A draughty front door is a common problem many UK homeowners face, particularly those with older uPVC doors. These draughts often happen because uPVC, while durable, can shift slightly over time due to temperature changes and regular use.
As experts with over 60 years of experience in doors and windows, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you tackle door draughts yourself.
Why Door Draughts Matter
A draughty door isn’t just an annoyance, it can cause serious problems in your home. When cold air sneaks through gaps, your heating system works overtime to maintain temperature, increasing your energy bills.
These unwanted gaps can lead to condensation forming around your door frame. Over time, this moisture can seep into walls and woodwork, potentially causing damp problems, mould growth, and even structural issues. During the colder months especially, fixing draughts becomes crucial for maintaining a warm, dry home.
Five Ways to Help Reduce a Draught
1. Adjusting the Hinges
The majority of the problem often lies with alignment of the door. Over time, regular use can cause door hinges to shift slightly. You should be able to remedy this issue yourself.
Start at the top of the hinge and work down. Depending on the type of hinges, you’ll need an Allen key or a screwdriver. Look at the side of the hinge, you should spot adjustment screws. These usually control up/down and in/out movement.
Make minor adjustments, turning the screws no more than a quarter turn at a time. After each adjustment, check the door’s movement and alignment. The key is to work slowly until you achieve the desired adjustment. You’re aiming for an even gap between the door and frame all the way around.
For older uPVC doors, you might find the fixings have become loose. In this case, tightening the screws at the centre of the hinge might solve the issue. Just be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the screw holes.
2. Checking and Replacing Door Seals
The rubber seal around your door frame plays a significant role in stopping draughts. These seals can harden, crack, or compress over time, creating gaps where cold air enters. Here’s how to check and fix them.
Run your hand around the edge of the door when closed, feeling for cold spots. Inspect the seal’s condition and look for the following:
- Cracks or splits
- Areas where the seal has come loose
- Compressed or flattened sections
- Missing pieces
Replacing seals isn’t too tricky, but getting the right type is crucial. Your door manufacturer is normally able to help you supply the correct replacement. When fitting new seals:
- Remove the old seal completely
- Clean the channel thoroughly
- Start fitting from the top
- Don’t stretch the seal as you fit it
3. Adjusting the Locking Mechanism
A door that doesn’t sit properly against its seals when closed often means the locking mechanism needs adjustment. This is particularly common in older uPVC doors where regular use has caused misalignment.
Start by checking the keeps (the metal plates on the frame that the locks engage with.) These can often be adjusted to create better compression:
- Loosen the fixing screws slightly
- Adjust the keep position
- Test the door’s closure
- Tighten everything back up
If the door is hard to lock, don’t force it, as this suggests that the alignment needs work. Look for even gaps around the door when it’s closed.
4. Working with Compression Screws
Modern uPVC doors contain compression adjustment screws, which control how tightly your door sits against its seals. Located along the edge of the door frame, these screws need careful adjustment:
- Identify all compression points
- Make quarter-turn adjustments only
- Check closure after each adjustment
- Ensure the lock still engages smoothly
Too much compression can damage seals and make the door hard to close, while too little leads to draughts. Finding the right balance takes patience and gentle adjustment.
5. Installing a Draught Excluder
When other adjustments haven’t fully solved the problem, a draught excluder can provide that final barrier against cold air.
Different types available include:
- Brush strips for minimal clearance gaps
- Rubber seals for uneven floors
- Drop-down automatic seals that lift when the door opens
- External door brushes for added protection
When to Consider a New Door
Despite regular maintenance and adjustments, a replacement door sometimes becomes the most practical solution. Consider a new door if:
- Adjustments no longer hold for long
- The frame shows signs of warping or damage
- You notice increasing energy bills despite fixes
- The door has become difficult to lock securely
- The door feels unstable when opening or closing
Our uPVC Door Range
At Northwich Glass, we offer energy efficient and modern uPVC doors. Our range includes:
- Front Doors: Secure, energy efficient doors with multi-point locking systems and tight seals. Available in various styles and colours to match your home.
- French Doors: Classic double doors with large glass panels that flood your home with natural light.
- Patio Doors: Sleek sliding doors that save space while offering wide views of your garden. With options for two, three, or four-pane designs
All our doors feature:
- Tight weather-seals
- Multi-point locking
- Robust design for years of use
- Energy-efficient glazing
- Professional installation by experienced fitters
Why Choose Northwich Glass?
With over 60 years of experience serving the Cheshire area, we understand local homes and their specific needs. Our team brings years of experience to every installation.
We’re proud to be:
- FENSA accredited
- Which? Trusted Traders
- Offering 10-year warranties
- Local experts since 1959
Need More Help?
These tips can help fix many draught problems, and regular maintenance checks, particularly before the colder months arrive, can prevent many draught issues from developing.
If you’re struggling with a draughty door or thinking about a replacement, we’re here to help. Our expert team can assess your current door and recommend the best solution, whether that’s repair or replacement.
You can visit us and view and use our range of doors and other products at our showroom. We are open Monday to Saturday. You can find us at Leicester Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5HW.
For further information, you can:
- Call us on 01606 810 000
- Email us at reception@northwichglass.co.uk
- Use our online contact form
Ignoring a draught could be costing you money, as well as making your house cold, we’re here to help you solve it.
