Millions of people in the U.S. consider their homes their most valuable asset. Protecting this investment includes choosing windows and doors with high-quality finishes that last.
Visual Appeal
Architects and builders know big, beautiful windows and doors have universal appeal. These professionals are trusted to select the right style, shape and scale with respect to a home’s neighborhood and structure.
When it comes to choosing the finish color for the framing, nearly every homeowner wants to have the final say. The color options are practically unlimited with architectural painted coatings. From bright whites and beiges to classic brick red, navy blue and evergreen to floral pinks, purples and yellows – almost any hue is possible with paint. If the color is not already available, computer-matched custom colors can be formulated.
Aluminum-framed windows and doors have the additional option of anodized finishes in metallic tones. Unlike painted coatings, anodized finishes are an integral part of the aluminum substrate. The anodization process has a defined color range, from clear to champagne and bronze variations to black. The most popular is clear anodize, which highlights the aluminum’s natural color.
Performance Specifications
Finishes on fenestration and framing products not only enhance their appearance, but also protect and maintain the structural integrity of the aluminum itself.
To ensure the highest performance, finishes should meet the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance’s performance specifications:
- AAMA 2605, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels
- AAMA 611, Voluntary Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum
Both specifications recently were updated and now require 2,000 hours of cyclic corrosion testing. For real-world validation, these specifications also require high-performance anodized and painted finishes have a minimum of 10 years of South Florida exposure on-fence testing. To meet AAMA 2605, high-performance coatings also must undergo more than 4,000 hours of heat and humidity testing.
Strengths and Limitations
Aluminum-framed windows and doors with high performance finishes typically have either a 70% fluoropolymer resin-based coating or a Class I anodic coatings. A few finishing service providers offer dual-finish options, where the interior and exterior surface can feature different finish types or colors.
When homeowners perceive their windows and doors as essential to the value of their home, high-performance finishes are a logical choice. They are also a practical choice because they require minimal care and cleaning – saving time and costs on maintenance and repairs over their long lifetime of use.
