dirt, grime, and oxidation that may have accumulated on the surface.
Materials Needed:
- Mild detergent
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Water
- Non-abrasive cleaner
Steps:
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the aluminium surfaces.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots.
2. Removing Oxidation
Oxidation can cause aluminium to appear dull and faded. Removing this layer can restore some of the original shine.
Materials Needed:
- Aluminium cleaner or vinegar solution
- Soft brush or cloth
Steps:
- Apply the aluminium cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to the oxidized areas.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
3. Touch-Up Paint
For minor scratches and faded areas, touch-up paint can be used to restore the colour.
Materials Needed:
- Matching touch-up paint (available at hardware stores)
- Small paintbrush
Steps:
- Clean the area to be painted and let it dry.
- Apply the touch-up paint with a small brush, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow the paint to dry completely.
4. Refinishing the Windows
For severely faded windows, refinishing the entire surface might be necessary.
Materials Needed:
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Primer (suitable for aluminium)
- High-quality exterior paint (UV-resistant)
- Paintbrush or spray paint equipment
Steps:
- Lightly sand the aluminium surface to remove any remaining oxidation and to create a smooth base for painting.
- Wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove dust.
- Apply a coat of primer designed for aluminium and let it dry completely.
- Apply the exterior paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and the number of coats required.
5. Professional Services
For the best results, consider hiring a professional service like New Look Coatings to restore and refinish your aluminium windows. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to ensure a high-quality finish that will last.
Restoring faded aluminium windows is straightforward. You can opt to rejuvenate or recolour them. At NewLook Coatings our process not only revitalizes your windows but also helps slow down future fading. Alternatively, our professionals specialize in recolouring services. Contact us today to learn how we can restore the beauty of your aluminium windows.