Why is winter maintenance important for timber windows and doors?

As the Winter months approach and the temperatures start to fall, we naturally turn our attention to keeping our homes warm, dry and comfortable.  Our windows and doors pay an important role in this, so the start of Autumn is the perfect time to make sure they are ready for the colder, wetter months ahead.

High-quality timber windows and doors are designed and handcrafted to provide exceptional performance and durability, but like any other part of our homes that is exposed to the elements, a little care can go a long way in ensuring optimum performance.  Regular maintenance helps to protect the timber and its finish, keep seals and moving components working as they should, and identify any minor issues before they develop into bigger problems.

There is a common misconception that timber windows and doors require extensive maintenance, but advances in timber technology, including high-performance modified timbers such as Accoya, alongside modern coatings and manufacturing techniques, have made caring for timber windows and doors far simpler. This along with a few straightforward checks can help preserve its appearance, performance and your investment for years to come.

Here are our top winter maintenance tips:

1. Give your timber a thorough clean. Before the harsher winter weather arrives, it’s worth giving your timber windows and doors a thorough clean.  Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the frames and sills, so removing this allows for a much better opportunity to inspect the condition of the timber itself and the protective finish.

2. Inspect the paint and protective finish. While cleaning, take closer look at the painted or coated surfaces.  Check for signs of wear and tear or minor damage, paying particular attention to areas that are exposed to the weather.

3. Check seals and draught-proofing. Effective seals help our windows and doors perform at their best during the colder months.  Check around the opening sections for any damaged, loose or deteriorated seals and feel for any noticeable draughts.

4. Check hinges, locks and ironmongery. Open and close each window and door while making sure that hinges, handles, locks and other moving components operate smoothly.  Ironmongery should be appropriately lubricated as part of routine serving and anything that feels unusually stiff or difficult to operate is worth investigating further.  It’s important that you don’t force something open if it’s very stiff.

5. Inspect glazing. Take a few moments to inspect the glazing and the areas surrounding it for anything that looks damaged, not quite right or out of place.

6. Pay particular attention to your doors. External doors are particularly exposed to the element during the winter months.  Check they open, close and lock smoothly and inspect the weather seals and threshold for wear or damage.  If a door has become difficult to operate or no longer closes as it should, it may benefit from adjustment or servicing.

7. Know when to call in the experts. Regular checks and simple maintenance can make a real difference, but there are times when it pays to bring in specialist expertise.  If you notice a deterioration to the finish, damaged seals problems with the ironmongery or anything else that concerns you, it’s always best to deal with it sooner rather than later.  It’s much better to prevent a minor issue from developing further.

For our customers, BrookeswoodEnsure provides a straightforward and efficient way to take care of ongoing servicing and maintenance.

From servicing and lubricating ironmongery to replacing seals where required, cleaning and protecting surfaces and carrying out minor cosmetic repairs, we can help keep your Brookeswood timber windows and doors performing at their best and looking beautiful for many years to come.