As the colder months approach, do you ever feel a chill in your home even when the heating’s on full? You’re not imagining it – many North East homes start to show signs of draughty windows as temperatures drop and wind exposure increases.
Small gaps, worn seals, and ageing double glazing can quietly let warm air escape while inviting cold air in. Left unchecked, these draughts can push up heating bills, cause condensation, and make your home feel far less comfortable.
By spotting the signs early, you can save money, improve energy efficiency, and avoid more costly repairs down the line.
At Celestial Windows, we’ve been helping homeowners across Middlesbrough, Teesside, and the wider North East keep their homes warm and energy-efficient for decades. Our locally manufactured, high-performance windows are designed to stop draughts in their tracks. Before winter has the chance to set in.
What Causes Draughty Windows?
A window draught happens when cold air seeps into your home through small gaps, cracks, or damaged seals around the frame or glazing. It’s one of the most common causes of heat loss in older or poorly fitted windows. But the good news is, it’s usually easy to diagnose and fix.
Over time, seal failure is the main culprit. Rubber or silicone seals around double glazing can perish or loosen, creating tiny openings where air can flow through. In some homes, frame warping or movement caused by seasonal temperature changes can also lead to poor alignment and gaps between the sash and frame.
Another frequent cause is condensation damage. When moisture collects inside or around a window, it can weaken weather-stripping or even rot timber frames, letting cold air in. Older windows, especially early single or double glazing, tend to have low U-values (a measure of how well a window retains heat), meaning they allow more warmth to escape.
Poor installation can also play a part. If windows weren’t properly sealed or fitted when first installed, air leaks can appear long before the materials themselves wear out.
While draughty windows can be annoying, most issues are fixable. Sometimes, replacing seals or re-aligning the frame is enough. For older or severely damaged glazing, an upgrade to modern, energy-efficient double or triple glazing offers a lasting solution that keeps warmth in and cold air out. All year round.
Common Signs You Have Draughty Windows
It’s not always obvious when your windows are letting in cold air, but there are a few tell-tale signs you can look out for. Spotting these early can help you act before small problems become expensive repairs.
Here are some of the most common warning signs of draughty windows:
- Cold air near frames or sills – You can often feel a chill or a faint breeze, especially on windy days.
- Movement of curtains or blinds when windows are closed – A clear sign that outside air is entering through gaps.
- Condensation between panes – Indicates a failed seal in your double glazing, allowing moisture and air leaks.
- Mould growth or peeling paint – Damp air around leaky frames can damage walls, sills, and window edges.
- Higher heating bills or uneven room temperatures – Warm air escapes, forcing your heating system to work harder.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth arranging a quick inspection before the weather worsens. A simple seal replacement or repair could make a big difference to your home’s warmth and energy efficiency.
Simple Ways to Test for Draughts
Finding and fixing draughts before the cold weather sets in can make a huge difference to your home’s comfort and energy bills. The good news is that you can check for window draughts yourself using a few quick, simple methods – no special tools required.
Why It’s Worth Testing for Draughts Early
As the temperature drops, materials like uPVC and timber contract slightly, widening gaps around older windows and seals. These small openings let cold air in and warm air out, often without you realising it.
Catching draughts early not only prevents discomfort but can also save on heating costs. Even minor leaks can increase heat loss by 10–20%, according to the Energy Saving Trust. For homes across Teesside and the North East, where autumn winds roll in off the coast, checking your windows before winter can make all the difference.
The Hand Test (Quick and Reliable)
The easiest way to detect a draught is by using your own sense of touch.
- Close all windows and doors in the room.
- Switch off any fans or heating to stop air circulation.
- Slowly move your hand around the window frame, sill, and edges.
If you feel a cool breeze or temperature change, that’s a sign of air leaking in – and heat escaping out. The hand test works best on windy days, giving you a clearer idea of how well your windows are sealed.
The Candle or Smoke Test
For a more visual approach, try the classic smoke or candle test.
- Light a candle or an incense stick and hold it near the edges of the window.
- Move it slowly around the frame.
- Watch closely – if the flame flickers or the smoke moves sideways, air is entering through a gap.
This simple test can help you spot subtle leaks that your hand might not detect. Always take care with open flames and keep them away from curtains, blinds, and other materials.
The Torchlight Test (For Night-time Checks)
If you want a clearer look at your window seals, try the torchlight method after dark.
- Ask someone to stand inside with the lights off.
- Shine a bright torch along the window edges from outside.
- If light passes through the frame, it means there’s a visible gap where air can flow.
This test works especially well on older uPVC or timber windows that have warped or shifted slightly over time.
What to Do If You Find a Draught
Don’t panic if you discover a leak – many draughts can be fixed easily.
You can:
- Replace or reseal worn rubber gaskets.
- Apply temporary draught-proofing strips.
- Use silicone or foam sealant for small cracks.
However, if you notice severe gaps, condensation between panes, or warped frames, it’s time to seek professional help.
At Celestial Windows, our Double Glazing Repairs team can quickly identify the source of your draughts and carry out lasting repairs or replacements. We offer honest advice – repair when possible, replace only when it makes financial sense.
How Regular Draught Checks Can Save You Money
Taking half an hour each autumn to check for draughts can prevent expensive energy waste later. Sealing small leaks could save around £60 a year on heating bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust – and even more if your windows are older.
Regular checks also extend your windows’ lifespan and keep your home warmer, quieter, and more comfortable through the North East winter.
If your tests reveal cold spots or leaks, it might be time to look deeper at how draughty windows affect comfort and energy bills – and how Celestial Windows can help.
How Draughty Windows Affect Comfort and Energy Bills
A draught might seem like a minor inconvenience, but over time, it can have a major impact on your comfort and your wallet. Even the smallest gaps allow warm air to escape and cold air to creep in, making it harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
When this happens, your heating system has to work overtime to keep the house warm – using more energy, running for longer, and pushing up your utility bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, up to 20% of a home’s heat can be lost through inefficient or draughty windows. That wasted warmth adds up quickly during the colder months.
Beyond higher costs, draughts affect how your home feels. You may notice:
- Cold spots and uneven warmth — one room feels cosy, while another stays chilly.
- More noise from outside — air gaps reduce sound insulation.
- Condensation or damp patches — moisture can build up where cold air meets warm surfaces.
Replacing or repairing draughty windows improves more than energy efficiency. It restores comfort, reduces condensation, and creates a quieter, more inviting space for your family.
At Celestial Windows, our modern A-rated uPVC and aluminium windows are designed to keep heat in and draughts out. Every unit is built locally in Middlesbrough and tested for superior U-value performance – so you can stay warm without wasting energy.
Repair or Replace? What to Do If Your Windows Are Draughty
Not every draughty window needs to be replaced. In many cases, a few simple repairs can make a big difference. Replacing worn seals, fitting new weather-stripping, or tightening hinges can often stop minor air leaks and improve insulation.
However, if you’re dealing with severe condensation, warped frames, or failed double glazing, a full replacement may be the more cost-effective long-term option. Modern A-rated windows are far more energy efficient, helping to lower bills and improve comfort immediately.
At Celestial Windows, we believe in honest advice – we’ll always recommend repair if it’s practical and replacement only when it offers real value. If you’re unsure which route is right for your home, book a free inspection or quote with our Teesside team today.
Preventing Future Draughts
Once you’ve fixed existing draughts, a little regular maintenance can help stop them returning. Staying on top of small tasks throughout the year keeps your windows performing efficiently and your home feeling warm.
Here are some simple ways to prevent future draughts:
- Clean and inspect window seals twice a year to remove dust and debris that could stop them closing tightly.
- Reapply sealant or caulk if you notice cracks forming around the frame or sill.
- Tighten hinges and handles to ensure windows close properly and stay flush with the frame.
- Lubricate moving parts on uPVC and aluminium windows to prevent stiffness or gaps developing.
- Open windows occasionally, even in colder months, to allow moisture to escape and reduce condensation damage.
- Check for condensation between panes – early signs of seal failure that should be repaired before winter.
For a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to modern double or triple glazing. Today’s A-rated uPVC windows offer excellent insulation, low U-values, and built-in draught-proofing technology that eliminates cold air leaks entirely.
At Celestial Windows, every product is manufactured locally in Middlesbrough, designed for the North East’s weather, and installed by FENSA-certified professionals. That means guaranteed performance, lasting comfort, and full peace of mind for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Draughty Windows
What are the signs of draughty windows?
Common signs include:
- Feeling cold air near frames or sills
- Curtains moving when windows are shut
- Condensation between panes
- Peeling paint, damp, or mould
- Uneven room temperatures or rising heating bills
Spotting these early helps you prevent energy waste and avoid costly repairs.
How to test for draughts around windows?
Close all windows and turn off heating or fans. Slowly move your hand around the frame – a cool breeze signals a leak. You can also hold a candle or incense stick near the edges; flickering smoke confirms air movement. Simple tests like this can quickly reveal window draughts before winter.
What causes window draughts?
Draughts occur when warm air escapes and cold air enters through gaps or poor seals. Typical causes include:
- Worn rubber or silicone seals
- Warped frames from temperature changes
- Poor installation or sealant failure
- Old double glazing with low thermal efficiency (high U-value)
How can I fix draughty windows at home?
Minor leaks can often be fixed by replacing worn seals, adding self-adhesive weather-stripping, or applying silicone around frames. However, severe gaps, misted panes, or cracked seals usually need professional double glazing repair or window replacement. A quick inspection from a FENSA-registered installer like Celestial Windows ensures lasting results.
Do draughty windows affect energy efficiency?
Yes. Even small gaps can significantly lower your home’s energy efficiency rating, forcing your boiler to work harder. According to the Energy Saving Trust, sealing draughts can save up to £60 a year on heating bills. Energy-efficient A-rated windows retain more warmth, reduce condensation, and make your home more comfortable.
Can old double-glazed windows become draughty?
They can. Over time, double glazing can suffer seal failure, where the insulating gas between panes escapes. This leads to condensation, misting, and reduced insulation. Replacing the failed sealed unit or upgrading to modern uPVC or aluminium frames restores performance and prevents heat loss.
What’s the difference between draught-proofing and insulation?
Draught-proofing stops air leaks around windows and doors, while insulation prevents heat transfer through walls, roofs, or glazing. Effective energy efficiency needs both. Combining draught-proofing with low-U-value windows offers the best long-term comfort and savings.
When should I replace draughty windows instead of repairing them?
Consider replacement if you notice:
- Condensation between panes
- Warped or cracked frames
- Persistent draughts despite new seals
- High energy bills or poor noise reduction
Modern double or triple glazing provides superior insulation and long-term reliability – often a smarter investment than repeated repairs.
Are FENSA-certified window installers important?
Yes. FENSA certification confirms your installer meets UK Building Regulations for safety, energy performance, and workmanship. Using a FENSA-registered company such as Celestial Windows ensures compliant installations, validated guarantees, and full peace of mind.
How can Celestial Windows help with draughty homes in Teesside?
Celestial Windows offers expert window inspections, double glazing repairs, and A-rated replacements across Middlesbrough, Teesside, and the North East. Our locally manufactured windows and doors combine modern design with superior insulation to keep homes warmer, quieter, and more energy-efficient year-round.
Stay Warm This Winter with Celestial Windows
If there’s one thing every homeowner in the North East knows, it’s that winter can arrive fast – and hit hard. Spotting draughty windows early gives you the best chance to fix problems before the cold sets in, keeping your home warm, efficient, and comfortable all season long.
By acting now, you can avoid rising heating bills, eliminate cold spots, and enjoy a more energy-efficient home that feels cosy no matter how low the temperature drops.
At Celestial Windows, we’re proud to serve Middlesbrough, Teesside, and the wider North East, offering locally manufactured A-rated windows and doors designed specifically for our climate. Every installation is carried out by FENSA-certified professionals, ensuring exceptional workmanship and lasting performance.
Whether you need a quick inspection or a full upgrade, our friendly team is here to help. Request a free quote today, or book a draught check before winter arrives — and discover how much warmer your home can feel with Celestial Windows.
