Windows and doors are one of the most common sources of draughts in a home, but the good news is that draughts can be eliminated almost entirely, and often without spending a fortune.
Where draughts come from
Gaps around window frames, worn seals on doors, ill-fitting letterboxes, and old, single-glazed units are all typical culprits. Over time, materials like putty, sealant, and weatherstripping degrade, and what was once a snug fit can develop small gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. These gaps might seem minor individually, but added together across a whole house they can account for a noticeable amount of heat loss.
Simple, low-cost fixes
Not every solution requires replacing windows and doors entirely. Draught-excluding strips and brush seals can be fitted around door frames relatively cheaply and make an immediate difference. Letterbox draught excluders and keyhole covers tackle two commonly forgotten gaps. Secondary glazing, which involves fitting an additional pane inside an existing window, is another cost-effective option for period properties where replacing the original windows isn’t practical or desirable. Even something as simple as heavy curtains or thermal blinds can help reduce heat loss through glazing.
When it’s time for an upgrade
For windows and doors that are genuinely past their best, upgrading to double or triple glazed units, or a well-fitted composite door, will offer a more permanent solution. While this is a bigger investment, it typically pays off through both reduced heating bills and improved comfort, particularly in rooms that currently feel cold or draughty no matter how high the heating is turned up.
Using thermal imaging to target the problem
As with floors and other areas of the home, thermal imaging is a genuinely useful tool here. It can pinpoint exactly where draughts and heat loss are occurring around a window or door frame, rather than relying on guesswork, meaning any money spent on fixes goes directly toward solving the actual problem rather than a general assumption of where it might be.
The takeaway
Whether it’s a quick fix with draught excluders or a longer-term investment in new glazing, tackling windows and doors properly can noticeably reduce draughts and heat loss, often for surprisingly little cost.
