A small draught around the door can make a big difference – especially during the colder months, when warm air escapes and heating costs rise. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can seal around your door frame and create a warmer, more energy-efficient home. Here’s a practical guide to doing the job properly and effectively.

Identify the Source of the Draught

Before you start, it’s important to find out exactly where the draught is coming from. It could be between the door and the frame, around the threshold, or in the gap between the frame and the wall. A simple way to check is to run your hand along the edges of the door on a windy day, or use a lit candle or incense stick to see where the flame or smoke moves.

Once you’ve located the gaps, you can choose the right solution. Sometimes a new draught seal is enough, while in other cases you may need to apply sealant or adjust the frame itself.

Replace Worn Draught Seals

Draught seals (also called weatherstrips) are often the main cause of cold air around doors. Over time, they can become hard, flat, or loose. Luckily, they’re easy to replace.

1. Remove the old seal – pull it off carefully and clean the surface to remove dust and adhesive residue.
2. Measure and cut the new seal – choose one with the same profile and thickness as the old one so the door still closes properly.
3. Fit the new seal – press it firmly into the groove or stick it on, depending on the type. Make sure it fits snugly all the way around.

You can find seals made from rubber, silicone, or foam. Rubber seals last the longest, while foam ones are cheaper and easy to install.

Check the Joints Around the Frame

Even if the door closes tightly, draughts can still come through the joint between the frame and the wall. You can seal this with flexible filler or expanding foam.

• Small cracks can be filled with decorators’ caulk, which can be painted over.
• Larger gaps can be filled with expanding foam, which you can trim once it’s hardened and then cover with filler or trim.

Make sure the area is clean and dry before applying any sealant – it will adhere better to a dust-free surface. Use masking tape along the edges for a neat, straight finish.

Adjust the Door and Hinges

If the door doesn’t sit tightly against the frame, the hinges may have loosened or the frame may have shifted slightly. Start by tightening the hinge screws. If that doesn’t help, you can adjust the hinges so the door presses more firmly against the seal.

In older properties, you might need to plane a small amount off the door edge or realign the frame. This requires precision, so if you’re unsure, it’s worth asking a joiner or handyman for help.

Don’t Forget the Threshold

Many people overlook the bottom of the door, but a lot of cold air can come from there. A draughty threshold can let in chilly air directly from outside. You can seal it with a door bottom seal – a rubber strip fitted to the underside of the door – or an automatic drop seal, which lowers when the door closes.

If the threshold is worn or uneven, it may be best to replace it entirely. This not only improves insulation but also gives a cleaner finish.

Test the Result

Once you’ve sealed the door, test whether your work has made a difference. Close the door and check for any remaining draughts. You can use the candle or incense test again – the flame or smoke should stay still all the way around.

A good sign that your door is now properly sealed is a consistent room temperature and the absence of that faint whistling sound of wind sneaking through gaps.

A Small Effort with a Big Impact

Sealing around your door frame is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve comfort and reduce heating bills. It only takes a few materials and a bit of time, but the results are immediate – a warmer home and lower energy costs.

So next time you feel a cold breeze by the door, you’ll know exactly what to do.