Essential Window and Door Checks to Prepare Your Home for a Somerset Winter
While we might not face the harshest winters in the UK, winter in Somerset brings damp Atlantic air, sudden cold snaps and rain that seems to
come in sideways. Your windows and doors take the brunt of it and small problems have a way of getting worse once the temperature drops.
A bit of maintenance now can save you a fortune in heating bills and expensive repairs down the line. Here’s what you need to check before winter properly sets in.
Check Your Window Seals and Weatherstripping
The rubber seals around your windows (also called gaskets) create an airtight barrier between the frame and the glass. Run your hand slowly around the edges of each window. If you feel a draught, there’s a problem. Look for cracks, brittleness or seals pulling away from the frame.
Weatherstripping around opening windows can also wear down. If you can see daylight through a closed window or if there’s visible damage to the strips, they’ll need replacing before the weather turns.
Look for Condensation Between the Panes
If you see misting or condensation between the panes of your double glazing that won’t wipe away, the sealed unit has failed. This means your windows have lost their insulating properties and you’re essentially heating the outdoors. Check every window, especially older ones. The good news is that you usually only need to replace the glazed unit itself, not the entire window.
Test All Locks and Handles
Try every window lock and door handle. Do they turn smoothly? Do the locks engage properly? Stiff or loose handles are a security risk and a sign the mechanism might be failing. Check that multipoint locks on doors work correctly. If you have to lift the handle hard or push the door to lock it, the alignment might be off.
Inspect the Frames for Damage
- Timber frames: Look for flaking paint, soft spots (press gently with your thumb), cracks or water damage, especially at the bottom. Wood rot only gets worse in our damp climate.
- uPVC frames: Check for cracks, warping or discolouration. Make sure drainage holes at the bottom are clear.
- Aluminium frames: Check for corrosion around joints and at the base where water collects.
Clear Drainage Channels and Weep Holes
Those small holes at the bottom of uPVC window frames are weep holes, designed to let water drain out. They get blocked with dirt and debris over time. Take a small brush or piece of wire and gently clear any blockages. Also check drainage channels along the bottom of sliding doors and French doors.
Check Door Thresholds and Bottom Seals
Look at the threshold strip along the bottom of your door frame. Is it cracked or worn? Check the draught excluder or brush strip on the door itself. These wear out quickly because they’re constantly scraping against the threshold. A damaged threshold or worn seal will let water and cold air in.
Look at Your Hinges and Hardware
Open each door fully and check for sagging. Does one corner drag on the floor? Listen for squeaking or grinding. Check all visible screws and fixings. A door that’s not hanging properly won’t close tightly, which means draughts and security issues. Give the hinges a drop of oil while you’re at it.
Test Your Draught Proofing
On a windy day, hold a lit candle or thin ribbon near the edges of closed windows and doors. If the flame flickers wildly or the ribbon moves about, you’ve found a draught. Pay attention to letter boxes, keyholes and cat flaps too. Draught excluders and foam tape are inexpensive and make a noticeable difference.
When to Call in the Professionals
Some jobs you can tackle yourself, but others need expert help. If you’ve found failed sealed units, serious wood rot, broken locks, doors or windows that won’t close properly, or cracks in frames, it’s time to get professional advice.
Don’t Wait for the First Frost
Here in Somerset, winter can arrive quickly. Set aside an hour or two now to go through these checks. Make a list of anything that needs attention and get the urgent jobs sorted before the temperature drops.
At Majestic Designs, we manufacture all our windows and doors in our state-of-the-art factories in Cheddar and we’ve been helping homeowners prepare for winter for over 22 years. If you’ve found issues with your current windows or doors and you’re not sure whether to repair or replace, we’re always happy to offer honest advice.
Get in touch with a member of our team today.
