Autumn has arrived – time to prepare your windows and doors for winter

30 September 2025

Windows and doors are essentially the boundary between your living space and outdoor weather. In summer, we may overlook their importance, opening windows, ventilating rooms and ignoring small faults. With autumn and the first colder nights, every crack, worn seal or poor closure becomes noticeable.

Heat starts to “escape”, while cold air, moisture and wind find their way in. This creates discomfort and significantly increases heating costs. Research suggests poor windows and doors can cause up to 25% of a room’s heat loss. Your heating works harder, bills increase and comfort declines.

The first step is a thorough inspection of windows and doors. Check how closely they fit when closed. Even a slight draught indicates something is wrong. Rubber seals providing airtightness are the usual cause; over time they lose elasticity, crack or become thinner. Replacing them is a simple, effective way to significantly improve insulation.

Another important element is hardware and mechanisms. Many modern systems allow sash pressure against the frame to be adjusted between summer and winter positions. Winter mode presses the sash more firmly against the frame for better insulation. If not already adjusted, autumn is ideal.

Cleaning also matters. Dust, leaves and debris accumulate in window grooves throughout the year. If left, windows become harder to close and moisture and condensation cause further problems. A damp cloth and a little detergent can significantly extend service life.

Do not forget to lubricate moving parts. As temperatures fall, metals contract and unlubricated mechanisms may stick. A few drops of technical oil ensure smooth opening and closing throughout winter.

Sometimes, despite repairs and preparation, old windows and doors can no longer meet basic insulation and functionality needs. If they are a decade or more old, the wood is warped, plastic yellowed or aluminium without a thermal break makes walls feel cold, it may be time to consider replacement.

Modern windows and doors are about more than appearance. SAPLAST’s PVC, ALU, wood and wood-ALU systems meet the highest energy-efficiency standards. Multi-chamber construction, triple glazing and advanced sealing retain warmth even on the coldest winter nights. Modern systems also reduce outside noise, add security and require minimal maintenance.