A draughty window can be a nightmare. If the sound of cold air travelling through doesn't make your head hurt enough, the energy bill at the end of the month certainly will.
Even a tiny draught can cost you serious money to replace the heat, and let's be honest, the price of energy is high enough.
So, let's find out about draught proofing so you don't get left in the cold… literally.
Is Draught Proofing Aluminium Windows Necessary?
Only if you can feel or detect a draught. Well-made, correctly installed aluminium windows shouldn't need it, but older frames, worn gaskets, failed sealant or sashes that have dropped out of adjustment can all let cold air in.
It depends on a few things, Firstly is whether or not you have a draught through your aluminium window. If there are obvious signs that your draught-proof windows leak, you'll need to fix or replace them.
The most important consideration is the age of your windows. Replacement windows fitted in England and Wales since April 2002 must meet Building Regulations, usually shown by a FENSA (or similar competent person scheme) certificate. Windows fitted before then are more likely to need draught proofing.
This is because regulations surrounding draught-proofing windows have changed to improve energy efficiency. Older units without that paperwork or marking may be more likely to need draught proofing.
Lastly, if you have older windows that have deteriorated over time, upgrading to a more modern option might help prevent a future issue.
That's where aluminium windows can save you time and money. Modern aluminium windows are draught-proof, weather resistant and highly durable.
You can say goodbye to draught proofing altogether.
We have the answer if you're wondering how aluminium windows are made.
Why Does Draught Proofing Windows Matter?
A draught from your windows can cause a big problem come wintertime. The UK is notorious for the frosty breeze in winter.
If this comes in through your window, attempting to heat the room from the inside is pointless, as the draught forces more heating use across the house while still bringing the temperature down.
The whole point of modern window designs and features is to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible.
This means locking in heat and keeping cold weather out through insulation.
Ensuring this helps keep your home warm while improving energy efficiency, decreasing your load on the planet and saving you money on your energy bill.
How Do You Find a Draught Around a Window?
Using a candle is the simplest way to detect a draught without buying expensive draught-detecting machines.
You light the candle and hold it while slowly moving it around the edges and along each edge of the window. The flame will move to help you spot air leaks and identify gaps where cold air is entering.
Which Windows Need Draught-Proofing?
Older windows and those that don't have special glazing are generally more prone to draughts.
Luckily, triple and double-glazed windows exist. Double glazed windows use two panes of glass, while triple glazing adds more panes, improving insulation and making these windows less prone to draughts in the UK.
If you're replacing doors at the same time, modern aluminium doors are double glazed with weather seals built in.
Quality aluminium frames not only hold the glass securely but create a tight seal, so draughts become a thing of the past.Our draught-proof door range includes:
How Do You Draught Proof Aluminium Windows?
For fixed windows, cut out failed sealant and run a fresh bead of exterior silicone around the frame. For opening windows, replace worn gaskets or fit self-adhesive rubber or brush strips where the sash meets the frame, then adjust the hinges and keeps so the sash closes tightly.
If you have correctly made aluminium windows with triple or double glazing, then you shouldn't need to draught-proof windows.
However, life happens, and if you're in a bind where an aluminium window expert isn't available to assist, then here's what you can do.
Step 1: Reseal Gaps Around Fixed Windows
If the window doesn't open, a silicone based sealant is a cheap and easy way and low cost option to seal gaps around the frame.
So, here's what to do:
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Clean around the window.
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Find gaps where the draught is coming through.
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Cut out any cracked, shrunken or loose old sealant and clean the joint.
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Run a continuous bead of low-modulus exterior silicone around the edge of the frame and smooth it with a wet finger or tool.
Step 2: Fit Draught Strips to Opening Windows
To draught-proof windows that open, you need to fill in the gap between the window and the window frame; this requires a strip to fix.
You get different types of self-adhesive strips, and rubber strips are one option for openable windows. For sliding sash windows, brush strips are the recommended option because they are ideal for sash windows. Foam strips and compression seals are not suitable for sliding sash windows.
It will come with some wipers on the strip to improve your insulation. Before you head out to your local hardware store, you need to measure the window and frame so that you get the right size for a tight fit without affecting operation.
The strips are self-adhesive, meaning no need for tools, silicones, or glues, and are fixed in place by the backing once applied.
Step 3: Adjust the Hinges and Locking Keeps
If a sash has dropped or doesn't close firmly, adjust the friction hinges and the keeps on the frame so the locking cams pull the sash tight against the gaskets. A loose or sticking handle can stop the sash locking properly – see how to fix an aluminium window handle.
Step 4: Replace Worn Gaskets
Flattened or perished rubber gaskets in the frame can be pulled out and replaced with a matching profile from a window hardware supplier. Take a sample with you to match the size and shape. For gaps on the outside of the frame, see how to seal aluminium doors and windows.
Does Draught Proofing Windows Make a Difference?
Yes. Sealing gaps around windows is one of the cheapest ways to cut heat loss, remove cold spots and reduce outside noise, so rooms feel warmer at a lower thermostat setting.
Draught-proofing your windows will make a massive difference if you have a significant draught. The heat that leaks through can be enormous, often meaning you won't need to test for a draught.
Are Aluminium Windows Good at Preventing Draughts?
Yes. Aluminium frames are rigid and don't warp, swell or shrink like timber, so well-made aluminium windows keep their seals tight for decades. Multi-point locks pull the sash against compression gaskets, and factory-fitted weather seals block air and water.
Aluminium is a solid material that can take on a lot of wear and tear. It is, after all, a metal.
Since it is so robust, there is less chance of small instances affecting your window's draught-blocking ability.
Additionally, aluminium can hold up hefty glass. Meaning you can select the thickest triple-glazed glass on the market, and aluminium will hold it in place.
Quality aluminium windows and doors come with a weather-resistant seal and are draught proofed at the manufacture or installation stage, which helps prevent draughts later.
But, if this article hasn't convinced you why aluminium is the best way to go, then here are reasons why aluminium doors are the best choice.
Draught Proofing Aluminium Window FAQs
Do aluminium windows need draught-proofing?
Generally, no. Properly installed and well-made aluminium windows don't require draught proofing because they are made to fit. Aluminium is durable and shouldn't have a draught as it is weather-resistant and comes with a seal.
What should I do if my aluminium window has a draught?
If you've had your aluminium doors installed by a professional, you will need to call the service provider so they can come out and have a look at the problem. A draught may be coming from the window or a nearby door, so check both during your inspection. It's not just about fixing the issue but also about maintaining the warranty. We offer a ten-year warranty on all our aluminium products.
Do glazed windows cause a draught?
No, glazing itself will not cause a draught, because double glazed windows use more than one pane of glass. If replacement is too costly, you can install secondary glazing as an effective solution, since it adds another pane to help insulation. These added protective layers should prevent draughts from getting through. But, having these extra protective layers can sometimes lead to a sealant issue if the glazing or laminate hasn't been appropriately set during manufacturing.
What is the cheapest way to draught proof windows?
Self-adhesive rubber or brush draught strips and a tube of exterior silicone cost very little and fix most draughts. For a quick temporary fix in winter, insulating window film or heavy thermal curtains also help – see how to insulate aluminium window frames.
How do you draught proof sash windows?
Use brush pile strips rather than foam or compression seals, because sashes slide past the strips rather than closing against them. Specialist sash draught proofing systems rout brush seals into the beads and sashes for a neater, longer-lasting result.
Can draught proofing cause condensation?
Sealing every gap reduces natural ventilation, so moisture can build up. Keep trickle vents open and use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms – see how to prevent condensation on aluminium window frames.
