Now that we’re all keeping a watchful eye on our energy bills, it’s important to keep our homes as warm and toasty as possible. And since around 10 to 25 per cent of heat in homes is lost through the windows, learning how to draught proof your windows is an important skill.
Luckily, there are a number of simple steps you can take to remedy the problem, no matter what type of windows you have.
What is a draught?
A draught is defined as a current of cool air in a room or other confined space. It usually involves cold air making its way from outside due to gaps in window frames and around doors. You'll find our guide to how to draught proof doors here.
To check if your windows have a draught coming through, there are some common telltale signs to look out for. These include cracked window panes, a cracked or damaged seal, or condensation on the windows or between the panes of glass.
If you do spot any of these signs, don’t worry, because one budget-friendly hack you can try is to use clear nail polish to paint over the cracked seal. You might need to paint on two to three coats to ensure the crack is fully covered.
Adam Pawson, Marketing Director at Safestyle
Why good ventilation is key
It's important that you let your house 'breathe'. Don't block up ventilation routes and never cover over window trickle vents.
In kitchens and bathrooms, where there's a lot of moisture in the air from showers and cooking, it's vital that fresh air can circulate. In these rooms the moist air needs to escape, otherwise you’ll end up with mould and damp issues.
The importance of fresh air
If you have any kind of gas appliance in your home, for example a gas cooker, gas fire or gas boiler, these appliances need a consistent supply of fresh air in order to burn safely.
If they don’t have this, then they won’t operate correctly and will produce a build-up of carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
Quick fixes for draught proofing any windows in your home
Use draft proofing strips to stop drafts
For most windows that open, buying draught proofing strips to stick around the window frame is the quickest and simplest solution to prevent draughts. There are two main types:
Self-adhesive foam strips. These are cheap and easy to install, but may not last long. They can also be used as a door draught excluder.
Metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers attached. These are long-lasting, but cost a little more.
Make sure the strip is the right size to fill the gap in your window. If the strip is too big, it will get crushed and you may not be able to close the window properly. If it’s too small, there will still be a gap for draughts to whistle through.
You will need:
- Soapy water
- Lint-free cloth
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Self-adhesive strips
- The strip should be fitted on the inside of the window frame and needs to be tightly compressed when the window is closed. The strips come in a variety of thicknesses and you should choose the thickest option that still allows your window to close tightly.
- If you’re re-installing strips, remove the old ones and any leftover adhesive with oil or a specific adhesive remover. Clean around the window frame with mild soap and water to remove any grease that might prevent the new weatherstrip from sticking. Thoroughly dry any surface you’ve cleaned before applying the new strip.
- Measure the length of one side of the window frame and cut the weatherstrip to size, preferably in one length. It’s better to cut it a little too long and trim down afterwards, because you want to get it right into the corners. Peel away the backing and press the weatherstrip into place. Repeat around all sides of the window frame.
How to fix drafts with thermal window film
If your single-glazed windows are cold and draughty, then window film is an easy and affordable way of adding another layer of insulation. It acts like double-glazing without the hefty cost of replacing your existing windows.
For the best results, use specifically designed thermal film. You can buy kits with thin plastic film for very little money.
If you’re using a kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to stick the film to your window. The application method depends on the type of window insulation kit you're using and the specific material or style of film.
While instructions may vary per product, here are some basic steps to take when applying insulation film.
You will need:
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Soapy water in a spray bottle
- Window squeegee
- Methylated or white spirit
- Lint-free cloth
- Window film
- If you’re using static cling film, unroll the film and cut it down into pieces to fit the glass portion of your windows. Cut the film approximately 2.5cm longer and wider than each window's actual size.
- Thoroughly clean your windows with a solution of warm water and soap. The glass should be wet for application.
- Remove the film backing and use your hands to apply the static cling film to the glass. Smooth out any air bubbles, and use the application tool included with the kit to squeegee out any remaining water or bubbles. If a tool isn't included, you can use an old credit card.
- If you’re using adhesive-backed film, unroll the adhesive window film, making sure that the adhesive side is facing up. Cut it down into pieces that match your window size, leaving each piece 2.5cm wider and longer than the actual window size.
- Use the included solution to clean and wet down your windows. If a solution isn't included, you can use a mixture of water and mild soap or baby shampoo. Make sure to leave the windows wet for application.
- Apply the film evenly to each window, using your hands to smooth out large bubbles. Use the included tool or an old credit card to remove smaller bubbles and excess water.
- Once the film adheres to the window, use a hairdryer (if directed) to apply heat to the film. In most cases, the dryer should only be used for 60 seconds or so.
How to draught proof sash windows
Sash windows are more often found in period properties and have two panels that slide up and down. Other styles often found in more modern properties include sliding, tilt-and-turn and bay designs. In some windows the glass is fixed and is not designed to be opened.
Sash windows can provide a home with oodles of character but, like many areas of your home, they do require maintenance.
Common issues can include cracked putty, failure of joints, wet rot, rattling or sticking and draughts.
Poorly maintained sash windows can cause draughts that can feel like a small window is permanently open. This can make your living space uncomfortable to be in and may mean you put the heating on more.
Sealing a sash window to stop draughts is tricky as any glued-on window seals can get ripped off when the window halves slide up and down.
The gaps also tend to be irregular over the length of the channels of the frame. Sometimes this means several layers of traditional sticky seals need to be applied which can lead to even bigger problems with peeling.
However, there are several ways you can draught proof sash windows yourself. The main DIY-friendly window draught stoppers for sashes are as follows.
How to draft proof your sash windows with silicone sealant
If you're happy having your window fixed shut because it’s rarely, or possibly never, used then it would be advisable to seal the window closed with silicone.
Silicone sealant is readily available and easy to apply using a caulk gun. But once it’s in place, it’s not so easy to remove.
If the window is needed as a fire escape this is not a viable option.
You will need:
- Utility knife
- Soapy watey
- Caulk gun
- Masking tape
- Methylated spirit
- Lint-free cloth
- Foam backer
- Scraper
- Smoothing tool
- Silicone sealant
1. Choose a flexible silicone sealant that’s specially designed for outdoor use to withstand weather and temperature changes.
2. Carefully remove any old sealant using a utility knife. You can cover the window frame with masking tape if you’re worried about scuffs. Clean around the frame with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or grease that would prevent the sealant from sticking. Dry the surface. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the area with methylated spirits if any residue remains, then allow to dry.
3. If the gap is fairly deep, push foam backer into it with a scraper. Use masking tape to tape off the frame and wall a few millimetres either side of the gap. This will help you get a crisp, clean line.
3. Squeeze the trigger of the caulk gun steadily as you move along the gap, wipe off any excess with a smoothing tool or a wet finger. Remove the tape before it dries.
How to draft proof your sash windows with temporary window sealer
These products are designed to seal up sash windows during the colder months before being removed again when the weather warms up and you want to open the window.
One such product is Gapseal, a flexible, non-permanent window sealer, which comes ready to fit into window gaps between 2mm to 7mm and with all the tools you need to secure it in place.
Once fitted, it expands to fill the entire gap yet can be taken out when no longer needed. It can be used many times, doesn’t absorb moisture, and will bridge most gaps.
How to draft proof your sash windows with secondary glazing
Although some feel that fitting secondary glazing will ruin the aesthetic of a sash window, there are quite a few specialist companies that supply bespoke secondary glazing units. These are cleverly designed to blend in with your existing windows and be as unobtrusive as possible.
Secondary glazing involves essentially adding another window to the inside of an existing one – and is a job probably best left to a professional.
A secondary window is fitted behind your existing sash window, as near or far to the existing window as you require. This secondary window, once closed, then seals the existing sash window in front of it, preventing any draughts from passing into your room.
They come in a variety of different designs that include upward and downward slide opening or inward opening.
They can even be removable, enabling you to fit them in the winter when you will be less likely to want to open your windows. Then you simply remove them in the summer when it’s warmer. They can also be bought as glass or lightweight Perspex.
How to draught proof uPVC windows
Draughts in uPVC windows are most commonly caused by gaps forming around them. This can be caused by damage, dirt or the windows dropping and causing misalignment.
To find the gaps in your window, simply run your hand over your window on a windy day. Wherever you feel a draught coming from will be where your gap is.
In rare occurrences, a draught will be coming from a crack or damage within the glass of your window. If this is the case it will be visually obvious, and you should always get the window replaced as soon as possible.
Luckily, there are a number of solutions to prevent draughts in uPVC windows that don’t need you to resort to replacing the entire window unit.
For most draughts in uPVC windows, weatherstripping is usually the solution stop the wind whistling through the gaps between the window and the frame.
However, sometimes other factors can cause the draughts.
How to check for draughts in your uPVC windows
Inspect your window seals
Draughty uPVC windows need effective seals. There are two rubber seals on each opening window. It might be that both have perished or it could be just one of them.
Feel to see if the rubber is still flexible by pressing it with your finger. If it feels hard then it’s likely that it has perished and will be unable to compress properly when the window is closed, allowing cold air to seep through.
Another common cause of draughts with window seals is shrinkage. Quite often you can see the rubber has shrunk at the comers of the frame leaving a gap where the cold air creeps in.
In both instances it’s best to replace the seals, which is a fairly inexpensive job to do.
Carefully check the hinges
Occasionally, a window can become draughty because the hinges are dirty or rusty. It’s good practice to give the hinges a thorough clean at least once a year to avoid them becoming misaligned and leaving gaps.
If you’ve removed any dirt build-up and you’re still experiencing draughts, it could be a sign of further damage to the hardware.
You can pinpoint problems with the hinges by closing the window and checking for gaps between the window and the frame.
If there is a gap, it means your hinges are damaged or faulty and you should either get the hinges, or if necessary, the entire window replaced.
Hinges need to be lubricated once a year. If they are left unused or are in a damp area, such as a bathroom, they can seize up. If this is the case the back edge of the hinge fails to engage, causing a gap when you try to close it.
Examine the window locks
If your window lock is faulty and stopping the window from closing correctly, it will not only let in draughts, but your home insurance will be void.
This is one reason you should look at getting the locking system replaced or replacing the entire window unit.
You can test the tightness of your lock by sliding a credit card between the sash and the frame. If you notice it moving freely then your lock needs tightening or replacing.
To prevent espagnolette locks from corroding, they need lubrication annually to prevent the locking strip from jamming. Applying excess force breaks the gearing and prevents the bolts from engaging.
Once it has jammed, the locking side of the window allows air to seep through the gap. Luckily, uPVC window locks are easily replaced at a reasonable cost with a minimum of fuss.
How to draft proof your windows with thermal curtains
If you’re not a confident DIYer, but still want to prevent draughts from creeping into your room from the windows, then add additional insulation by hanging a thick pair of curtains with a thermal lining.
If you don’t want to buy a whole new set of curtains, you can buy separate, inexpensive linings that simply clip to your existing curtains.
For a real belt and braces approach, consider using a thermal-lined blind at your window too.
How to draft proof by replacing your windows
If draughts from your windows are an ongoing issue and can’t be resolved with retro-fitted draught excluding methods, you should look at replacing your entire window unit.
Although replacing the windows in your home may seem like a more expensive commitment, you’ll receive a return on investment when you sell your home and save yourself money annually through your energy bills.
If you have visible damage to your window frames or glass panes, you need to have the window replaced as soon as possible. The damage will only get worse and cause further issues.
Any visible damage to your windows will cause weak spots, leaving your home vulnerable to intruders. Take a look at our article on how to fix rot in wood.
This article first appeared in YourHomeStyle and HomeStyle magazine.
Learn how to draught proof your windows and stay cosy this winter
Living with a permanent draft in your home isn't much fun. Having pockets of icy air is uncomfortable and will probably mean you're having to put the heating on more often than you need to.
The good news is that it's relatively straightforward draught proofing your windows. There's a range of ways to do it, both temporary and more permanent.
You could try the cheaper options first before embarking on bigger, more expensive options. Take a look at our guide above for how to check for draughts in the first place and then browse the variety of ways to fix them.
Learn how to make a roller blind with Gathered
Once you've minimised the draughts leaking from your windows, it's time to focus on giving them a splash of colour! A roller blind will help to keep the heat in as it provides an extra layer, while also upping the style stakes of any room.
Follow our easy step-by-steps for how to make roller blinds and you'll be able to create bespoke blinds to fit every window in your house!
