Worn or Damaged Seals
Window gaskets and seals assist in filling the gap between the opening sash and frame.
With time, this process may reduce the efficiency of these materials.
Window Draught Guide
Why Can I Feel the Wind Through My Window?
Cold air surrounding a window is generally an indication that there is a leak somewhere in the vicinity of the sash, seals, window frame, or installation process. However, not all instances of feeling cold air next to the window are indicative of a draught.
Old seals, misalignment, window hardware damage, and gaps around the window frame may cause outdoor air to flow into the room. Old windows may also produce a cold spot near the window even without the presence of air flowing through the window.
Use this guide to determine what you feel, find its source, and figure out how to address the issue.
Common Causes
Why You Might Feel Cold Air Near a Window
- Worn or damaged window seals
- A sash that is no longer closing tightly
- Gaps around the window frame
- Worn hinges or locking hardware
- Older or poorly performing glazing
- Controlled ventilation such as a trickle vent
The Short Answer
A Draught Usually Means Air Is Finding a Gap Around the Window
In case you feel moving air, especially near the edge of the opening sash or at the point where the frame joins the wall, there is probably a gap resulting from worn seals, improper adjustment, faulty hardware, or improper installation.
However, in case the area just feels very cold but there is no movement of air felt, the coldness may be due to heat loss from the glazing, not a hole in the window.
First Check
Is It Really a Draught — or Just a Cold Window?
A window can feel cold for different reasons. Before trying to seal anything, work out whether outside air is actually entering the room.
Actual Draught
You Can Feel Air Moving
A true draught is uncontrolled outside air entering through a gap or crack.
- Airflow around the sash or frame
- Whistling on windy days
- Movement near one corner
- A visible gap around a seal
- Curtains moving unexpectedly
Cold Window
The Area Feels Cold but Air Isn't Moving
Older or less thermally efficient glazing can have a colder internal surface, making the area around the window feel uncomfortable even without an obvious gap.
- Cold sensation close to the glass
- No obvious airflow around the frame
- More noticeable during cold weather
- Older or single-glazed windows
- Cold air seems to fall beside the glass
What Are You Noticing?
Window Draught Diagnosis at a Glance
| What You Notice | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Air around the opening sash | Worn seal, poor adjustment or closing pressure |
| Draught from one corner | Seal, hinge or alignment issue |
| Air between the frame and wall | Gap around the installation or perimeter seal |
| Whistling during windy weather | Small gap allowing outside air through |
| Cold beside the glass but no airflow | Heat loss through older or less efficient glazing |
| Air coming through a vent above the window | Possibly normal airflow through a trickle vent |
Common Problems
What Causes Draughty Windows?
The origin of the problem could be the opening sash, seals, hardware, frame, or even the manner in which the window was originally installed.
Window Misalignment
If the sash is not properly aligned or has become a little unaligned, it may no longer fit well with the seals.
Worn Hinges or Hardware
The hinges and locking parts will help the sash align properly. The wear will cause loss of pressure on the seals.
Gaps Around the Frame
Drafts may arise from the point where the entire window frame meets the walls.
Older Glazing
Old and single-pane windows result in very cold surfaces inside, causing drafts around the windows.
Poor or Ageing Installation
Poor sealing at the perimeter of the window and installation gaps allow entry of uncontrolled air from the outside into the room.
Find the Source
How to Check Where a Window Draught Is Coming From
Begin with the window shut and locked like you usually do, but then proceed to examine the area around the window.
01
Inspect the Window
Inspect the sash, seals, and window frame for gaps, broken rubber seals, cracks in the sealant surrounding the window, and unevenness.
02
Feel Around the Edges
If it’s a windy day, carefully run your hand along the edges of the closed window and identify areas where air is entering.
03
Use a Light Piece of Tissue
Lightweight tissue can make small areas of moving air easier to identify without using an open flame.
04
Listen on a Windy Day
If there’s a whistling or rattling noise near a closed window, it means that the outside air is entering through that gap.
05
Check the Sash Alignment
Check for irregular gaps, friction, or areas where the sash is not sitting flush with the frame.
Possible Solutions
How Can You Stop Wind Coming Through a Window?
The correct solution depends on where the air is entering, so identify the likely source before trying to seal anything.
Replace Worn Seals
Seals that have been damaged on the opening sash can be replaced by a gasket or a draught-proofing material.
Best for:Air between the opening sash and frame.
Adjust the Window
In case the sash does not close properly, it could be because of hinge, locking point or alignment problems.
Best for:Uneven gaps or catching.
Seal Non-Opening Gaps
Where there is a fixed gap in the window frame, a suitable sealant should be applied.
Best for:Stationary perimeter gaps.
Repair Worn Hardware
Faulty hinges, handles or locks may prevent the sash from closing properly.
Best for:Windows that catch, drop or feel loose.
Consider Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing can enhance the energy efficiency of some windows without having to replace them.
Consider Replacement
Replacement may be more advisable in cases where the frames, glazing or hardware are worn out.
Before You Seal Anything
Don't Mistake a Trickle Vent for a Window Fault
Trickle vents may be fitted to some windows in order to provide consistent, small-scale ventilation.
Air passing through trickle vents does not necessarily indicate that the window has failed in its function. Ventilation designed to do this job should not be permanently sealed off to prevent all airflow.
Repair or Replace?
Does a Draught Mean You Need New Windows?
Not necessarily. Many draught problems are caused by individual seals, hinges or adjustment issues.
Repair May Be Enough
The Window Is Otherwise in Good Condition
- A seal or gasket is worn
- The sash needs adjustment
- A hinge or lock has developed a fault
- A small perimeter gap needs attention
- The problem has only recently appeared
Replacement May Be Worth Considering
The Whole Window Is Performing Poorly
- Frames are badly damaged or distorted
- The glazing is very old or inefficient
- Several components repeatedly need attention
- The window no longer closes reliably
- There are wider thermal-performance problems
Prevent Future Problems
How to Keep Your Windows Operating Properly
01
Check the Seals
Inspect your seals for damage, loose mounting, or misalignment.
02
Keep Frames Clean
Remove any dirt or debris from accessible areas of the frame.
03
Watch for Changes
Tight handles and rubbing may be an early sign of wear.
04
Deal with Problems Early
Small adjustments are generally easier to make early on..
Still Feeling a Draught?
It May Be Time to Have the Window Checked
In case the source cannot be located, the window is difficult to close, touches the frame, or the hardware looks damaged, a professional assessment will help to locate the issue.
The presence of a draft does not necessarily indicate that the window needs replacement.
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Common Questions
Draughty Window FAQs
Why can I feel cold air coming through my window?
Cold air may enter the room due to worn seals, gaps at the edges of the frame, misalignment of the sashes, or malfunctioning hardware. In case there is no noticeable air flow, the cold may be caused by heat losses via the glazing.
Can double-glazed windows still let draughts in?
Yes. Double glazing windows may also suffer from draughts in case the seals, hinges, locks, alignment, or the edge sealing do not function properly.
How do I find where a window draught is coming from?
Look for visible gaps when the window is closed, check for air flow near the frame, and listen to whistling sounds when it is windy outside.
Can worn window seals be replaced?
It depends on the window system and the condition of the frame; damaged seals can be replaced using proper seals.
Should I seal a trickle vent to stop a draught?
Trickle vents are designed to ensure controlled ventilation and must not be permanently sealed.
Does a draught mean my window needs replacing?
Not necessarily. A draught can be caused by a seal, a hinge, a lock, or tuning.
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