Know this first: these steps help you get through one winter; they do not fix a deeper problem. Windows over twenty years old, fog between the panes, drafts in several places? A quick fix only postpones the bill by a winter: skip straight to the last section.
Inspect your weatherstripping
Weatherstripping and caulking are the first line of defence against the cold. Over time they dry out, crack or peel away. Run your hand along the frame of each window and door: if you feel a draft, replace them to get through the winter. If the draft persists with new seals, the frame itself has reached the end of its life.
Tip: foam weatherstripping is cheap but wears out fast. Silicone or EPDM models last several years.
Check the exterior caulking
The caulking around your frames keeps water and air out. Inspect it: if it is cracked, peeling or missing in places, lay a new bead before the first frost.
- Use a caulk designed for extreme temperatures.
- Apply in dry weather, never below 5 °C.
- Remove the old bead completely before laying the new one.
Test your locking mechanisms
A window that does not close airtight lets cold air in. Check that each one locks properly and that the handles and locking hardware work. Lubricate the mechanisms with silicone so they do not freeze.
Clean the tracks and thresholds
Dirt, leaves and debris built up in sliding window tracks and door thresholds prevent an airtight close. An autumn cleaning keeps everything working all winter.
Insulating film
For an older single-pane window, heat-shrink plastic film adds a layer of insulation cheaply. It is an effective stopgap while you wait for a replacement.
When a quick fix is no longer enough
If after all that you still find drafts, condensation between the panes or excessive heating bills, preparation is no longer enough. Look then for pure uPVC frames of at least 5 5/8 in., sealed units with Swisspacer spacers, and for doors a triple magnetic compression weatherstrip. ENERGY STAR® models with a non-degressive 20-year warranty are the most reliable over time.
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