Weatherproofing Your South Wales Home: Preparing Windows and Doors for Autumn Storms

As summer fades and the leaves begin to turn, South Wales homeowners know what’s coming next – the autumn and winter storms that batter our coastlines and valleys. At Futureglaze, we’ve got almost 40 years of experience helping local families keep their homes warm and dry during the harsh weather that often hits our region.

Taking time now to check your windows and doors can save you from dealing with leaks, cold draughts, and rising energy bills when the weather turns.

We’ve written this piece to help you understand why it’s important for your windows and doors to be weatherproof, how you can identify and potentially fix issues, and signs that your windows or doors need professional repair or replacement.

Why It’s Important to Check Your Windows and Doors

Your windows and doors are your home’s first line of defence against the elements. When they’re properly weatherproofed, they:

• Keep cold air out and warm air in
• Prevent water damage to your walls, floors and furnishings
• Reduce heat loss and lower your energy costs
• Protect your home from strong winds and driving rain

In South Wales, where we often face Atlantic weather systems head-on, the durability of your windows and doors is put to the test. Taking a day now to check and weatherproof them can make all the difference to your comfort in the colder months.

How to Check and Weatherproof Your Windows

Visual Inspection

Start by examining your windows from both inside and outside:

• Look for cracked or missing caulking around the window frame
• Check if the weatherstripping is worn or missing
• Inspect wooden frames for signs of rot or water damage
• Test if windows open and close properly

Sealing and Weatherstripping

Sealing gaps is one of the most effective ways to improve the airtightness of windows:

1. Replace old caulking: Remove any old, cracked caulk and apply fresh caulk around window frames where they meet the wall. Choose a good quality exterior silicone caulk for best results.
2. Add or replace weatherstripping: This creates an airtight seal when windows are closed. It comes in various sizes and types, including foam, rubber, and vinyl.
3. Check for draughts: On a windy day, hold a lit candle near window edges. If the flame blows sideways or flickers, you’ve found an air leak that needs sealing.

How to Weatherproof Your Doors

Doors often let in more cold air than we realise, especially older ones. Here’s how to check and improve them:

1. Check the sweep: The door sweep at the bottom should make contact with the threshold. If there’s a gap, you should replace it with a new one.
2. Inspect weatherstripping: Just like windows, door edges should be sealed with weatherstripping that’s in good condition.
3. Look at the threshold: The seal at the bottom of the door is crucial. Often, adjustable thresholds can be raised to close gaps without replacing the entire door.

Signs Your Windows and Doors Need Replacing

Sometimes, diy weatherproofing isn’t enough, and your current windows and doors may need replacing. Here are the warning signs:

Persistent Condensation Between Panes

Whilst condensation is often unavoidable, if you see moisture or fogging between your double-glazed window panes, the seal has failed. This means the insulating gas has escaped, significantly reducing energy efficiency. Similarly, doors with glazed panels can suffer from the same problem.

This almost always means that the window needs a full replacement.

Difficult Operation

Windows that stick, jam or won’t stay open are showing signs of structural issues that weatherstripping can’t fix. For doors, if you’re having to lift, push or pull hard to open and close them, this indicates warping that affects the airtight seal.

These issues go beyond annoyance and can affect energy efficiency and security.

Visible Damage or Warping

Frames that are clearly damaged, warped or rotting need replacement rather than repair. Look for cracking in uPVC, corrosion on aluminium, or soft spots in wooden window frames and door frames. Water damage around the bottom of door frames is particularly common.

Rising Energy Bills

If you’ve noticed your heating costs climbing or that your house is harder to keep warm, your windows and doors may be causing significant energy loss. Old doors, especially those with letterboxes or keyholes without covers, can be significant sources of cold draughts and heat transfer during colder months.

Noise Pollution

Modern windows and doors provide much better sound insulation. If outside noise is increasingly bothersome, new windows and doors could help create a quieter indoor environment while also improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Futureglaze’s Window and Door Repair Service

Before considering complete replacement, it’s worth knowing that many window problems can be fixed. At Futureglaze, we specialise in repairing windows that other companies might tell you need replacing.

Our repair service includes:

• Replacing misted double glazing units
• Fixing or replacing handles and locking mechanisms
• Adjusting hinges and moving parts
• Resealing window frames

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that replacing just the glass unit or hardware can restore performance without the cost of full replacement.

When Replacement Is the Best Option

If repairs aren’t enough, we offer a range of replacement windows and doors designed specifically to withstand South Wales weather, including:

• uPVC windows: Excellent insulation properties with minimal maintenance
• Aluminium windows: Slimline frames with outstanding strength and great views
• Composite doors: Combining the best qualities of different materials for a durable and weatherproof door

Get Your Home Ready for The Weather

Preparing your windows and doors for wet autumns and harsh winters doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With some basic maintenance and timely repairs, you can keep your home warm and dry through the cold season.

If you’d like help assessing your windows and doors or need professional installation or repair of windows and doors, our family-run team is always happy to help. With nearly four decades of experience serving South Wales homeowners, we understand the specific challenges our local climate presents.

You can see our full range of windows and doors at our Gelli showroom, and here we can discuss your home improvement project in person.

For more information or to arrange a free, no obligation quote, you can:

• Call us on 01443 423 423
• Email us at sales@futureglaze.co.uk
• Use our online contact form

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check and weatherproof my windows and doors?

We recommend a thorough check twice a year – once in autumn before the wet and windy season, and again in spring to repair any winter damage. However, keeping an eye out for draughts or leaks year-round means you can address small issues before they become major problems.

Is it worth repairing old windows, or should I replace them?

This depends on the underlying condition. If the frames are structurally sound but have issues with seals or hardware, repairs are often cost-effective. We’ll always give you honest advice about whether repair or replacement offers better value for your specific situation.

How long do modern windows and doors last?

With proper care, high-quality uPVC or aluminium windows and doors can last 20–30 years or more. Regular maintenance helps extend their lifespan and performance.