Draughty Front Doors in Winter: Common Causes and Easy Fixes

A draughty front door can make your home feel noticeably colder during winter, especially in January when temperatures drop and heating systems are working harder. Cold air entering through the front door often affects hallways first, but the chill can quickly spread throughout the house.

At MK Doors & Windows, we regularly help homeowners across Milton Keynes fix draughty external doors. In many cases, the solution is simpler and more affordable than people expect.

Why Front Doors Become Draughty

Worn or damaged door seals

Over time, the rubber seals around a door compress, crack, or pull away from the frame. Once this happens, small gaps form that allow cold air to pass through, particularly in windy conditions.

Door drop or misalignment

External doors are heavy and used daily. As hinges wear, the door can drop slightly, meaning it no longer sits square in the frame. Even a small misalignment can reduce the seal and cause noticeable draughts.

Locking system not pulling the door in tightly

Multi point locking systems are designed to draw the door firmly into the frame. If the lock is stiff, worn, or incorrectly aligned, it may not compress the seals properly, allowing cold air to enter.

Threshold or frame issues

Draughts can also come from the bottom of the door, especially if the threshold seal has worn away or the door has been rubbing during opening and closing.

Signs Your Front Door Is Letting Heat Escape

• A cold draft felt around the edges of the door.

• A noticeable temperature drop in the hallway.

• The door rattles or moves slightly in the wind.

• Difficulty locking the door smoothly.

• Higher heating usage with no obvious cause.

How Draughty Doors Are Usually Fixed

Most draught issues are caused by wear rather than the door itself. Common fixes include:

• Replacing worn or damaged weather seals.

• Adjusting hinges to correct door alignment.

• Realigning locking keeps so the door pulls in tightly.

• Servicing or replacing worn locking components.

• Inspecting and sealing the threshold area.

These types of issues are typically resolved through our Window and Door Repairs service, which focuses on improving performance without unnecessary replacement.

When Repair Is Better Than Replacement

If the door itself is structurally sound and the problem is related to sealing or alignment, repair is usually the best option. It is quicker, more affordable, and restores warmth effectively.

Repairs are especially suitable for uPVC, composite, and aluminium external doors that are otherwise in good condition.

When Replacing the Door May Be the Right Choice

In some cases, replacement is worth considering. This may apply if:

• The door is warped, cracked, or damaged.

• It no longer provides good security.

• The insulation performance is poor overall.

• You want to upgrade the appearance of your home.

If replacement is the better long-term option, you can explore available styles and materials on our Doors page.

Get Help With a Draughty Front Door in Milton Keynes

A draughty front door does not have to mean a cold home all winter. Our team can identify the cause and recommend the most effective fix for your property.

To arrange a free quote, visit our Contact Us page or view recent door installations in our Gallery.