Working from home has made us more aware of the condition of our homes. With time on our hands, this has been a year for home improvements. In summer, we focused on optimising our gardens and outdoor spaces. Through winter, we’ve become acutely aware of keeping warm. If you’ve noticed cold draughts, are there any temporary fixes or do you need new windows and doors for improved thermal efficiency?
Why are my Windows and Doors Draughty?
If you’ve recently had made-to-measure windows or doors professionally installed, there should be no signs of cold air filtering through. If you feel a draught, call the company to come back and refit or repair.
The in-flow of cool air is typically a feature of older windows and doors. It can be caused by several issues including:
Glazing putty can go brittle over time and be ineffective or break off.
The seal between the window frame and the wall or frame and the glass can be damaged.
Sliding sash windows can drop as they age and this can cause gaps in the alignment of the frames.
Windows no longer shut properly.
Cracks in the glass have released the gases held within the double glazed unit so it is no longer effective in minimising the transfer of heat.
Old wooden doors can contract and expand in response to changing moisture levels and this can cause gaps.
Doors can also drop, so they are not correctly positioned within the frame.
Temporary Fixes for Draughty Windows and Doors
As the temperatures dip, you want to avoid having the heating on all day and letting cold air in. There are some short-term solutions to help reduce draughts and improve thermal efficiency; below are five temporary suggestion:
1. Door and Window seal and draft excluder tape can be purchased from many hardware shops. These strips can be fitted around a faulty window if the original seal is no longer effective.
2. Make or buy draft stoppers, which can be positioned on window sills or along the bottom of internal doors to block out the cold air.
3. Fit brush strips to the base of front doors and behind letterboxes.
4. Thick curtains can be fitted behind external doors to add a layer between the door and inside of the home.
5. Secondary glazing film can be attached to single-glazed windows to reduce the transfer of heat.
All of these can play a part in helping to keep your home warmer, without cranking up the energy bills. Having said this, the best option is a long-term solution; bespoke windows and doors.
10 Timbers to Consider for your Custom Front Door - You may also be interested in:
Protected by Bespoke Wooden Doors
As well as being the entrance to your home, front doors should protect from the elements and provide security. Custom wood front doors are made to the exact dimensions of your door frame. From small country cottage to expansive double doors, precision measuring, quality materials and professional installation will provide all the protection you need.
Hinson Custom Made creates made-to-measure front doors from sustainably-sourced engineered timber. The advanced lamination process results in a material that is stronger and more durable than a solid wood front door.
Engineered wood delivers the same desirable wood-grained finish, but without the risk of expansion and contraction. We offer a full range of finishes, including oils, varnishes and exact RAL colour matched paints. As with any timber, our bespoke doors can be sanded and finished in a different style, should trends and tastes change.
Warm Homes with Bespoke Wooden Windows
In our Milton Keynes workshop, Hinson Custom Made also creates made to measure windows. CERTASS approved and compliant with current building regulations, these windows are secure, energy-efficient and come with our guarantee.
As experienced joiners, we craft each window to fit. This means we can provide the ideal solution for unusual sized or shaped windows. We have expertise in sliding sash windows and can replicate heritage profiles in keeping with the period of your property. As such, our skills have been sought for replacement windows in conservation areas and on listed buildings.
Our service includes finishes to your requirements and full installation by our professional team. This means no gaps between the window frames and the wall where cold air can seep through.
Replacing Windows in Winter
To maximise on the benefits of a warm home, there is no time like the present! If you think you need to wait until summer to replace your windows and doors, our previous article will explain the benefits of replacing windows in winter.
For further information please contact Hinson Custom Made on 01908 516333. If you would like to arrange a socially-distanced visit to our Milton Keynes showroom, please complete our online form.
