Winter-Proofing Your Glazed Windows and Doors: A Guide by Steve Bebb Building Services

As winter approaches, homeowners in Shropshire are bracing for the colder months ahead. One of the most important ways to prepare your home is by ensuring your glazed windows and doors are winter-proof. Failing to do so could lead to uncomfortable draughts, heat loss, and even costly repairs. At Steve Bebb Building Services, we want to help you stay warm and energy-efficient this winter. Here’s how to make sure your windows and doors are up to the task.

1. Check for Draughts

Draughts are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss in homes. Even the smallest gaps around your windows and doors can let cold air in, reducing the overall warmth of your house. To check for draughts, light a candle and hold it near the edges of your windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a draught problem.

Quick Fix: Seal the gaps with weatherstripping or draught excluders. For a more long-term solution, consider professional draught-proofing, which can be done by experts like our team at Steve Bebb Building Services.

2. Inspect the Glazing

Glazed windows are designed to provide insulation, but over time, even high-quality glazing can degrade. Double or triple-glazed windows should form a solid barrier between your home and the cold outside. If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it’s a sign that the seal is compromised.

Solution: Replace the glazing or, if necessary, consider upgrading to energy-efficient glass. Modern glazing technology offers better insulation, which can reduce heat loss by up to 70%.

3. Check the Frames

Window and door frames can deteriorate over time, especially wooden ones. Cracks or gaps in the frame will allow cold air in and warm air out, making it harder to keep your home warm during winter. Look for signs of rotting, warping, or gaps in both window and door frames.

Repair Tip: For minor cracks, apply caulk or filler. If the frames are severely damaged, they may need to be repaired or replaced. At Steve Bebb Building Services, we offer a comprehensive inspection and repair service to ensure your frames are in perfect condition.

4. Upgrade Your Locks and Handles

Securely fitted locks and handles aren’t just about safety; they can also help with energy efficiency. Poorly fitting or broken locks may prevent windows and doors from sealing properly, allowing cold air to creep in.

Recommendation: Upgrade to modern, energy-efficient locks and handles that provide a better seal. This small change can make a big difference in keeping the warmth inside and the cold outside.

5. Consider Secondary Glazing

If you have older, single-glazed windows, consider installing secondary glazing as an affordable alternative to full replacement. Secondary glazing involves adding a second layer of glass inside your existing window, which helps to improve insulation and reduce heat loss.

Bonus: Secondary glazing also reduces outside noise and adds an extra layer of security.

6. Install Heavy Curtains or Blinds

In addition to glazing, your choice of window coverings can impact your home’s insulation. Thick, heavy curtains or thermal blinds can help block out cold air, particularly during the night when temperatures drop.

Pro Tip: Make sure to open your curtains during the day to let natural sunlight in and warm your home, and close them once the sun sets to trap the heat inside.

7. Regular Maintenance

Finally, regular maintenance is key to keeping your windows and doors in top condition throughout the winter. Clean the glass, lubricate the hinges, and ensure the locks are working smoothly. This not only keeps them efficient but also prolongs their lifespan.

Steve Bebb Building Services Can Help At Steve Bebb Building Services, we understand how important it is to have a warm, energy-efficient home during winter. Our expert team can help you assess your current windows and doors, recommend the best solutions, and carry out any necessary repairs or upgrades to keep your home cosy and draught-free.

Steve Bebb Building Services did an excellent job measuring, marking out, cutting, installing and fitting a new composite garage side door and steel lintel into my single brick exterior double garage. Martyn Bebb helped me choose a door to match our existing doors, and then Martyn and Steve came to the site to check the dimensions and positioning of the door. Steve Bebb Building Services cut the hole in the brickwork and installed the lintel, brickwork and composite door in a single day. Good job, thank you

Des Bourne

13 May 2024

Great builders. They were very reliable and the work was first rate. Steve Bebb was very upfront about the price and oversaw the work. There was good communication and any query was answered promptly. Would absolutely recommend them.

Susanna Williams

7 December 2022

Absolutely delighted to have found this company. SBBS have recently finished work on our kitchen extension and garage, into utility room conversio and have done a fantastic job. From the outset we were very impressed with Steve. He stood out from others we asked for quotes, knowledgeable, genuinely interested in our project, reliable, courteous and trustworthy. Steve ensured we were totally satisfied with every aspect of the build and finishing touches. Any issues were promptly dealt with and he did his utmost to ensure the whole process was as stress free as possible. We are so pleased with the finished product and delighted to know that we have found a builder we can rely on and trust for future work. If you are looking for a reputable builder do do an excellent job, Steve Bebb is outstanding and ticks every box, so stop looking. Thank you Steve and the entire team!

J morg

19 July 2021

Steve did a great job on our loft conversion - a quality finish, and on budget (plus some extras that we agreed along the way) - Would happily recommend to anyone!

Andy Kendall

14 April 2021