Exterior doors work hard all year round, but winter places extra stress on them. Cold temperatures, heavy rain, frost and damp conditions can affect everything from the door’s alignment to the condition of its seals, glazing and hardware. If left unchecked, these seasonal pressures can reduce energy efficiency, allow draughts into your home and shorten the lifespan of the door.

As a trusted supplier of doors, windows and home‑exterior solutions, Evesham Trade Centre understands how the winter months can affect different door types. That is why we have created this practical, homeowner‑friendly guide. Whether you have a wooden, composite, uPVC or aluminium door, these winter maintenance tips will help you keep your home warm, secure and comfortable.

This comprehensive winter maintenance checklist is designed to help you prepare your exterior doors for the cold season, reduce unnecessary repair costs and ensure long‑lasting performance.

Why Winter Puts Stress on Exterior Doors

Winter brings a combination of cold temperatures, moisture and fluctuating conditions that place significant strain on exterior doors.

Weather‑Induced Material Stress

When temperatures drop, materials contract. Wooden doors may shrink or swell depending on moisture levels, while uPVC and metal components can contract enough to affect closing and locking. Constant expansion and contraction throughout the season may lead to warping, misalignment or small gaps forming around the door.

Moisture, Condensation and Mould Risk

Cold outdoor air meeting warm indoor air increases the likelihood of condensation forming on the door or frame. Excess moisture can lead to mould growth, wood rot or deterioration of seals. Condensation between glazed units is often a sign of failed seals, which affects insulation.

Energy Loss and Reduced Comfort

Even small gaps or damaged seals can let cold air into your home and allow warm air to escape. This increases heating bills, creates uncomfortable draughts and reduces overall insulation performance.

Hardware Wear and Stiffness

Hinges, locks and other moving parts can stiffen in cold or damp conditions. Without regular care, they may become difficult to operate or even freeze temporarily, putting extra strain on the locking mechanism.

Proper winter maintenance keeps your doors operating smoothly, improves energy efficiency and prevents long‑term damage, especially important for homeowners seeking durable, high‑performing exterior doors.

Winter Maintenance Checklist - What to Do & When

Below is a practical checklist to help you prepare your doors for winter.

Pre‑Winter Inspection

Before winter sets in, carry out a thorough inspection to identify any issues that could worsen in cold or wet conditions.

Visual & Draught Inspection

Inspect the entire door - frame, threshold, glazing, seals and hinges. Look for signs of wear, damage, cracking, rot or gaps.

To check for draughts, carefully move a lit candle or incense stick along the edges of the door. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves, air is leaking into your home.

Examine any glazing in the door for cracks or fogging. Fogging between panes usually indicates seal failure, which reduces insulation and may need replacing.

Hardware Check - Hinges, Locks, Handles

Check that all hinges, screws and fixings are secure. Loose screws can cause the door to drop, making it harder to close.

Clean dust, grime and debris from hinges and locking points. This ensures lubricants can work effectively later.

Check handles and locking mechanisms for stiffness. If the door feels hard to lock or lift, this should be addressed before colder temperatures make it worse.

Sealing & Weatherproofing

Keeping your door properly sealed is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat loss and keep your home warm.

Weatherstripping & Draught Excluders

Weatherstripping runs around the door frame and creates a tight seal when the door is closed. Over time, it can become worn, flattened or brittle.

Replace damaged weatherstripping with foam, rubber or brush‑style strips depending on your door type. This simple improvement can significantly reduce draughts.

Install a door sweep or draught excluder along the bottom of the door to prevent cold air from entering near the floor.

Caulking & Sealant Maintenance

Examine the caulking around the door frame. Low temperatures can make caulk crack, which allows moisture to seep in.

Remove damaged sealant and apply a fresh exterior‑grade flexible caulk designed to handle winter conditions.

Wooden doors may benefit from weather‑resistant coatings or varnishes that protect against moisture absorption, cracking and UV damage.

Threshold & Drainage Maintenance

Clear debris such as leaves, mud and dirt from the threshold and any drainage channels. Blocked drainage causes water to collect at the base of the door, increasing the risk of leaks and rot.

Check that the threshold aligns correctly with the bottom of the door. If the door does not close flush, it may create draughts or allow moisture to seep in.

Hardware & Moving Parts - Lubrication & Smooth Operation

Cold weather can cause locks and hinges to stiffen, so proper lubrication keeps everything working efficiently.

Use a silicone‑based or dry lubricant on hinges, multipoint locks, handles, sliding tracks and moving parts. Avoid heavy oils that attract dirt and may gum up over time.

After lubricating, open and close the door several times to distribute the product evenly. Test the locking mechanism to ensure it operates smoothly.

If your lock still feels stiff, consider having it serviced before freezing temperatures cause further strain.

Material‑Specific Care

Winter affects each door material differently, so tailor your approach accordingly.

Wooden External Doors

Wood is highly responsive to temperature and humidity changes. Check painted or varnished surfaces for cracks or peeling - these allow moisture to penetrate and cause swelling or rot.

Reapply protective coatings when needed to keep the wood sealed against rain and damp conditions.

Monitor indoor humidity levels. Excess humidity causes wood to absorb moisture and swell, whereas extremely dry air can make it shrink and crack. Aim for a balanced indoor environment.

If your wooden door is older or frequently exposed to heavy rain, consider adding a canopy or overhang for extra protection.

Composite, uPVC & Aluminium Doors

These modern door materials are low‑maintenance but still require seasonal checks.

Inspect all weather seals and gaskets, as they can compress or deteriorate over time.

Clean the door surface using warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that may damage finishes.

Check glazing units for intact seals. Condensation between panes indicates a failure and may require replacing the unit.

Although these doors are durable, regular inspections help maintain insulation and performance throughout winter.

Preventing Condensation, Mould & Moisture Damage

Moisture build‑up is a common winter issue, particularly in homes with limited ventilation.

Ensure good airflow indoors by opening windows briefly or using extractor fans. Good ventilation reduces condensation forming on cold door surfaces.

Wipe away visible moisture immediately - do not allow it to sit on wooden surfaces or seals where it can cause damage.

If you notice mould developing, clean it with a suitable non‑abrasive cleaner or anti‑fungal treatment. Even small patches should be addressed quickly, as they can signal deeper moisture problems.

When Maintenance Isn’t Enough - Consider Replacing or Upgrading

If you consistently struggle with draughts, moisture problems or stiff hardware despite regular maintenance, upgrading your exterior door may be more cost‑effective in the long term.

Modern composite, uPVC and aluminium doors offer excellent insulation, high‑performance seals and superb weatherproofing. They require minimal maintenance and provide better protection against UK winter conditions.

Signs that it may be time to replace your door:

• Repeated warping or misalignment
• Persistent draughts or failing seals
• Hardware that corrodes or frequently jams
• Rising energy bills due to heat loss

Upgrading ensures a warmer, more secure and more energy‑efficient home.

How Evesham Trade Centre Can Help

Evesham Trade Centre offers a wide range of high‑quality exterior doors designed for British weather, including composite, uPVC, aluminium and timber options.

Our in‑house installation team can handle everything from fitting new seals and adjusting thresholds to complete door replacements. We also offer professional weatherproofing, draught‑proofing and hardware maintenance services.

If you are unsure whether your door needs a repair or full replacement, our team can inspect it and provide honest advice. For wooden doors, we also provide exterior finishing and sealing solutions to protect against moisture and temperature changes.

Our goal is to help you keep your home warm, secure and low‑maintenance throughout the winter months.

Conclusion

Preparing your exterior doors for winter is one of the simplest ways to improve comfort, reduce energy bills and prevent long‑term damage.

Regular cleaning, sealing, lubricating and inspecting your doors will keep them functioning properly and protect them from harsh weather conditions. Taking small steps now can save you from costly repairs later.

Use this winter maintenance checklist before the cold sets in, and do not hesitate to seek professional help if you notice signs of wear, damage or draughts.

Evesham Trade Centre is here to support you with expert advice, quality door replacements and maintenance services - helping you stay warm and secure all year round.