Direct exposure, no shelter
Unlike towns further round the estuary, Hoylake faces the open sea with very little in the way of natural shelter, so wind driven rain and salt spray hit frontages here with real force. Windows and doors that would be fine a mile or two inland can show corrosion, sticking or seal failure within a surprisingly short time if they're not specified for this level of exposure.
We treat every Hoylake job with that in mind from the survey stage onward, looking closely at how existing frames have weathered before deciding on the right materials and hardware for the replacement.
Why powder coated aluminium works well here
Powder coated aluminium has become a popular choice for Hoylake's sea facing properties because the coating resists the pitting and discolouration that plainer finishes can suffer close to open water. Aluminium frames also hold slim sightlines, which suits the larger window openings found in a lot of the town's period and more recently built coastal homes.
- Powder coated aluminium windows resistant to salt spray
- Marine grade hinges, handles and locking hardware
- uPVC options for owners wanting a lower cost alternative
Built for Hoylake's open coast
Free survey, fixed written price and installation by our own fitters, backed by a 10 year insurance backed guarantee. Call 0800 994 9440 or 07950 872341.
The older centre and its period homes
Hoylake's older centre has a good number of period properties, many with bay windows and panelled doors that have been altered piecemeal over the years. We look to restore a sense of consistency to these frontages, replacing mismatched or worn units with windows and doors that suit the age and style of the house while using modern materials underneath.
Hardware that won't seize up
Locking mechanisms and hinges are usually the first thing to fail on a coastal property, seizing or corroding long before the frame itself shows any wear. We specify marine grade hardware as standard on exposed Hoylake properties so homeowners aren't dealing with sticking handles or stiff locks within a couple of winters of fitting.
Doors built for a sea facing entrance
A front door facing the sea needs a good frame, decent drainage and hardware that can take repeated salt exposure without seizing. We fit composite and aluminium doors specified for this kind of use, giving Hoylake homeowners a door that still operates smoothly well after the first few coastal winters.
Sizing frames for larger coastal openings
A number of Hoylake's sea facing homes have wider window openings than you would typically find inland, taking full advantage of the outlook towards the coast. Larger panes of glass mean more weight and more surface area for wind to push against, so the frame behind them needs proper reinforcement at the corners and along any horizontal transoms to stay rigid in a storm. We size and specify these openings individually rather than assuming a standard residential frame will hold up in the way it would on a sheltered street.
This same thinking applies to how a frame is fixed into the wall. On exposed elevations we use fixings and sealant systems rated for the wind loads this part of the coast experiences, so the frame stays firmly seated in the opening rather than working loose over successive winters.
Checking what applies to your property
Given the character of Hoylake's older centre, some properties may be subject to specific planning guidance on window and door style. If you're unsure whether that applies to your house, it's best to check directly with the local council before ordering, and we can then advise on options that fit within what's permitted, drawing on what we have seen work well on similar sea facing properties nearby.
Hoylake questions and answers
- Why do you recommend aluminium for sea facing homes?
- Powder coated aluminium resists the pitting and discolouration that can affect plainer finishes close to open water, and holds slim sightlines on larger openings.
- What is marine grade hardware and do I need it?
- It refers to hinges, handles and locks specified to resist corrosion from salt spray, and we fit it as standard on exposed Hoylake properties.
- Can you match new windows to a period frontage in the older centre?
- Yes, we replace mismatched or worn units with windows and doors suited to the age and style of the house, using modern materials underneath.
- Will a composite door survive facing straight onto the sea?
- We specify composite and aluminium doors with drainage and hardware suited to repeated salt exposure, so they keep operating smoothly.
- Do I need to check planning rules before replacing windows in Hoylake?
- Some properties in the older centre may be subject to specific guidance, so check with the local council before ordering if you're unsure.