Plan with confidence
Why are my windows draughty when closed?
Learn what to note about window draughts and the difference between seals, alignment and ventilation.
A draught can come from a worn seal, poor sash alignment or another opening. Background ventilators may be intentional; identify where air enters before asking for a repair.
Find the location without dismantling
Notice whether air is felt around the opening edge, a trickle vent or elsewhere in the room. Note whether it changes when the sash is gently closed; do not wedge or force the window.
On a windy day, movement near a frame may make it easier to notice, but an assessment is needed to determine the source. Curtains and nearby vents can affect how airflow feels.
Seal fault or ventilation?
Weather seals close gaps around a moving sash. A ventilator is an intentional route for background air. Blocking a vent can reduce ventilation and does not repair a worn or poorly aligned seal.
If the room is also damp or persistently misted, mention this to the appropriate professional. Draught reduction and adequate ventilation need to be considered together.
What a repair visit can establish
A repairer can check the seal, frame, sash fit and closing hardware, then explain available options. If more than one part is worn, ask which work is necessary and why.
The age or frame material alone does not determine whether a seal can be replaced. Ask for a written repair scope and quote before authorising work.
Explore your next step
General planning information updated 29 September 2026. Product specifications and the work for your home are confirmed in your quotation.