Why Do Windows Get Drafty (And How to Fix It Without Replacing Frames)
Few things make a home feel colder or less comfortable than a persistent draught coming through the windows. In older Irish houses—and even in homes built during the 2000s boom—drafty windows are one of the most common sources of heat loss. The good news is that you usually don’t need new frames to solve the problem.
In most cases, restoring the seals, hinges, or glazing can make your windows perform like new again—at a fraction of the cost. See how here.
What Causes Drafts Around Windows?
1. Worn or Shrunken Window Seals
Modern double-glazed windows rely on a continuous rubber or foam seal around the sash to create an airtight closure. Over time, these seals harden, shrink, or crack. When that happens, tiny gaps form between the window and the frame, allowing cold air in and warm air out.
This is especially common in coastal areas such as Bray, Greystones, and Wicklow Town, where constant exposure to salt air accelerates seal wear. Get new window seals.
2. Loose or Misaligned Hinges
If a hinge begins to sag or seize, the sash may no longer sit tightly in the frame. Even a 2 mm gap can create a noticeable draft. Side-hung casement windows are particularly prone to this issue. A professional hinge realignment or replacement usually restores the seal completely without changing the frame. Replace your hinges.
3. Broken or Faulty Handles
Handles that don’t pull the sash fully closed can compromise the locking points and create small air leaks. Over time, this not only lets in cold air but can stress the hinges and seals further. A quick handle replacement is a simple fix that makes an immediate difference. Fix your handles.
4. Failed Glazing Units
Sometimes the issue isn’t the seal between the window and the frame—it’s the seal between the panes of glass. When the perimeter seal of a double-glazed unit fails, condensation may appear between the panes, and the insulation value drops sharply. The surrounding area can then feel cold or breezy even when the frame itself is sound. See our glass replacement page here.
5. Frame Movement or Shrinkage
Timber and older uPVC frames can shift slightly with temperature and humidity changes. While this can’t always be reversed, careful adjustment, draught-proofing strips, or fresh seals can usually compensate for the movement and stop unwanted airflow.
How Drafts Affect Energy Efficiency
A single small gap around a window can leak as much warm air as a hole the size of a brick. This invisible heat loss forces your heating system to work harder and increases energy bills.
It can also lead to cold spots, condensation, and even mould growth, because warm indoor air meets cold incoming air and drops moisture inside the room.
By servicing your existing windows, you can cut heat loss significantly—often improving the overall comfort level of the home as much as full window replacement would. See our frame servicing and glass upgrade package here.
How to Identify the Source of the Draft
Before you decide what to repair, it’s useful to pinpoint where the air is entering:
- Hand Test: On a windy day, run the back of your hand around the frame edges; you’ll feel any cold air movement immediately.
- Candle or Incense Test: Hold a small flame or stick of incense near the window perimeter. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves, there’s a leak.
- Thermal Imaging: A professional glazing company can use a thermal imaging camera to show exactly where heat is escaping—ideal for spotting failed glazing units or poor frame alignment.
Professional Repairs That Fix Drafty Windows
1. Seal Replacement
Old, brittle seals can be removed and replaced with new high-quality EPDM or foam seals designed to withstand weather and UV light. A fresh seal restores the original airtight fit and instantly stops most drafts.
2. Hinge Adjustment or Replacement
Modern friction hinges are designed for precise operation, but when they wear, they can be swapped out in minutes. Proper alignment ensures the sash presses evenly against the frame all around.
3. Handle and Lock Servicing
New handles or locking mechanisms secure the sash more firmly, improving both insulation and security. In many cases, upgrading to multi-point locks also enhances energy performance.
4. Glass Unit Replacement
If condensation or visible fogging appears between panes, the insulated glass unit (IGU) has failed. Replacing just the glass—not the frame—brings the window back to full A-rated efficiency. New Low-E coated glass reflects heat back into the room, improving comfort and cutting energy loss. Find out more about double glazing upgrades.
5. Sealant and Perimeter Repairs
Sometimes the draft comes from the outer perimeter where the frame meets the wall. Re-sealing with a flexible exterior-grade silicone or trim repair eliminates those gaps and prevents water ingress.
Why Full Window Replacement Isn’t Always Needed
Window frames—especially uPVC and aluminium ones—often have decades of life left even when the glass or hardware starts to fail. Replacing the entire window can cost up to 60 – 70 % more than targeted glass or seal repairs, yet deliver almost identical energy performance once fixed.
Professional glazing maintenance gives you the same benefits:
- No major construction or re-plastering.
- Lower cost and faster turnaround.
- Less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.
In most cases, a skilled glazing technician can restore performance to “as-new” condition in a single visit. Learn more.
When to Upgrade the Glass
If your double glazing is more than 15 years old, you’ll likely benefit from upgrading the glass itself while repairs are being made.
Modern A-rated Low-E double glazing is up to 70 % more energy-efficient than older units, with warm-edge spacers and argon gas filling to minimise heat transfer.
You’ll notice:
- Fewer cold drafts.
- Reduced condensation.
- Lower heating costs.
- More consistent room temperature.
Replacing only the glazing—while keeping your existing frames—is a smart, cost-effective solution that combines comfort and sustainability. Lean more.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
- Keep seals clean: Wipe them with mild detergent every few months to prevent sticking or cracking.
- Lubricate hinges and locks: A drop of light oil once a year maintains smooth closure.
- Check drainage holes: Blocked frame drains can trap moisture and accelerate damage.
- Close windows carefully: For tilt-and-turn or side-hung designs, ensure handles are turned fully before locking to keep pressure even on all seals.
The Cost-Effective Way to Stop Window Drafts
Draughty windows don’t always mean “time for replacement.” With the right expertise, you can restore their airtightness, cut energy bills, and improve comfort—without disrupting plaster, paint, or décor.
A professional glazing service will:
- Inspect and identify the leak source.
- Recommend practical repairs or glass upgrades.
- Complete the job cleanly, efficiently, and safely.
Get your window draughts fixed.
Professional Window Repair in Dublin & Wicklow
At P Fahy Glazing Ltd, we specialise in window seal replacement, hinge and handle repairs, and glass-only upgrades that restore the performance of existing windows.
Our expert glaziers serve homes and businesses across Dublin and Wicklow, providing reliable, energy-efficient solutions that make rooms warmer and more comfortable—without the cost of full replacement.
Contact us today for a free inspection or quote on repairing draughty windows.