The Pros and Cons of Anodised vs. Powder Coated Aluminium.

Anodised aluminium windows and doors in NZ

Anodised aluminium windows and doors offer a finish that will stand the test of time and provide a premium look that will elevate your home’s aesthetic. In this article, we’ve broken down the benefits and drawbacks of anodised aluminium, and how it compares to powder coated aluminium.

What is anodised aluminium?

Anodised aluminium is created by treating aluminium with an electrical current while it is submerged in an acidic solution. This process forms an oxide layer on top of aluminium, resulting in a more durable finish that protects the material from wear and tear. It creates a solution for longer lasting windows and doors that are less susceptible to corrosion and scratching.

What are the benefits of anodised aluminium?

There are a number of benefits of anodised aluminium, specifically for windows and doors:

1. Environmentally friendly - the process of anodising aluminium simply enhances the materials existing make-up, and doesn’t require any harsh chemicals.

2. Easily maintained - anodised aluminium is easy to clean and requires very little upkeep.

3. Improved durability - the oxide layer helps prevent corrosion and weather damage, as well as making the aluminium far more scratch resistant. 

4. Added colour - when anodising aluminium, there is an option to add a colour pigment to enhance the look of the base metal to suit your aesthetic requirements.

What are the downsides of anodised aluminium?

Despite a range of benefits, anodised aluminium may fall short in durability and colour options in comparison to some of the alternatives on the market:

1. Limited colour options - while there is an option to add colour to anodised aluminium, these are limited to just a few that enhance the natural colours in the metal.

2. Difficult to repair - as the oxide layer created through anodising aluminium is part of the metal, it can’t simply be recoated or touched up like alternative solutions.

3. Warping in harsh climates - although not a problem in New Zealand, anodised aluminium may warp in cases of extreme changes in temperature. 

Anodised aluminium colours for windows and doors

Anodised aluminium colour options can be used to enhance the unique colours of the metal frame, and offer a metallic matte finish. At DuCo Group we offer three colours that can be added during the anodisation process - browse our brochure to find out more.

While there are far fewer colours available for anodised aluminium windows and doors than for powder coated aluminium, the variety still allows you to adapt the finish to work with your home’s aesthetic.

Anodised or powder coated window joinery. What is best?

Deciding whether anodised or powder coated aluminium windows and doors are more suitable requires weighing up a number of factors:

1. Cost - powder coated aluminium is the more budget friendly option.

2. Durability & Weather Resistance - anodised aluminium is more durable than powder coated aluminium with less risk of corrosion and scratching. With this in mind, despite being the more expensive option, anodised aluminium may be more cost effective over time with a longer life span.

3. Colour & Finish Variety - powder coated aluminium comes in a huge range of colours and finishes, allowing you to customise your windows and doors to suit your home’s style. On the other hand, anodised aluminium only comes with a matte finish with just a few select colour options.

4. Ease of Repairs - while powder coating can easily be touched up and repainted, anodised aluminium can’t be easily repaired. In some instances where a powder coated frame could be repaired, an anodised alternative would need to be replaced.

On the whole, anodised aluminium is the more premium option, with the material lasting longer against the elements and wear and tear. However, powder coating aluminium may be the smarter option for homeowners on a budget due to its lower upfront costs and ability to be touched up and repaired.