Draught Proof Windows and Doors: Collingtons’ Guide to a Warmer Winter

Cornish winters can be unforgiving. Salt‑laden winds, heavy rain and short days expose every weak point in a property, which is why windows and doors deserve your first attention. Get these right and you will notice an immediate lift in warmth, quiet and security. As a long‑established installer in Helston, Collingtons helps households across Cornwall choose, fit and maintain high quality windows and doors that perform when the weather turns. From precise surveys to careful installation and dependable aftercare, the aim is simple. Keep warmth in, keep the weather out, keep running costs down.

Why windows and doors matter most in winter

External walls often have decent insulation. Roofs usually do too. The typical comfort killers are gaps around frames, tired seals and old glazing that leaks heat. Modern systems address all three. Well sealed frames reduce air movement, energy rated glass slows heat loss and quality hardware keeps sashes closing tightly for year round reliability. Upgrade well and you gain comfort, lower bills and a calmer home in one tidy project.

Your checklist for draught proof windows and doors

Treat this as your practical plan for winter. Work through each step and you will create truly draught proof windows and doors without wasting budget.

Inspect and service the basics

Walk the house on a breezy day. Feel for cold air around hinges, handles and trickle vents. Look for daylight at the edges of doors. Check letterboxes and thresholds. Small faults cause big chills. A seasonal service that cleans, lubricates and realigns moving parts will often remove the worst draughts quickly. Hinges settle, keeps move, seals compress. A trained engineer can reset everything so sashes pull snugly against their gaskets.

Upgrade glazing for better performance

If panes feel cold to the touch or show mist between the glass, the sealed unit has failed. Replacing it is a fast win that restores insulation without changing the frame. Ask about A or A+ rated options to cut heat loss further. In living spaces you may prefer acoustic glass for quieter evenings. In sunny rooms consider low solar gain glass that reduces glare while keeping winter warmth indoors. Good glazing is the engine of comfort, so match the specification to each room.

Choose frames that suit Cornish weather

Aluminium offers slim sightlines, robust powder‑coated finishes and excellent weather resistance supported by modern thermal breaks. uPVC casements and flush styles deliver strong insulation and low maintenance with a wide choice of colours and realistic woodgrains. Heritage looks are easy to achieve without the chore of painting in coastal conditions. The right frame will stand up to storms, reduce movement and keep seals working properly for many winters.

Make your front door work harder

Front doors can be the biggest single source of heat loss. Composite doors bring a rigid core, insulated slabs and multi‑point locking that pulls the leaf securely into its seals. You can add low thresholds, security cylinders and glazing that allows light without sacrificing privacy. A well specified entrance will welcome guests while blocking wind and water, which is vital on exposed streets and seafront roads.

Treat large openings properly

Patio, French and bi‑fold doors need particular care because their openings are wide and their sashes are heavy. Look for systems with continuous weather seals, tested tracks and reliable compression when closed. Aluminium sliders provide slim frames and smooth action with strong thermal performance. Bi‑folds deliver flexible opening for summer, then close tight to keep out winter gusts. Correct installation and adjustment make the difference between effortless use and annoying rattles.

Add blinds for comfort and control

Glass does the thermal heavy lifting but well chosen blinds add comfort and privacy. Perfect Fit styles sit inside a neat frame that moves with the sash, so there are no side gaps and no dangling cords. Pleated fabrics add a gentle insulating layer at night. Roller and Venetian options work well in kitchens and doors where you need simple operation and easy cleaning.

Book a seasonal service for lasting results

Even the best products need a little care. Hinges benefit from lubrication, gaskets appreciate a wipe with a silicone‑safe conditioner and moving parts stay efficient if kept clean. A short annual service keeps handles smooth, locks reliable and seals supple. It also spots minor issues before they become leaks.

How Collingtons helps you choose well

Every home and budget are different, so the process begins with a clear conversation. A Collingtons survey looks at your current frames, glazing, ventilation and security, then sets out straightforward options. You might replace only blown units and tired gaskets this year, keeping existing frames in place. You might focus your budget on a new composite front door for greater comfort and curb appeal. You might compare standard casements with flush casements to decide which is best for each elevation. As flush casements have a single rebate, they are generally less suited to more exposed locations such as coastal settings, while standard casements offer stronger protection in harsher weather. The aim is always to match specification, schedule and spend according to your priorities.

Showroom visits help you compare styles, colours and hardware before you commit. You can see how a flush casement differs from a standard casement, compare handle finishes against your interior palette, and view the slim sightlines of our aluminium bi-folds alongside our uPVC patio doors. Once agreed, installations are completed by Collingtons’ employed fitters, with tidy working practices and clear communication from first measure to final sign-off.

Quick wins you can do this week

Improving comfort and efficiency doesn’t always require a major investment. Small upgrades and checks can make a noticeable difference to how your home feels day to day.

Start with the obvious gaps. If you can see daylight around a door frame or feel a draught near a window, it’s worth investigating. Replacing worn weather seals or perished gaskets can reduce heat loss and stop unwanted air movement. Modern seals are inexpensive, simple to fit and immediately effective.

Next, check your letterbox. If it feels draughty, consider replacing it with a newer design that includes an internal brush seal and weather-sealing flaps. This small change can prevent cold air entering the hallway and improve overall efficiency.

Look at your external doors too. Adding or replacing the existing threshold seal helps block gaps along the base of the door where draughts often creep in. A well-fitted seal keeps out wind and rain without affecting door movement.

Finally, review ventilation. Trickle vents should be open and clear to allow steady airflow, which helps control condensation and keeps air quality healthy. If vents are blocked or missing, your installer can advise on suitable replacements.

These are simple steps you can take right now to make your home warmer, quieter and more comfortable while getting the best performance from your existing windows and doors.

FAQs on draught proofing and comfort

How do I know if my seals have failed? Run a strip of paper through the closed sash. If it slides easily there is not enough compression. Look for flattened or cracked gaskets and replace like for like.

Do I need to replace every window to feel a difference? Not always. Start with the coldest rooms or the leakiest frames. Replacing failed units, fixing alignment and improving the front door can transform day to day comfort.

Is ventilation still important once I draught proof? Yes. Use trickle vents and controlled opening to manage moisture. Good ventilation prevents condensation and protects finishes without creating cold spots.

Ready to plan draught proof windows and doors with Collingtons

The right combination of service, sensible upgrades and careful installation will deliver real gains before temperatures drop. Collingtons can help you prioritise repairs, select A rated glazing, choose frames that fit the Cornish climate and install new doors that seal properly. If you want a quieter, warmer home this winter, start with a survey and a clear proposal. With expert guidance and well specified products, you will enjoy the lasting benefits of truly draught proof windows and doors.