Winter Window Maintenance: Simple Checks to Keep the Cold Out

Here at Diamond Windows Droitwich, winter is the season when we hear from many homeowners who suddenly realise their windows are not performing as well as they used to. Cold draughts, condensation and rising heating bills have a way of revealing issues that stay hidden during the summer. That’s where winter window maintenance comes in.

A few simple winter checks can make a real difference. As a local installer who has worked in homes across Droitwich, Worcester and the wider West Midlands for many years, we know the common problems and the practical fixes that help keep homes warmer and more comfortable.

Below, we’ve put together some straightforward advice you can use right away, along with signs that it may be time to talk to us about replacement windows.

Check for draughts around frames and seals

Draughts are one of the most frequent complaints we hear from customers in winter. Even older double glazing can lose heat if the seals have started to fail.

Have a quick walk around your home and check:

• Whether you can feel cold air around the frame
• If sealant around the outside frame has cracked or shrunk
• If rubber seals or gaskets are loose, split or missing

Give frames, hinges and tracks a clean

Windows are working parts, and they benefit from a little care now and then. A simple clean can help them close more tightly and reduce draughts.

We recommend:

– Wiping uPVC or aluminium frames with warm, soapy water

– Clearing dirt from tracks and drainage channels

– Gently tightening loose handles or screws

Avoid abrasive cleaners as they can mark frames. A tiny amount of light lubricant on hinges and locking points can also help, especially on older units we commonly see in properties.

Watch for condensation and “misted” glass

Condensation on the inside of glass is normal in winter, especially in busy family homes. But if you see moisture between the panes, that’s different.

This usually means:

• The sealed unit has failed
• The insulating gas has escaped
• Cold spots and cloudy glass appear

We regularly replace failed sealed units and older double glazing where this has happened. It is one of the clearest signs that a window has reached the end of its life.

Make sure locks are working properly

Security and comfort often go hand in hand and should always be included in your winter window maintenance. If locks or handles are worn, the window may not close tightly enough to compress the seals.

It’s worth checking:

• Handles operate smoothly
• Locks fully engage
• There are no cracks around fittings

When we carry out installations, we always ensure the locking system pulls the sash firmly into the frame, helping reduce draughts as well as improving security.

Don’t forget trickle vents

Most modern windows fitted by our team include trickle vents for controlled ventilation. These help reduce condensation without fully opening the window in winter. A small amount of airflow can make a big difference to comfort and humidity at this time of year.

Make sure:

• Vents open and close freely
• Dust and cobwebs are cleared
• They haven’t been painted shut

When it may be time to replace your windows

Maintenance goes a long way, but if your windows are 15–20 years old or more, they may simply not be performing to modern standards. Many of the homes we visit still have early-generation uPVC that has now started to fail.

You may want to consider new windows if you notice:

• • Ongoing draughts   
  • Misted double glazing
  • Discoloured or warped frames
  • Cold rooms despite the heating being on

Modern uPVC and aluminium windows installed by Diamond Windows offer far better energy efficiency, improved security and a choice of styles and colours to suit both modern and traditional homes.

Winter is the perfect time to take a closer look at your windows. Simple checks around seals, locks, vents and glass can help reduce cold spots and make your home more comfortable. If your windows are ageing or underperforming, our team at Diamond Windows Droitwich is here to help with your winter window maintenance by providing honest advice, surveys and quality replacements.

If you’d like us to take a look, pop into our showroom or get in touch for a friendly chat. We’re local, approachable and always happy to talk through the best options for your home.

At Diamond Windows & Kitchens Droitwich, we’re here to help you make your home everything you want it to be, with trusted advice, local service, and products built to last.

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