Feeling a draught coming from your windows or doors can be disheartening. For one thing, you rely on your windows and doors to keep out the elements; if they are letting in a draught, they are failing in their primary function! It also means that you are spending more money to heat your home, which may be noticeably colder already as a result of the draught. 

However, there are a number of things you can do to draught-proof your windows and doors with minimal DIY knowledge and without investing in a professional. 

Draught-Proofing Windows

Draughts can appear in windows over time. Long-term exposure to the elements can cause the material to warp slightly, meaning the window is no longer sitting flush against the window frame. This can be fixed simply and cheaply by purchasing some draught-excluding strips to fit between the window and frame. There are two main types: 

  • Self-adhesive foam strips. These are the more affordable option and are relatively easy to install. Simply peel off the backing tape and stick the strip down in the gap where the window meets the frame. However, it is important to get the right size: if the strip is too thick, the window will not close properly. But if it is too small, it will not be effective at preventing the draught. This type of strip is also less effective when working with a sash style window.
  • Metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers attached. These are a little more costly but a lot more durable and effective. 

Draught-Proofing Doors

There are a number of places where a draught might get through an external door. Addressing these areas could save you on your energy bills and will almost certainly keep your home feeling warmer. The areas to address are: 

  • The keyhole. If you have an open keyhole, you can purchase a simple cover that drops a metal disc across the opening, preventing draughts. 
  • Letterbox. Use a letterbox with a flap or insulating brush, or both. Just be sure to measure your letterbox opening before you buy
  • Gaps at the bottom can be covered with a brush or hinged flap draught excluder
  • Gaps around the edges can be covered with brush or wiper strips similar to those described for window draughts. 

When to seek repairs 

If your windows and doors are old, certainly if they are ten years old or more, it will be worth considering full replacements as the benefits from any repairs will be short-lived with a reasonably low impact.

However, if your windows are still reasonably new or the draughts are difficult to cover, or if it is caused by a fault with the installation or mechanism, it may be worth considering seeking assistance from a professional installer. At Progress Windows, we pride ourselves on the quality of our installations and the technical excellence of our teams. If you have an issue with your windows or doors, we would be happy to carry out the repairs or advise on replacement windows and doors.

Get in touch to talk to a member of our team today.