The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, and as the evenings draw in, it’s often the moment you notice it: a chill by the window or a cold patch near the front door. A draught doesn’t always mean you need new windows or doors. Quite often the cause is something small that can be put right.
Here’s how to work out what’s going on, what can usually be repaired and when replacement makes more sense.
Why windows and doors become draughty
Modern windows and doors are designed to close tightly within their frames, and they rely on the locking mechanism and hinges to pull them firmly shut. When something stops them closing properly, cold air can find its way in. The most common causes are:
- Handles that don’t work properly. Your handle operates the locking mechanism, which pulls the window or door tight into the frame. If a handle is loose, stiff or doesn’t turn fully, the window or door may not be closing as tightly as it should.
- Locks and hinges that need adjusting. Over time, everyday use can loosen or wear the hinges and locking points. Even a small amount of movement can stop a window or door closing as firmly as it did when it was first fitted.
- Windows and doors that have moved out of line. Doors in particular can drop slightly over time, which means they no longer sit evenly in the frame and can leave gaps along the top or sides.
- Frames that have reached the end of their life. Older frames that are warped or damaged may not close properly however well they are adjusted.
Simple checks you can do at home
- The hand test. On a breezy day, hold the back of your hand close to the edges of the window or door and feel for moving air.
- The paper test. Close the window or door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the window or door may not be closing tightly enough.
- Look at how it sits in the frame. Check whether the gap around the edge looks even, or whether one side or corner sits further out than the rest.
- Try the handle. It should turn fully and feel firm, not loose or stiff.
- Open and close it. If a door catches on the frame, needs lifting to lock, or a window needs pushing hard to close, it may have moved out of line.
Problems we can often repair
Not every draught means a replacement. Worn rubber seals can be replaced, and handles that don’t work properly can be fixed, which is often a much smaller job than you might expect. If you’re not sure whether your window or door can be put right, we’ll take a look and give you honest advice.
When replacement makes more sense
If you can see misting or condensation between the two panes of glass, the seal on the glass unit itself has failed. That isn’t something that can be fixed with a new rubber seal, and the sealed unit is generally replaced. You can read more about this in our guide to common problems with double glazing.
If frames are warped, damaged or simply no longer close properly, new windows or doors are likely to be the better long-term answer. Modern double glazing is designed to keep heat in, and you can find out more in our guide to how double glazing reduces heat loss. Older timber windows usually can’t just be upgraded with new glass and tend to need replacing in full.
A good time to check your locks too
With darker evenings arriving, it’s worth making sure every window and door locks properly as well as closing tightly. A handle that doesn’t fully engage can affect both how warm your home feels and how secure it is.
Not sure what’s causing your draught?
Whether it’s a stubborn handle or something bigger, we’re happy to help. Give us a call on 01787 477231 or get in touch through our contact page. We cover homes across Essex and Suffolk from our base in Halstead.
Smarter, more connected homes
Window and door systems are also starting to connect to the smart home, and it’s usually the door fabricator, not the profile system, that decides which brand goes in. Our Endurance composite doors come with ERA smart locks, and another of our door ranges uses Yale SensCheck, both giving keyless, smartphone-based entry alongside the usual security benefits, without the need for a traditional key at all.
What this means for your home
Not every innovation shown at a trade fair makes it into every installer’s range straight away, and we’ll always be upfront about exactly what’s included in the windows and doors we fit. But it’s a good illustration of just how far the humble window has come, and how much further it’s likely to go. If you’re curious about what’s available for your home right now, get in touch and we’ll talk you through it.
