How Long Do Aluminum Windows and Doors Last in Nepal?
Complete durability guide - lifespan expectations, maintenance needs, and cost of ownership over 20 years in Kathmandu
Quick Answer
Quality aluminum windows and doors last 15-20 years in Nepal with minimal maintenance. High-quality installations can exceed 20-25 years. In comparison:
- • Aluminum: 15-20 years (can extend to 25+)
- • UPVC/PVC: 10-15 years
- • Wood: 10-15 years (with regular maintenance)
- • Steel: 10-15 years (prone to rust in monsoon)
When investing in new windows or doors in Kathmandu, understanding their lifespan is crucial for calculating true value. A cheaper option that needs replacement in 8 years may cost more than a durable option lasting 20 years.
After 25+ years of installing and maintaining aluminum windows and doors across Kathmandu valley, we've seen exactly how long they last in Nepal's challenging climate - intense monsoon, high UV exposure, pollution, and temperature swings.
This guide explains what affects aluminum lifespan, how to maximize durability, and the true cost of ownership over 20 years.
Lifespan Comparison: All Materials
| Material | Average Lifespan | Maintenance Needs | Best For Nepal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 15-20 years (up to 25+ years) | Minimal - occasional cleaning & lubrication | Best Choice |
| UPVC/PVC | 10-15 years | Low - periodic seal replacement | Good |
| Wood (Sal) | 10-15 years | High - painting every 2-3 years, termite treatment | Moderate |
| Wood (Teak) | 15-20 years | Moderate - painting every 3-4 years | Good |
| Steel | 10-15 years | High - rust prevention, regular painting | Poor |
What Affects Aluminum Lifespan in Nepal?
Quality of Aluminum Profiles
The thickness and quality of aluminum profiles is the #1 factor affecting lifespan.
- Thick profiles (1.2-1.5mm): Last 20+ years, maintain strength
- Medium profiles (1.0-1.2mm): Last 15-18 years, good durability
- Thin profiles (<1.0mm): Last 8-12 years, may bend or warp
Our recommendation: Always choose 1.2mm+ thickness for Nepal. The extra Rs. 1,000-2,000 per window pays off with 5-10 extra years of life.
Powder Coating Quality
Powder coating protects aluminum from oxidation and maintains appearance.
- Quality coating (60+ microns): Lasts full 15-20 years without fading
- Medium coating (40-60 microns): Starts fading after 10-12 years
- Cheap coating (<40 microns): Fades/peels within 5-7 years
Warning sign: If you see white powdery deposits on aluminum after 3-5 years, the coating was too thin or poor quality.
Monsoon & Humidity Exposure
Nepal's 4-month monsoon season tests aluminum durability every year.
Aluminum: Excellent
- ✓ Doesn't absorb moisture
- ✓ No swelling or warping
- ✓ Maintains full lifespan
Other Materials
- ⚠ Wood swells, rots
- ⚠ Steel rusts quickly
- ⚠ PVC can warp in humidity
UV Exposure & Pollution
Kathmandu's high UV levels and Ring Road pollution affect window longevity.
Good news for aluminum: Quality powder coating is UV-stabilized and resists fading for 15-20 years. We see minimal color change even on south-facing windows getting full sun.
Pollution impact: Dust and pollution don't affect aluminum durability - they just make it dirty. Regular cleaning (monthly) prevents buildup but pollution doesn't shorten lifespan.
Hardware Quality
Hardware (hinges, locks, handles) often fails before the aluminum frame.
- Cheap hardware: Needs replacement every 5-7 years (Rs. 1,000-2,000)
- Good hardware: Lasts 10-12 years
- Premium hardware: Can last full 15-20 years
Good news: Hardware is easily replaceable. Old aluminum frames with worn hardware can get new locks/hinges and work like new.
Do Aluminum Windows and Doors Scratch Easily?
Short Answer: No, But They Can Be Scratched
Quality powder-coated aluminum is reasonably scratch-resistant for normal daily use. However, it's not scratch-proof.
Won't Scratch From:
- ✓ Normal opening/closing
- ✓ Cleaning with soft cloth
- ✓ Light contact with furniture
- ✓ Children's hands/toys (normal use)
- ✓ Monsoon rain and wind
Can Scratch From:
- ⚠ Sharp metal objects dragged across
- ⚠ Abrasive cleaning materials (steel wool)
- ⚠ Heavy impacts or drops
- ⚠ Construction/renovation activities nearby
- ⚠ Vandalism attempts
Scratch Prevention Tips
- • Use soft microfiber cloth for cleaning (never steel wool or abrasive pads)
- • Protect frames during renovation/painting work
- • Don't lean sharp objects against windows
- • Keep construction materials away from frames
- • Educate kids not to use sharp toys near windows
What If Scratches Happen?
Minor scratches: Usually only cosmetic, don't affect function or durability. You can touch up with matching paint pen (Rs. 200-500).
Deep scratches: Expose bare aluminum. Apply touch-up paint to prevent oxidation. Cost Rs. 500-1,000 for professional touch-up.
Maintenance Schedule to Maximize Lifespan
- • Wipe frames with damp cloth to remove dust
- • Clean sliding tracks with brush or vacuum
- • Clear drainage holes (small holes at bottom of frame)
- • Check for any visible issues
Cost: Rs. 0 (just water and cloth)
- • Lubricate all hinges with light machine oil
- • Lubricate locks and handles
- • Deep clean sliding tracks
- • Tighten any loose screws
- • Check rubber seals for wear
Cost: Rs. 100 (lubricant oil)
- • Full inspection of all windows and doors
- • Replace worn rubber seals if needed
- • Check for any white powder (oxidation)
- • Test all locks and security features
- • Clean glass thoroughly
Cost: Rs. 200-500 (seals if needed)
- • Replace worn hinges if needed
- • Upgrade locks to newer models
- • Replace handles if damaged
- • Professional cleaning and adjustment
Cost: Rs. 2,000-5,000 (if hardware replacement needed)
Total Maintenance Cost Over 20 Years
Following this schedule costs approximately:
- • Years 1-10: Rs. 200-300/year = Rs. 2,000-3,000 total
- • Years 11-20: Rs. 500-800/year (including hardware) = Rs. 5,000-8,000 total
- • 20-Year Total: Rs. 7,000-11,000
Compare to wooden doors: Rs. 35,000-50,000 for painting every 2-3 years over 20 years!
When to Replace vs When to Repair
Replace If:
- ✗Frames are severely bent: From accident or structural damage
- ✗Widespread corrosion: White powder all over despite good coating (rare)
- ✗Glass is cracked: And repair would cost 70%+ of new window
- ✗Old single-pane: Want to upgrade to double-pane for energy efficiency
- ✗Very old (25+ years): Modern windows are significantly better
Repair If:
- ✓Locks don't work: Easy Rs. 500-2,000 fix
- ✓Hinges are worn: Rs. 500-1,500 to replace
- ✓Handles broken: Rs. 300-1,000 replacement
- ✓Minor scratches: Rs. 500 touch-up paint
- ✓Sliding difficulty: Just needs cleaning + lube (Rs. 200)
- ✓Seals worn out: Rs. 500-1,000 for new seals
💡 General Rule
If repair costs less than 40% of new window/door cost AND the frame is still structurally sound, repair it. Most aluminum windows can be economically repaired even after 15-18 years.
20-Year Cost of Ownership: Complete Analysis
Let's compare total costs for a typical 3-bedroom flat in Kathmandu (8 windows + 3 doors):
Aluminum
PVC/UPVC
Wooden (Sal)
Winner: Aluminum Saves Rs. 96,000 - 104,000 Over 20 Years!
Aluminum costs more initially but saves significantly over time through lower maintenance and no replacement needs. Plus, 20-year-old aluminum still has resale value while old wood/PVC is worthless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do aluminum doors last?▼
Quality aluminum doors last 15-20 years in Nepal with minimal maintenance. We regularly see aluminum doors from 2000-2005 still functioning perfectly in Kathmandu homes. With proper care, they can last 20-25 years. The powder coating protects against corrosion and the frames maintain structural integrity throughout their lifespan.
What is the lifespan of aluminum windows in Nepal?▼
Aluminum windows typically last 15-20 years in Nepal's climate. High-quality windows with good powder coating can last 20+ years. Factors affecting lifespan include quality of aluminum profiles, powder coating thickness, hardware quality, and exposure to monsoon/pollution. Regular cleaning extends their life.
Do aluminum doors scratch easily?▼
Good quality powder-coated aluminum doors are fairly scratch-resistant. Minor scratches from normal use are uncommon. However, sharp metal objects or abrasive materials can scratch the powder coating. The aluminum itself is soft and can dent from hard impacts. Regular powder-coated aluminum is more scratch-resistant than painted finishes.
How long does powder coating last on aluminum?▼
Quality powder coating on aluminum lasts 15-20 years in Nepal without fading or peeling. Cheap powder coating may start fading after 5-7 years. Factors affecting powder coating life: coating thickness (60+ microns better), quality of pre-treatment, UV exposure, and monsoon conditions. Good coating maintains color and protection throughout aluminum's lifespan.
Do aluminum windows need maintenance?▼
Aluminum windows need minimal maintenance - just occasional cleaning and lubrication. Monthly: wipe with cloth, clean tracks. Every 6 months: lubricate hinges and locks. Annual cost: Rs. 200-300. Unlike wood that needs painting every 2-3 years, aluminum requires almost no maintenance to last 15-20 years.
Which lasts longer - aluminum or UPVC windows?▼
Aluminum windows last longer than UPVC in Nepal. Aluminum lasts 15-20 years vs 10-15 years for UPVC. Aluminum maintains strength throughout its life while UPVC can become brittle. Aluminum doesn't yellow from UV exposure like white UPVC. For Nepal's climate with intense sun and monsoon, aluminum is more durable long-term.
When should I replace aluminum windows?▼
Replace aluminum windows when: frames are bent/damaged beyond repair, locks don't work and can't be replaced, severe corrosion appears (white powdery deposits), glass is cracked, or operation is very difficult despite repairs. Most quality aluminum windows don't need replacement for 15-20 years. Minor issues can usually be repaired.
Are old aluminum windows worth keeping?▼
Yes, if they still function well. Well-maintained aluminum windows from 15-20 years ago can still work perfectly. Consider keeping if: frames are straight, locks work, no major corrosion, smooth operation. Replace if: energy efficiency is poor, appearance is very outdated, or repair costs exceed 50% of new window cost.
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