How to Check your Windows & Doors for Draughts

Although it might sound like a small issue, a draught in a window or door can actually be indicative of a bigger issue. 

If left unaddressed, a draught can make your home far less energy efficient (causing a rise in heating bills), and mean that the underlying issue is allowed to escalate into a bigger problem. 

So, if you’ve spotted a draft in your windows or doors, keep reading! Below, we’ve shared our guide to what causes this common problem, how to check for draughts, and how to fix them. 

What causes a draught in windows and doors?

A draught could be caused by one of many potential issues. 

A draught in a window or door could be a result of: 

• Faulty or deteriorated seals 
• Incorrectly closed trickle vents
• Shifted or damaged frames 
• Shrunken, warped or cracked frames 
• Materials reaching the end of their lifespan 
• A crack in the glass
• Poor quality single-glazing 
• A poor quality installation 

How to check your windows and doors for draughts

We recommend regularly checking your windows and doors for draughts. By making this part of your regular maintenance routine, you can ensure that your home remains thermally efficient, and that any potential problems are being nipped in the bud (before they build into a more costly issue). 

You can check your windows and doors for draughts by: 

• Visually inspecting the entire unit, checking for any gaps, cracks or signs of damage (particularly around the frames) 
• Listening for any whistling noises (this is best on windy days)
• Feeling around the unit, to see whether any air is passing through (it is best to do this on a cold day, as the cold air will be easier to spot) 
• Gently pushing on your window or door, to check that they are securely held in place, and that all fixings are working as they should 
• Lighting an incense stick near the edge of your window or door. If the smoke drifts or flickers, then this tells you that a draft is blowing from the window or door. 

DIY quick fixes for draughts in windows and doors 

If the draught is only minor, then there are some quick DIY ways that you can address it. However, if the draught is making the room noticeably cold, or if you find that it is being caused by a bigger problem, then we recommend investing in new glass units. This is the best way to preserve the energy efficiency of your home. 

Some simple DIY quick fixes that you can try for a draught include: 

• Replacing your weatherstripping 
• Positioning a fabric draft excluder at the base of your door 
• Sealing any cracks or gaps (using either a silicone sealant or caulk)
• Adding a plastic window insulation film to your window 
• Applying draught tape to the faulty area 

However, if the draught persists even after you’ve tried these steps, then you will need to invest in a new unit. 

At Stevenage Glass, our skilled team of glaziers can quickly replace your faulty unit, with a new high performance, energy-efficient window or door. This will keep your home warm and cosy (and your energy bills down!) for many years to come. 

To find out more about our specialist glazing services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.