By Shaun, Shelfbank Windows. Published .
Yes. Windows and doors can be fitted throughout the year, including in winter. Many people put off replacing them until spring because they worry about the house being open to the cold, but in practice each opening is only out for a short time.
In fact, the colder months are when draughty windows and doors are most obvious, which is why a lot of people decide to replace them at this time of year. Here is what to expect.
How the house is kept warm
I do not take all the windows out at once. Each window is removed and the new one fitted before moving to the next, so only one opening is ever exposed, and only for a short time.
A window replacement is usually completed in a day, as is a door. You can keep the heating on, and closing the door of the room we are working in helps hold the warmth in the rest of the house.
What weather stops work
Cold on its own is not usually a problem. The things that can hold a job up are:
- Heavy or driving rain, which makes it hard to keep the opening and the inside of the house dry.
- Strong winds, especially for large panes or work at height.
- Very low temperatures. Silicone and other sealants have minimum application temperatures set by the manufacturer, and frost on the frames stops sealants bonding properly.
If the forecast looks wrong for the day, I would rather move the job than rush it. A window sealed in the wrong conditions is the kind that lets in a draught a few months later.
I keep an eye on the forecast in the days before the job, and if it needs to move I will ring you to agree a new date rather than turning up and starting in bad weather.
Why winter can be a good time
- You can see the problems clearly. Draughts, condensation and cold spots are easy to point out at a winter survey.
- You feel the difference straight away, in the room temperature and in fewer draughts.
- Misted units and stiff handles tend to get worse in cold, damp weather. Our guide to the signs your windows need replacing explains what to look for.
Getting ready for the day
- Clear window sills and move furniture about a metre back from the windows being replaced.
- Take down curtains, blinds and tracks if you can.
- Move anything fragile from the walls near the windows.
- Make sure there is clear access outside, including a space for the frames to be stacked.
- Keep pets in a room away from the work, as doors may be open.
The old frames are taken away and the site is cleared when the work is finished.
What about paperwork and standards?
The time of year makes no difference to the standard the windows have to meet. Replacement windows and doors still have to comply with building regulations. Our post on building regulations for replacement windows explains what that covers.
Doors in winter
Replacing a door in winter is no different from replacing one in summer. A front or back door is a single opening, and the change is usually done in a day. The new frame is fitted plumb and level, the door is hung, the lock is adjusted, and the threshold is sealed before I leave, so the house is secure and weathertight that evening.
Talk to Shaun
If you want draughty windows or doors sorted before the worst of the winter, see our uPVC windows and uPVC and composite doors pages. I cover Oswestry, Wrexham and the surrounding towns. Call Shaun on 07815 753361 for a free site survey and a fixed written quote.
Related services: uPVC Windows, uPVC & Composite Doors.