Before the First Hard Frost: Seven Window Jobs Worth Doing This November

November has a way of revealing things. The leaves come off the trees, the low sun hits the glass at exactly the wrong angle, and suddenly every smudge, tired seal and little puddle on the windowsill is impossible to ignore. By 7 November 2026, most of us have had the heating on for a few weeks, the nights have properly drawn in, and the first hard frost is usually not far away.

The good news is that windows don't need much to get through a British winter — just a bit of attention before the cold really settles in. Here are seven jobs worth doing now, in the order I'd tackle them. None of them require a ladder, a power tool or a personality change. A spare afternoon, a soft cloth and a bit of common sense will do most of it.

1. Deal with the morning condensation

A bit of water on the inside of the glass on a cold morning is normal. It's what happens when warm, moist indoor air meets a cold pane. Wipe it down, open a window for ten minutes, and make sure the trickle vents are open if you have them. The problem to watch is condensation trapped between the panes. If the mist is inside the sealed unit, the seal has failed and no amount of wiping will fix it. That's a job for a glazier, not a cloth. Inside condensation that stays all day can also lead to mould on curtains and frames, so don't ignore it.

2. Clear the weep holes and drainage slots

uPVC windows have small drainage slots — often called weep holes — at the bottom of the frame. They let water out when it gets behind the glass. Over summer they fill up with dust, pollen and the occasional insect. If they're blocked, rainwater sits in the frame, stains the corners and can freeze when the temperature drops. A soft brush or a cocktail stick will usually clear them. Don't drill them out or poke anything metal down there. If you've had a windy week, check them again.

3. Run a finger along the seals

Rubber gaskets and silicone beads do a lot of quiet work. They keep draughts out, water out and warmth in. Run your finger along the seals on a few windows and see what you find. Cracks, shrinkage, gaps at the corners or seals that have gone hard are all signs that cold air is getting in. A small repair now is much cheaper than dealing with damp patches or a draughty room in January. If the sealant is tired, clean the area properly before you touch it with a new bead — sealant doesn't stick to dirt or wet surfaces.

4. Look at the frames, not just the glass

We all notice the glass. The frames are where a lot of winter damage starts. Dust and grime hold moisture against the frame, and on painted timber that can lead to flaking paint and soft wood. Give the frames a wipe with warm water and a little mild soap, then dry them. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially on uPVC, and don't use a scourer. While you're there, check the hinges, handles and locks. A drop of lubricant on metal moving parts now can save a stiff window in February. If a handle feels loose, tighten it before it becomes a bigger job.

5. Give the glass a proper pre-winter clean

A clean window isn't just a nice thing to look at. Dirt, traffic film and hard-water spots hold moisture and make the glass harder to see through when the low winter sun is doing its best to blind you. A proper clean now means fewer smears when you're trying to let in what little light there is. Use a squeegee or a microfibre cloth and change the water often. Washing-up liquid can leave a film that attracts dirt, so go easy on it. If you have hard water, drying the glass properly matters more than scrubbing harder.

6. Check the outside — safely

This is the bit where people get ambitious. Don't. You can check a lot from ground level: look for loose sealant, cracked panes, blocked gutters above the window and water marks on the wall. If you have a window above ground level, use an extendable pole or leave it to someone who does this for a living. Leaning out of an upstairs window with a bucket is not a winter maintenance job; it's a trip to A&E waiting to happen. If something looks wrong high up, take a photo from the ground and call a professional.

7. Sort your winter habits

Windows don't work in isolation. If curtains are tucked behind radiators or pushed right up against the glass, you're asking for condensation and mould. Leave a gap so air can move. Open a window briefly each day, even when it's cold — a couple of minutes of proper ventilation does more than leaving a trickle vent open all week. Use the extractor fan when you're cooking or showering. If a room is consistently damp, a dehumidifier can help, but it won't fix a failed window seal or a leaking gutter.

None of these jobs is glamorous. That's rather the point. A British winter is hard on buildings, and windows take a lot of the weather. Seven small checks now can save you from draughts, damp patches, stiff handles and a horrible surprise when the frost finally arrives.

If you get to the end of the list and something doesn't look right — a misted pane, a seal that's seen better days, a frame that's holding water — it's worth getting a local pair of eyes on it. We're always happy to take a look at windows around the area and tell you honestly whether it's a quick fix or a job for a specialist. Winter is much more pleasant when the glass is clear and the frames are doing their job.