Winter can be tough on homes. In the UK, cold winds, rain and temperature fluctuations place extra stress on windows and doors — the very components that keep your home warm and cosy. Over time, worn seals and neglected frames can lead to draughts, heat loss and even moisture problems. But with the right maintenance, you can preserve comfort, save on heating bills and extend the lifespan of your windows and doors.

This step-by-step guide takes you through essential checks, adjustments and upgrades to make your home winter-ready. It’s practical, seasonal and tailored to those looking for efficient, long-lasting results.

Why Window And Door Maintenance Matters Before Winter

Windows and doors are key parts of your home’s thermal envelope — the boundary between your heated interior and the outdoors. Poorly maintained units allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter, increasing energy costs and reducing overall comfort. According to the Energy Saving Trust, draughts and gaps around windows and doors are common contributors to heat loss in UK homes.

Without maintenance:

You lose heat and spend more on heating
Gaps let in cold air and moisture
Frames and seals can degrade faster over time
Indoor surfaces may develop condensation or mould

Regular maintenance protects comfort and enhances insulation performance precisely when you need it most.

Step 1: Inspect Window Seals And Weatherstripping

Weather seals and draught excluders are your first line of defence against winter challenges. Start by checking around each window frame and sash.

What to look for:

Cracked or brittle rubber seals
Loose foam or felt strips
Gaps between the frame and the wall
Visible draughts when a hand is placed near the edges on a cold day

Fix or replace worn weatherstripping to maintain airtightness. Quality seals minimise air leakage and make a noticeable difference to how much warmth your home retains.

Step 2: Check Doors For Draughts And Gaps

Doors (especially front and back doors) are prime candidates for draughts.

Perform a simple draught check:

Place your hand around the edges of each door
Notice any cold air entering at the top, sides or beneath the threshold
Use candles or incense sticks on windy days to show air movement

Common gaps appear near:

Thresholds or sills
Around the doorframe
At joints where seals should press tightly

Solutions include:

Replacing worn door brushes or thresholds
Installing a door sweep at the bottom
Adding foam or rubber seals to the frame

Effective draught-proofing improves comfort and reduces unnecessary heat loss.

Step 3: Test Locks, Hinges And Hardware

Windows and doors often move out of alignment over time, especially after summer heat cycles and seasonal changes. Misaligned frames make sealing difficult and can weaken insulation.

Checklist for hardware:

Test that all locks fully engage without force
Check hinges for stiffness or squeaks
Look for loose screws or hardware
Ensure doors and windows close squarely without dragging

Lubricate moving parts with a light machine oil if they feel stiff, and tighten any loose screws. Proper alignment ensures seals work as intended and prevents unnecessary draughts.

Step 4: Clean Tracks And Check Drainage

Sliding windows or patio doors often have tracks that collect dirt, leaves and debris. Blocked tracks can prevent proper closure, letting cold air and moisture in.

Track maintenance tips:

Clear dirt, leaves and grit with a brush
Use a vacuum to remove stubborn debris
Wipe tracks with a damp cloth
Ensure drainage holes/spots are clear so water doesn’t sit

Good drainage prevents water ingress, which can freeze and expand in winter, causing damage. Routine track cleaning improves operation and prevents cold air pockets.

Step 5: Inspect Glazing And Pane Seals

Look closely at your window panes for signs of seal failure.

Check for:

Fogging or condensation between panes
Cracks in the glazing sealant
Warping around the glass edges

If moisture appears between panes in sealed units, the insulating gas may have escaped, and the seal failed. In such cases, replacement glazing or professional repair is often the best option. Proper glazing helps maintain thermal performance and prevents heat loss.

Step 6: Check Frames For Wear, Rot Or Damage

Wooden frames can warp or rot if not properly maintained. uPVC and composite frames are more resistant, but they still need inspection.

Look for:

Soft spots in timber frames
Cracks or splits in uPVC
Loose or damaged frame corners
Discolouration or swelling

Wood frames with minor wear can be sanded and resealed. Major rot or damage often requires professional attention. Composite and uPVC frames may only need cleaning and seal checks.

Step 7: Upgrade To Weather-Resistant Seals And Thresholds

If your current seals are old or ineffective, it might be time to upgrade rather than repair.

Effective upgrades include:

High-quality silicone or rubber weatherstripping
Magnetic or compression seals for doors
Adjustable door thresholds that clamp tightly
Brush seals for uneven gaps

Modern weather seals are designed to maintain flexibility in freezing temperatures, which helps durability and keeps cold out more effectively.

Step 8: Consider Secondary Glazing For Extra Insulation

Older windows, especially in heritage or period homes, may benefit from secondary glazing. This adds an internal pane behind existing windows, increasing insulation without replacing the original units. Secondary glazing is particularly effective at reducing heat loss and improving sound insulation—a welcome bonus in winter and year-round.

Secondary glazing works by creating an extra thermal buffer between indoor and outdoor air. This design reduces convection and heat transfer, especially on large or single-glazed windows.

Step 9: Seal Cracks Around Window And Door Frames

The gap between the frame and the surrounding wall often goes unnoticed but can be a major source of draughts.

Use high-quality sealant or expanding foam to fill:

Gaps around the outer edges of frames
Cracks in masonry around doors
Spaces behind trim or architrave

Ensure the sealant is suitable for external conditions and apply it professionally to prevent future air leaks.

Step 10: Add Insulating Accessories Where Needed

Beyond permanent fixes, accessories can boost insulation quickly:

Thermal curtains or heavy drapes help reduce heat loss at night
Draft stoppers or door snakes at thresholds provide extra defence
Window insulation film can be a temporary support if replacement is delayed
Rugs and soft furnishings reduce cold floor convection

These additions are not replacements for proper window and door maintenance, but they can make a noticeable short-term difference.

Professional Help: When To Call A Specialist

Some issues are best handled by professionals — especially if you detect:

Significant warping in frames
Large gaps that require structural fixes
Seal failure in glazed units
Persistent condensation or damp around frames

Professional installers bring experience, tools and warranties that DIY can’t match. For many homeowners, professional maintenance and replacement work pay off in long-term performance, comfort, and energy savings.

Prepare Your Home With Fairview Windows UK

Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t have to be daunting. With a thorough, step-by-step maintenance plan — from inspecting seals and draughts to upgrading weatherproofing and checking hardware — you can protect your comfort, reduce heating bills, and extend the life of your windows and doors.

At Fairview Windows UK, we specialise in helping homeowners improve home performance through quality maintenance, repair, and replacement. Whether you need new energy-efficient windows or doors or want professional advice on preparing for winter, our team is here to help.

Contact Fairview Windows UK today for expert guidance and a free consultation so you can enjoy a warmer, more efficient home all winter long.

References

Energy Saving Trust – Windows And Doors Guidance (draughts, insulation, performance).
URL: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/windows-and-doors/

Energy Saving Trust – Draught Proofing Guidance (seal maintenance and energy savings).
URL: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/draught-proofing/

Energy Star – Seal And Insulate Tips (air sealing and insulation techniques).
URL: https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate

Homebuilding & Renovating – Window Maintenance Tips (tracking and weatherproofing).
URL: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/windows-maintenance-tips

Which? – Draught Proofing Front Doors And Windows (practical home insulation advice).
URL: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/windows-door-fitting/article/draught-proofing-front-doors-and-windows