Why do commercial window frames fade?
Most commercial frames are aluminium with a factory-applied powder coating. Over the years, two things dull that finish:
- Sunlight: UV can break down the top of the coating and leave a pale, powdery layer. This is known as chalking.
- Dirt: traffic fumes, rain and general pollution settle on the frames, and they can dull the colour if they aren’t washed off.
South and west-facing elevations often look worst, because they get the most sun. You may notice the frames have gone patchy, pale or flat, or that a white residue comes off on your finger.
According to this trade article, chalking doesn’t mean the powder coating has failed. It says it’s a sign that cleaning has been neglected, and that regular cleaning should keep it to a minimum. That’s good news for building owners, because it means many dull frames are only worn on the surface.
When can frames be restored?
Restoration works best when the coating is dull but still attached. Here’s a rough guide:
| What you can see | What it usually means | Usual answer |
|---|---|---|
| Dull, pale or patchy colour | Surface wear from sunlight and dirt | Clean and restore |
| White powder on your finger | Chalking | Clean and restore |
| Staining or marks from the glass or walls | Dirt and residue on the coating | Clean, then assess |
| Small scratches | Damage to the top layer | Often restorable, but may still show |
| Coating peeling or flaking | The coating has lost its grip | Respray or recoat |
| Bubbling or white spots | Corrosion under the coating | Repair and recoat |
| Failed seals, draughts, broken hardware | A problem with the window, not its finish | Replace or repair those parts |
A patch test is the quickest way to find out, because it shows what the frames can look like before you commit to the whole building.
How does window frame restoration work?
- Free site survey: we look at the frames, how they’re reached and how the building is used.
- Patch test: we restore a small area, so you can see the result and sign it off before we go further.
- Cleaning: the frames are cleaned to remove dirt and residue.
- Restoring the surface: the damaged top layer is removed to bring back the colour.
- Protective coating: a protective coating is applied, which helps guard against further weathering.
On taller buildings, we work from MEWPs, and our operatives are trained to work at height. We can plan around your opening hours, and restoration can be carried out alongside a wider building clean.
Should you restore, respray or replace?
| Option | Best for | Things to weigh up |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration | Frames that are sound but dull or chalky | Keeps the original frames in place. It relies on the coating still being attached |
| On-site respray | Frames that have damaged coating, or where you want a new colour | Needs masking, and the right conditions for the paint to cure |
| Replacement | Frames that have failed, or that no longer perform well | Usually the most disruptive option, and it may need planning permission |
If the building is listed or in a conservation area, check with your local council before you change the look of the windows.
Check the warranty first
If your frames are fairly new, look at the coating warranty before anyone starts work. Warranties often depend on the frames having been cleaned regularly and in a certain way. Your building manual or the original installer should have the details.
How can you stop it happening again?
The same article recommends washing powder-coated frames at least once a year in normal conditions, using clean water or a mild, pH-neutral detergent. That can be done when the windows are cleaned.
A few simple steps will help:
- Ask your window cleaners to wipe glass-cleaning residue off the frames, as it can damage the finish.
- Avoid abrasive pads and harsh or solvent-based cleaners.
- Wash frames more often near a busy road, in an industrial area or on the coast.
- Follow the cleaning regime you were given when the frames were installed, if you have one.
Read more about our commercial window frame restoration, or see our facade cleaning if the rest of the building needs attention too.
