SR3 An economic analysis of aluminium window frame maintenance (2007)

Three categories of buildings were selected - domestic, low-rise commercial and high-rise commercial - for an economic comparison of various paint systems on anodised and powder-coated aluminium window frames.

The costs of maintenance were calculated as $/m² of window frame and were based on the average labour, preparation, paint and scaffolding hire costs in the Wellington region during the period May-September 1986. The costs of replacement with anodised or powder-coated aluminium window frames, calculated as $/m², were also considered.

The life expectancies of the various paint systems and of anodised and powder-coated aluminium window frames were used as an indication of their relative durability. A time horizon of 45 years was chosen, this being 33 years after initial maintenance.