How to draught-proof your doors for a warmer home this winter

Main Takeaways

• Even small gaps around your doors can cause significant heat loss during the colder months.
• Simple draught proofing methods like excluders, adhesive foam strips and brush seals can make an immediate difference.
• Old doors are often the biggest source of draughts, so consider an upgrade if yours are showing their age.
• Professionally fitted modern doors from Sherborne deliver long-term energy efficiency and savings.
• Sherborne’s expert installers across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and South-West London can help keep warm air in and cold air out this winter.

As winter’s chill sets in, there’s nothing worse than feeling a sudden draught around your front door. No matter how high you turn up the thermostat, cold air sneaking in means your home never feels cosy, and your heating bills soon rise.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to draught proof doors. From quick fixes like draught excluders and adhesive foam strips to longer-term solutions like new energy-efficient doors, this guide covers everything.

At Sherborne, we’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners create warmer, more efficient homes across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and South-West London. Here’s how to keep the cold out this winter.

How can I best draught-proof my doors?

First, find the source of draughts. Stand near your external doors on a breezy day, and if you feel cold air around the doorframe, hinges, or bottom of your door, you’ve found a gap that needs sealing.

Cost-effective short-term solutions

Quick, affordable ways to draught proof doors include:

• Draught excluders: Block cold air at the base of the door. Available in different sizes, colours and materials.
• Adhesive foam strips: Seal smaller gaps around the door frame, suitable for internal and external doors.
• Brush seals or draught strips: Flexible bristles prevent airflow while allowing smooth door movement.
• Letterbox flaps and keyhole covers: A metal disc keyhole cover and spring-loaded letterbox flap reduce draughts.
• Heavy curtains or door drapes: Floor-length curtains trap warm air, adding extra insulation.

These DIY draught-proofing methods can improve comfort for older doors, but warped or worn doors may still let heat escape.

Untreated draughts can lead to:

• Higher fuel bills
• Uneven room temperatures
• Damp and condensation
• Strain on the heating system
• Reduced home comfort
• A less healthy home environment

If gaps persist, a door upgrade may be the most effective solution.

The long-term solution: upgrade to modern, energy-efficient doors

A well-made door should form a weather-tight seal, keeping warm air in and cold air out. That’s exactly what you get with Sherborne doors.

Our modern doors use thermally efficient materials, advanced seals and high-performance glazing to reduce heat loss and lower heating bills. Unlike old doors, they offer lasting energy efficiency and comfort.

Door styles

Front doors

The front door protects your home and sets the tone. Our front doors come in traditional or contemporary designs, all offering superior insulation and security.

Back doors

Durable and thermally efficient, our back doors withstand heavy use while preventing draughts.

Sliding doors

Sliding doors operate horizontally along a track, making them ideal for homes with limited space around the opening. They glide effortlessly to create wide openings and let natural light flood your interior. Modern seals along the edges ensure cold air stays out while maintaining smooth movement for daily use.

French doors

French doors feature two panels that open outwards or inwards from the centre, creating a classic, elegant entrance to your garden or patio. Their operation allows you to control airflow while the double seals and insulating glass panels trap warm air inside, keeping your home cosy during colder months.

Bifold doors

Bifold doors fold inwards or outwards along a track, allowing part or full openings depending on your needs. This design makes them perfect for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces without sacrificing thermal efficiency. Embedded thresholds and tight seals around the doorframe prevent draughts, even when the doors are closed.

Door materials

uPVC

Low-maintenance and cost-effective, uPVC doors insulate naturally and come in a wide variety of colours and finishes.

Aluminium

Strong, durable and sleek, aluminium doors offer excellent thermal insulation and slim frames for modern homes.

Composite

A mix of materials, composite doors are secure, weather-resistant, and highly effective at preventing heat loss.

Timber

Natural wood doors insulate brilliantly and look stunning. We use sustainable hardwoods for longevity and warmth.

Timber alternative

Enjoy the aesthetic of wood with minimal upkeep, while maintaining insulating benefits and durability.

QFort aluminium doors

QFort systems, like the Bi-Fold Plus, combine advanced thermal insulation with elegant design. With a heat transfer coefficient as low as 0.8 Uw, these doors keep homes comfortable even in harsh winters.

FAQs about draught proofing doors

How do I know where draughts are coming from?

Use a candle or incense stick around external doors. Flickering flames or moving smoke reveal sources of draughts.

Can I draught proof internal doors too?

Yes. Internal doors separating heated and unheated rooms, such as hallways and garages, benefit from foam or brush strips.

Do I need ventilation if I seal all doors?

Yes, homes need some airflow to prevent damp. Ensure vents, chimneys and loft hatches remain open where necessary.

What’s the best draught excluder for a front door?

A brush strip or draught seal at the bottom of the door is durable, discreet, and effective.

Are new doors really more energy efficient?

Yes. Modern doors feature modern materials, multi-layer seals and glass panels, reducing heat loss. Professionally installed by Sherborne, they improve warmth and lower fuel bills.

Who are Sherborne?

Sherborne Windows has served Surrey homeowners since 1990, building our reputation on family values of honesty, integrity and courtesy. Over 30 years, we’ve become one of the most trusted names in home improvement across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and South-West London.

We offer comprehensive window solutions including uPVC windows, aluminium windows and timber windows in casement, sash, tilt and turn, and bay configurations. Our product range also extends to doors, conservatories and orangeries, giving you plenty of options for your home improvement project.

Our accreditations include FENSA approval, Assure Certified Installer status and membership of various industry bodies, ensuring all work meets the highest standards. We’ve won multiple industry awards including Best Installer – Residential in 2020 and have been finalists for Best Installer of the Year multiple times.

Operating within a one-hour radius of our Farnborough headquarters, we provide genuinely local service with showrooms in Windlesham, Farnborough, Hartley Witney and Sunningdale. Contact us on 01252 370917 or email enquiries@sherbornewindows.co.uk to discuss your window requirements.

Whether you’re dealing with draught problems, rising energy costs or simply want to improve your home’s appearance and security, our experienced team provides impartial advice to help you make the right decision for your Surrey home.

📞 Call us on 01252 370917
📧 Email enquiries@sherbornewindows.co.uk
or visit one of our local showrooms to find your ideal new door.