How to Fix a Draughty Door or Window

Overview

A draughty door or window wastes energy and makes your home uncomfortable. This guide covers fixing the issue.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Begin by thoroughly inspecting the entire perimeter of your door or window frame from both inside and outside your home. Look closely for any visible gaps, cracks, or light peeking through, paying particular attention to the seals where the frame meets the wall and the moving parts meet the frame. If you can feel a cold breeze or see daylight, you've identified a draught source.
2. Examine any existing weather stripping or seals around the opening parts of your door or window for signs of wear, perishing, or damage. Carefully remove the old, degraded stripping using a putty knife or scraper, ensuring the surface is clean and dry before applying new self-adhesive foam, rubber, or brush seals, pressing firmly for good adhesion. Check that the new seal creates a continuous barrier when the door or window is closed, with no gaps remaining.
3. For doors, measure the width of the bottom edge and acquire a suitable door sweep (also known as a door bottom seal or brush strip). Attach the sweep securely to the interior bottom edge of the door, ensuring it makes consistent contact with the threshold without hindering the door's opening and closing action. After installation, close the door and verify that the sweep effectively blocks airflow underneath.
4. Consider installing draught excluder strips (or compression seals) along the rebate of the door or window frame where the moving sash or leaf closes against it. Measure and cut the adhesive strips to fit each section, pressing them firmly into place to create a tight seal when closed. Test the door or window several times to ensure it still closes smoothly and that the new excluders provide a snug, airtight fit.
5. Finally, check that your door or window itself is closing securely and sitting correctly within its frame. Look for any misalignment or sagging, which might prevent a proper seal, and inspect the hinges and latches to ensure they are fully engaged. Adjust hinges or latches if necessary to achieve a tight, draught-free closure.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions