Preparing Your Home for Winter | Window Checks
uPVC offers a practical, affordable, and low maintenance solution for a wide range of properties.
As the colder months creep in, we know how important it is to make sure our homes are ready to handle the season. When winter hits in Scotland, it can bring with it driving rain, freezing temperatures and draughty conditions that quickly test the quality of a home’s windows. That’s why we always advise customers to take the time to assess their windows before the worst of the weather arrives. A thorough pre-winter window check isn’t just a practical move. It can save energy, reduce heating bills, and prevent more costly repairs down the line.
Having worked closely with homeowners and commercial clients across Scotland, we’ve seen first-hand how minor issues left unchecked can escalate quickly. Cold spots near windows, or even the faintest draught can be early signs of more significant problems. Many older properties still have timber or ageing PVC windows that simply aren’t equipped for the extremes of winter. That’s where a little proactive maintenance or a timely replacement can make all the difference.
Why Window Checks Are Essential Before Winter
Poorly performing windows can make a home feel noticeably colder and push up heating costs. Over time, even modern glazing can deteriorate. We always recommend a pre-winter check to identify issues like failed seals, cracked glass, loose handles or warping around the frame. Left unchecked, these problems can affect both comfort and energy efficiency.
We advise checking both the interior and exterior condition of every window, paying close attention to frames, beading, and the seals that keep cold air out.
Common Signs That Your Windows Need Attention
One of the most common problems we come across is draughts. Customers often notice a chill in certain rooms but can’t pinpoint the source. In many cases, the culprit is a small gap or failed seal around the glazing unit. Even a minor breach in insulation can have a major impact during winter. A basic draught test using a candle or incense stick near closed windows is often enough to reveal problem areas.
Condensation is another warning sign. While occasional internal moisture can be normal, regular condensation between the panes of a double-glazed window usually indicates a broken seal. That means the unit is no longer airtight and is losing its insulating properties. This is something we deal with often, and replacing the affected unit can restore thermal performance quickly.
Benefits of Aluminium Windows in Cold Weather
Aluminium windows are ideal for winter performance. Unlike timber or older uPVC frames, aluminium doesn’t warp or degrade as easily when exposed to temperature shifts. Because we fabricate all our aluminium products in-house, we can guarantee precision and durability. Whether it’s casement, tilt and turn, or bay windows, the benefit is consistent thermal efficiency combined with modern design.
How Triple Glazing Improves Energy Efficiency
For clients looking to maximise insulation, triple glazing is well worth considering. It offers significantly better thermal performance than double glazing, making it particularly useful in colder regions and rural areas where wind chill is a bigger issue. We’ve seen excellent results with triple glazing in both contemporary homes and heritage properties undergoing energy upgrades.
Triple glazing is especially helpful in reducing cold spots near large glazed areas such as bay windows or patio doors. While it’s a more substantial investment, the long-term energy savings and comfort benefits are often worth it. When installed properly, it also contributes to a noticeable reduction in external noise.
Simple Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Windows
A bit of seasonal maintenance goes a long way. We always recommend cleaning and lubricating moving parts like handles and hinges before the deep freeze sets in. This prevents stiff mechanisms and helps extend the life of the hardware. For aluminium systems in particular, applying a silicone-based lubricant ensures smooth operation without affecting the finish.
It’s also worth clearing away any dirt or leaves from drainage slots, particularly on patio doors or tilt and turn windows. This helps prevent water from pooling and freezing in the tracks, which can cause damage or stop the window from closing properly.
When to Replace Rather Than Repair
If your windows are over 15 years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace them than to keep repairing them each winter. We often find that clients with older uPVC or timber windows are shocked at the difference when they upgrade to our modern aluminium systems. The improved insulation, better aesthetics, and ease of maintenance make them a long-term investment.
We’re always transparent with our advice and never recommend replacements unless they’re truly necessary. But in many cases, upgrading old glazing is one of the most effective ways to prepare a home for winter and increase its overall energy efficiency.
Book a Window Inspection Before the Weather Turns
Our supply and install services are available throughout Scotland, with quick turnaround thanks to our in-house fabrication process. Whether it’s replacing a failed unit or fitting brand new triple glazed aluminium windows, we’re here to help make your home warmer and more efficient this winter.
