You’ve turned up the heating. The living room feels cosy. But the hallway by the front door? Still cold. Maybe you’ve even seen the doormat move when the wind picks up, or felt a sneaky breeze around the letterbox.
Front door draughts are really common in Teesside and the North East, especially in 1990s semis and older uPVC or timber doors that have shifted over time. The good news is they’re nearly always fixable – sometimes with a simple seal, sometimes with a better door.
In this guide, you’ll learn why front doors let in cold air, how to find the exact source of the draught, and the quick fixes you can try today. And if the door’s past its best, we’ll show you when it makes sense to upgrade to a locally made composite door from Celestial Windows in Middlesbrough.
Ready to warm that hallway up? Let’s start with what actually causes the draught.
Why Front Doors Let in Draughts
Even a small gap around your front door can make your home feel noticeably colder. The problem usually develops gradually, as the door and its fittings wear down over time.
The most common cause of door draughts is worn or perished rubber seals. These flexible strips are designed to create an airtight seal when the door closes. As they age, they can crack, flatten, or come loose, letting cold air flow freely into your hallway.
Another frequent issue is gaps around the frame or threshold. If the frame has shifted or wasn’t fitted tightly, even a few millimetres of space can cause noticeable draughts.
Poorly fitted letterboxes and keyholes can also be to blame. Thin metal flaps or unsealed keyholes act as open channels for cold air, especially on windy days.
Finally, misaligned hinges or warped panels are common in older uPVC or timber doors. In the North East’s damp, changeable weather, materials expand and contract. Over time, this movement prevents the door from sitting flush against its frame, breaking the weathertight seal.
The good news? Most of these problems are easy to fix with the right approach. Simple repairs like resealing or adjusting the hinges can make a big difference. And if the door is too damaged, a modern composite door provides the perfect upgrade. Designed to resist warping, seal tightly, and keep your home warm all winter.
How to Find Where the Draught Is Coming From
Before you can fix a draught, you need to find out exactly where it’s coming from. Thankfully, spotting the source is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Start with the hand test. On a windy day or when the heating is on, slowly move your hand around the door frame, letterbox, and threshold. If you feel cold air, that’s where the draught is sneaking in.
You can also try the candle or smoke test. Light a candle or stick of incense and move it carefully around the edges of your closed door. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves sharply, you’ve found a gap or leak point.
At night, the torchlight test works well too. Have someone shine a light from the outside while you stand inside in the dark. Any light seeping through the frame, hinges, or letterbox shows where cold air can enter.
Be sure to check all key areas – the door edges, letterbox flap, keyhole, bottom threshold, and even any glazed panels. Sometimes, multiple small gaps combine to create one big draught.
It’s best to check before the weather turns colder, when small fixes can make a big difference. If your door feels loose, warped, or beyond repair, it might be worth exploring a modern composite door instead.
You can view a range of our durable, energy-efficient composite door designs. All manufactured locally in Middlesbrough and built to keep Teesside homes warm and draught-free.
Quick and Easy Ways to Stop Draughts From Front Door
Once you’ve found the source of the draught, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to block it. Many of these fixes can be done in under an hour, while others may need professional attention – especially for modern uPVC or composite doors.
Here are the most effective ways to stop draughts from your front door:
- Fit self-adhesive rubber or brush weather-strips
These strips are an inexpensive and reliable fix for gaps around the door frame. Stick them along the top and sides of the frame to create an instant airtight seal. - Add a brush or drop-down draught excluder to the threshold
Gaps at the bottom of doors are one of the most common causes of cold air. A brush strip or drop-down seal stops air from entering without restricting door movement. - Seal any visible gaps with silicone caulk
If you notice cracks between the frame and wall, apply a thin line of clear silicone sealant to block airflow. This helps prevent both draughts and moisture ingress. - Install a letterbox brush or flap
Letterboxes can let in a surprising amount of cold air. A letterbox brush or draught flap adds insulation without affecting your post delivery. - Fit a keyhole cover (escutcheon)
A simple keyhole cover prevents air sneaking through unused locks. Choose one with a spring cover for best results. - Hang a heavy door curtain
For older homes with single front doors, a thick curtain adds an extra layer of insulation. It’s an old-fashioned method that still works well today. - Consider professional resealing or hinge adjustment
If you have a composite or uPVC door, gaps are often caused by misalignment rather than missing seals. A professional can adjust the hinges or replace the threshold seal to restore a perfect fit.
These small upgrades not only stop draughts but also improve comfort and energy efficiency throughout your home. And if repairs don’t do the trick, it might be time to look at a new door for your Middlesbrough home.
When It’s Time to Replace the Door
Sometimes, no matter how many seals or strips you add, the draughts just keep coming back. That’s usually a sign that your door has reached the end of its lifespan – and replacement becomes the more practical, long-term solution.
You’ll know it’s time to replace your door if:
- The door is warped or no longer closes flush against the frame.
- You’ve had repeated seal failures or gaps that reopen after every winter.
- You can see daylight or water ingress around the edges or threshold.
- You’ve tried several fixes, but the draught persists no matter what.
Older timber or uPVC doors often shift over time due to the North East’s damp, changeable weather. Once that structure has moved or twisted, it’s difficult to achieve a proper weathertight seal again.
Upgrading to a new composite door from Celestial Windows offers the best long-term fix. Each one is custom-made locally in Middlesbrough to fit perfectly – ensuring a tight, secure seal that eliminates draughts completely.
Our composite doors are designed with A-rated thermal insulation to keep your home warm and your heating bills low. They also include PAS 24-rated multi-point locking systems, offering excellent security without compromising on style.
With a wide choice of finishes, colours, and glass designs, you can enhance your home’s appearance while improving comfort and energy efficiency. And because every installation is handled by our FENSA-certified team, you can trust that your new door will perform beautifully for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop draughts from my front door?
To stop draughts from your front door, seal any gaps around the frame with self-adhesive weather-strips or brush seals. Fit a draught excluder along the threshold and install a letterbox brush or keyhole cover to block cold air.
For older uPVC or timber doors, check the hinges and seals – these may need professional adjustment. If the door is warped or still letting in air, consider upgrading to a composite door for better insulation and long-term warmth.
Why is cold air coming through my front door?
Cold air usually enters through worn rubber seals, gaps in the frame, or loose fittings around the letterbox or keyhole. In older uPVC or timber doors, warping or hinge misalignment can also prevent a tight seal. Over time, these small gaps cause noticeable draughts and heat loss. Replacing the seals or adjusting the door can often fix the problem, but if the structure has shifted, a new, energy-efficient composite door may be needed.
What is the best way to draught-proof a front door?
The best way to draught-proof a front door is to use a combination of seals and fittings. Add rubber or brush weather-stripping around the frame, fit a drop-down brush seal on the bottom edge, and use a letterbox brush to block cold air. Don’t forget the keyhole – a small escutcheon cover helps prevent air leaks. For long-term results, ensure the door closes flush with the frame. Professional resealing or replacing with a PAS 24-certified composite door gives the most durable solution.
How do I know if my front door needs replacing?
You may need to replace your front door if it’s warped, won’t close flush, or still lets in draughts after repairs. Other warning signs include repeated seal failure, visible daylight around the edges, or water ingress near the threshold.
A new composite door offers better insulation, improved security, and energy savings. Locally made models, like those from Celestial Windows in Middlesbrough, are custom-built to fit perfectly and withstand North East weather.
Are composite doors more energy-efficient than uPVC doors?
Yes. Composite doors are generally more energy-efficient than traditional uPVC doors. Their multi-layered design, solid core, and tight weathertight seals help prevent draughts and reduce heat loss. They achieve excellent U-values, meaning less warm air escapes from your home. Composite doors also resist warping and shrinking, maintaining insulation for many years. If you live in the North East, upgrading to a Celestial composite door can significantly improve your home’s energy performance.
Can I fix front door draughts myself or do I need a professional?
You can fix small draughts yourself with DIY weather-stripping, silicone sealant, or letterbox brushes. These affordable products work well for minor gaps. However, if your door frame is misaligned or seals keep failing, it’s best to call a professional.
A specialist can adjust hinges, reseal thresholds, or advise if a replacement is more cost-effective. Celestial Windows offers no-obligation inspections across Middlesbrough and Teesside, helping you choose between repair and upgrade.
Stay Warm and Energy Efficient This Winter
A draughty front door might seem like a small problem, but it can have a big impact on how warm and comfortable your home feels. The good news is that you now know how to find the source, try quick fixes, and decide when professional help is needed.
Start with the basics. Check for gaps, replace worn seals, and fit brush strips or letterbox covers. These simple improvements can make an immediate difference to warmth and energy efficiency. But if the cold air keeps creeping in, it’s time to look at the bigger picture.
Upgrading to a composite door from Celestial Windows means long-lasting comfort, better insulation, and lower heating bills. Each door is custom-built in Middlesbrough, designed for North East weather, and installed by FENSA-certified professionals for a perfect fit every time.
This winter, don’t settle for draughts or rising energy costs. Book your free quote with Celestial Windows today and take the first step towards a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
Or, if you’re ready to transform your entryway, upgrade to a stylish, draught-free composite door – proudly made right here in the North East.
