WINDOW CARE BY THE SEA

Sea air, sand and strong winds speed up wear on windows and balcony glazing. Simple regular care adds years to the life of your units and saves you unnecessary repairs. Here are practical tips for apartment owners in Alanya.

What happens to windows by the sea

Salt from the sea air settles on the glass, profiles and hardware. Combined with moisture, it forms a deposit that gradually damages the coating on metal parts. Sand and dust get into the tracks and between the seals, and the wind puts constant strain on the sashes and locking mechanisms. This is most noticeable on the seafront and on high floors.

The good news is that modern PVC profiles and aluminium with a quality coating cope well with the seaside climate. Problems usually arise not from the materials but from a lack of care: built-up salt, clogged tracks and dried-out seals can cut the life of your units several times over.

Cleaning the glass and profiles

• Clean the windows and balcony glazing about once a month, more often on the seafront.
• First rinse off the salt and sand with clean water, then wipe: dry-wiping sand leaves scratches.
• Use a soft sponge and non-abrasive products, with no powders or solvents.
• Wash PVC and aluminium profiles with soapy water and wipe them dry.
• Don't clean glass in direct sunlight — it will leave streaks.

After a strong wind carrying sand, it is especially important not to wipe the glass with a dry cloth: the grains act as an abrasive and leave scratches. It is better to wet the glass thoroughly with a spray bottle or hose first, let the sand run off, and only then clean it.

Tracks and drainage

For sliding and frameless glazing, the most vulnerable spot is the bottom profile. If sand builds up there, the rollers start to stick and wear out faster.

1. Vacuum the bottom track with a narrow nozzle.
2. Clean it with a damp cloth or a brush.
3. Check the drainage holes — water should drain out through them. Clear them with a thin wire.

On PVC windows the drainage holes are in the bottom of the frame and also need checking from time to time.

Keeping an eye on drainage is especially important in autumn and winter, when Alanya gets heavy rain. If water can't drain from the profile, it may overflow onto the balcony or into the room and ruin the floor.

Hardware and seals

Every six months, lubricate the moving parts of the hardware — hinges, locking cams, the handle mechanism — with a special lubricant or silicone spray. Don't use vegetable oil: it collects dust.

Wipe the rubber seals clean of salt and treat them with a silicone product. If a seal has cracked or lost its elasticity, it is best replaced — otherwise dust, noise and water will get into the apartment. Replacement and adjustment are carried out by our window repair service.

Pay attention to handles and locks: if they have become stiff to turn, that is the first sign the mechanism needs lubricating or adjusting. Don't force them — you could break the hardware.

Wind and safety

• In windy weather, close the sashes fully and lock them; don't leave windows unattended in the tilt position.
• In strong winds, keep the panels of a frameless system gathered in the closed position.
• Before leaving the apartment, check that all windows and the balcony are closed.
• If a sash has become hard to close or has developed play, call a technician to adjust it.

If you are leaving Alanya for several months, clean the windows and tracks, lubricate the hardware and close all the sashes before you go. This will help prevent salt and sand building up while you are away.

Insect screens and blinds

Screens collect as much salt and dust as windows do. Take framed screens down and rinse them in the shower; wipe roller and pleated screens with a damp brush. Wipe blind slats with a soft cloth. For more on choosing screens for the local climate, see the article which insect screens suit Turkey.

Curtains and roller blinds on the balcony also collect salt and dust. They should be washed or cleaned periodically according to the fabric manufacturer's instructions.

Servicing and free inspection

If your windows or glazing aren't working as well as they used to, a technician will inspect them, adjust the hardware and replace seals or rollers. Contact us by phone or WhatsApp on +90 535 556 85 25. Indicative prices for new units are on the prices page.

Regular maintenance costs far less than replacing rollers, hardware or glazing units after several years of neglect. If you don't have time to look after the windows yourself, you can book an inspection and adjustment once a year.

Frequently asked questions

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