The transition between summer and the colder months in the UK is as quick as switching a light off! One minute you’re enjoying alfresco dining in the garden, the next you are putting on extra layers, just so you do not have to turn the heating on. However, putting on those extra layers of clothing and turning the heating on is not the only thing you can do to prepare your home for winter. With the current situation, we might be spending more time indoors throughout the winter than we normally would, so here are our 3 top tips to make your home winter-proof!
1. Ensure your home is secured
Security may seem like a weird one, but according to home insurance provider Direct Line, burglaries peak around Christmas time. With houses full of new phones, laptops, iPads, and other expensive presents, thieves are looking for those opportunities to play the Grinch! The scariest thing about this is that 50% of burglars use an entrance door to break in! You can install an alarm, a Ring Doorbell®, or automatic lights to scare thieves off, but what’s the best way to ensure that unwanted visitors can’t get into your house and that you and your family are safe?…
First, ensure your door is burglar resistant! More often than not, security is the main reason a door needs replacing. If you have an old door, it is not only the door itself that could let you down in terms of security – the locks, handles, glazing, and hinges could also be worn and tired. Depending on when your door was installed, it may not have the latest security features, consequently putting you at risk.
Composite doors
Our composite doors from Solidor are the most secure composite door available on the market. The solid timber core makes it extremely secure, but it also comes with a range of Secured by Design and insurance-approved locking systems. As standard, every Solidor is fitted with a Ultion lock. Ultion easily outperforms the very best 3-star locks in a variety of different tests! The ultimate door locking system, Ultion can sense an attack and engage a hidden lock to prevent forced entry, even when snapped twice. With many more security features available, browse through the Solidor brochure for more information.
uPVC doors
Additionally, our uPVC doors conform to PAS 24:2012 which covers enhanced security performance requirements for doors and windows in the UK and are Secured by Design accredited. They are fitted with multipoint hook locking systems along with the Ultion high-security 3-star locks as standard for complete peace of mind. When you choose Seal-lite to install your new door, your comfort and security comes first above all else.
2. Ensure your home retains heat
We lose about 35% of our homes’ heat through our windows and doors. Cracks and gaps around the frames can be a big cause of energy loss, along with letterboxes, cat flaps, and uncovered keyholes. However, the type of glazing and the material of your windows and doors could also be causing essential heat to escape. Older wooden windows and doors are not great insulators, so you may need to consider replacing them if you find your energy bills double in the winter.
Aluminium Windows
Designed with energy efficiency in mind, our Alitherm 300 aluminium windows can achieve a window energy rating of ‘A’, and some of the lowest U-vales possible. The REAL aluminium window and door range includes an innovative polyamide thermal barrier, which allows them to exceed the energy performance requirements of UK building regulation.
uPVC Windows & Doors
Here at Seal-lite we are a trusted installer of Swish window and doors. Swish uPVC double glazed windows can achieve A+++ ratings and, where triple glazing is required, can deliver a U-value of just 0.8 W/m²K. uPVC is a low conductor of heat, which means when it is fitted correctly it will form a closed air system, reducing any heat loss and blocking the cold winter air from entering your home. In addition, uPVC windows and doors are weather-resistant and very low maintenance! uPVC windows and doors have a life expectancy of 20 years.
Composite doors
Composite doors are proven to be more effective at keeping warmth within your home compared to traditional wooden doors. Due to the solid timber core and 5 chamber profile, the Solidor has incredible thermal properties. It is one of the strongest and weatherproof modern composite front doors and lasts for around 20-30 years.
3. Ensure your conservatory is well insulated
A conservatory that lacks insulation not only mean it is chilly during the winter but inadequate insulation can also cause your conservatory to replicate a sauna in the summer. If your conservatory is looking and feeling a bit dated, it may be time to replace the glazing or upgrade the roof! The Guardian Warm Roof has been designed to control the temperature of your conservatory and notably reduce external noise, so whether it’s cold and rainy or boiling hot, you can enjoy your conservatory all year round. This high-performance conservatory roof replacement can achieve incredible U-values of just 0.18 W/m.K.
Preparing homes in Bristol & Somerset for winter
As winter approaches, it is time to start thinking about your home’s energy efficiency! Whether you need a new front or back door, new windows, or a thermally sound conservatory roof replacement, Seal-lite can help. We have quality home improvement options for every style of home, whether you have a quaint cottage in North Somerset or a spacious townhouse in Bristol, we can match all our high-performance products to your homes unique character with ease and finesse. Get in touch today or call us on 01275 342 656 and get the most out of your South West home all year round.