With Autumn now just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to check over your doors and windows before the colder, wetter weather sets in. Draughts, condensation and sticking frames are among the most common household frustrations once temperatures drop, but most are simple to prevent with a bit of seasonal maintenance.
From draught-proofing to deep-cleaning frames and checking locks, these quick, fuss-free jobs can be done in an afternoon and will help keep homes warmer, drier and more secure right through winter.
Showroom stylist, Jade Oliver at Express Bi-Folding Doors shares ten easy jobs to winter proof your doors and windows.
10 Ways To Winter Proof Your Doors And Windows:
1. Add draught excluders
As the weather cools, draughts around doors and windows can make rooms feel chilly and increase heating bills. Self-adhesive draught excluder strips or a simple door snake are inexpensive and quick to fit. For any bi-fold doors, it’s worth checking the brush seals along the bottom track too, as these take the most wear and are often the first place a draught creeps in.
2. Check the seals on your windows and doors
Feel around the frame for cold air coming in, this is usually a sign the seals have worn or perished. If you can feel a draught, it’s a good idea to have the seals replaced. This helps keep your home warmer as the colder months settle in and stops condensation building up on the glass.
3. Deep clean the glass and frames
With daylight hours getting shorter, every bit of natural light matters, and that’s exactly what windows and glass doors are designed to let in. Giving the glass a thorough clean, inside and out, removes smudges and pollen build-up, allowing more light to flood indoors. While you’re at it, run a soft brush or hoover attachment along the frame to clear out any grit, this keeps doors and windows moving smoothly.
4. Check locks and latches
As evenings start to get darker, it’s a good time to check all locks, bolts and handles are working smoothly, including the multi-point locking system on your doors and windows. Tighten any loose screws, oil stiff mechanisms and replace any broken fixtures. Not only does this improve home security, but it also ensures doors and windows shut tightly against draughts.
5. Lubricate hinges, tracks and rollers
Cold weather can make metal fittings stiffen up, so it’s worth oiling hinges, tracks and rollers before winter properly sets in. This is especially important for bi-fold and sliding doors, where a smooth-running track prevents unnecessary strain on the mechanism and stops it sticking on frosty mornings.
6. Clear gutters and check drainage above doors
Even a small blockage can lead to water overflowing, staining walls or seeping into brickwork. It’s worth checking that any guttering above your doors is draining properly, as overflow running down the glass and frames can leave stubborn marks and, over time, sit in the bottom track, so clearing leaves and debris now is a quick way to avoid bigger problems later.
7. Inspect frames and sealant for damage
Give frames a close look for any cracked or perished sealant around the edges, particularly where the frame meets the wall. Small gaps here let cold air and moisture in, so re-caulking now is far cheaper than dealing with damp later. Aluminium frames won’t rot, but it’s still worth checking for any dents or damage that could affect how well a door closes.
8. Lay door mats inside and out
Mats act as the first defence against muddy boots and wet leaves, particularly at well-used entrances. Having one both outside and just inside the door helps protect flooring, reduces cleaning time and keeps grit from being trodden into tracks and hinges.
9. Dress windows and doors for warmth
Swapping in thermal curtains or blinds around windows and glass doors adds an extra layer of insulation on cold nights. If you already have curtains or blinds, give the track a quick wipe down too, then choose warmer, heavier fabrics like wool or velvet to help rooms feel cosier as the temperature drops.
10. Give bi-fold and sliding doors a test run
Before the weather turns, open and close bi-fold or sliding doors fully to make sure they’re running smoothly along the whole track. Clear away any summer build-up of dirt or debris, and if a door is sticking, dropping or letting in draughts despite regular maintenance, it may be worth having it looked at before winter, rather than during it.
Photo by Matthis Volquardsen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/icicles-hanging-from-roof-2090972/
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