Winter can be one of the toughest seasons for your home’s doors and windows. Cold temperatures, excess moisture and reduced daylight can all take their toll, particularly on timber windows and doors.
With a little regular care, however, your timber products will continue to perform and look their best for many years to come. Below, our team at Elwyns shares some simple, practical winter maintenance tips to help protect both timber frames and glass during the colder months.
Looking After Your Timber Windows and Doors
To ensure your timber windows and doors continue to meet your expectations year after year, we recommend minimal but regular checks, especially during winter.
All Elwyns timber products are supplied by Timber Windows and come with a comprehensive set of warranties, provided some basic maintenance checks are carried out.
Timber Paintwork: What You Need to Know
Our timber windows and doors are factory finished to the highest standards in a variety of colours. Each product is:
- Base-coat primed
- Finished with two coats of a microporous paint or stain system
This protective coating is designed to safeguard your timber for:
- Up to 12 years for painted finishes
- Up to 6 years for stained finishes
- 1 year for externally stained oak
Please note that durability can vary depending on elevation, exposure to weather and local climate conditions.
Cleaning Timber Windows and Doors
Maintaining the integrity of the paint or stain system is essential, and regular cleaning plays a key role.
We recommend cleaning timber surfaces at least every two years, ideally at the same time as cleaning the glass. This helps to:
- Remove surface contaminants
- Prevent fungal or algae build-up
- Identify early signs of wear or damage
Homes in north-facing positions areas or locations with heavy pollution may require more frequent cleaning.
How to Clean Timber Frames Safely
- Do not use hose pipes or pressure washers, as these can damage the coating
- Wash using warm, soapy water with a mild liquid detergent
- Change the water regularly
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Wipe dry with a clean cloth
Pay particular attention to the lower third of the window and the external cill, as these areas are more exposed to moisture and weathering.
Caring for North-Facing Windows
North-facing areas tend to remain colder and damper, creating ideal conditions for algae and mould growth. If left untreated, this can eventually affect the coating’s adhesion.
Regular cleaning is the best preventative measure.
If fungal growth does appear:
- Mix one part household bleach to two parts water
- Apply the solution and leave for around 20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Wipe dry with a clean cloth
Redecorating Timber Windows and Doors
When redecorating, we recommend using Teknos paints and stains, which offer a close match to the original factory finish.
- Paints can be applied directly from the container
- Thinning with up to 5% water can improve flow, particularly in warmer conditions
- Always test colour on a discreet area before full application
Most high-quality microporous paint or stain systems are suitable, provided the manufacturer’s instructions are followed.
If any damage to the coating is identified during routine checks, affected areas should be redecorated promptly.
Preparing Areas for Re-Coating
- Clean using a mild detergent solution
- Rinse thoroughly to remove dust, insects and debris
- Lightly abrade with a fine-grade abrasive paper
- Brush away dust before painting
Full Redecoration or Colour Changes
If you wish to change the colour where the existing coating is intact:
- Lightly sand the surface with fine-grade abrasive paper
- Wipe with a clean, damp cloth and allow to dry fully
- Apply a single coat using a good-quality synthetic brush
- Pay particular attention to horizontal surfaces, cills and bottom rails
- Allow to dry for at least four hours
Winter Glass Care: Cleaning Safely and Effectively
To clean glass panes during winter:
- Use a soft sponge or cloth
- Apply a good-quality glass cleaner or warm soapy water
- Avoid hard tools or scrapers, which can scratch or crack the glass
- Remove jewellery and wear gloves where possible
Gentle, regular cleaning helps maintain clarity and reduces the risk of damage.
Need Further Advice?
If you would like more guidance on caring for your timber windows, doors or glazing this
winter, our experienced team is always happy to help. Simply get in touch or visit one of
our local showrooms for friendly, expert advice.