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DRAUGHTS & SEALS

Draught Around a Door

A draught around a door usually comes from worn seals, poor compression, an uneven frame gap or a gap at the threshold.

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Do not block required ventilation or drainage

Some gaps, vents and drainage slots are intentional. Fire doors, external doors and emergency windows may also have specific sealing requirements.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with the exact air or water path

Worn perimeter seals Compressed or split seals no longer close the gap.
Poor hinge or latch alignment The door does not pull firmly against the frame.
Gap under the door The threshold or bottom seal is too low or missing.
Frame or trim gaps Air passes around the frame rather than the door leaf.
◫ Symptom variations Match the draught, gap or seal pattern. ⌄
  • Cold air at one edge
  • Light visible around the door
  • Draught worsens in wind
  • Door rattles when closed
  • Floor near the door feels cold
✓ Quick checks Safe checks before replacing seals. ⌄
  1. Move a tissue around the perimeter to find airflow.
  2. Inspect seals for flattening, splits and missing sections.
  3. Check whether pulling the door tighter stops the draught.
  4. Inspect the threshold and lower corners.
  5. Look for gaps between frame and wall trim.
Important: Find the exact leak path first. Replacing the wrong seal can make closing harder without fixing the fault.
1 Step 1 — Locate the exact leak path Make the smallest safe correction and retest. ⌄

Check the door edge, threshold and frame separately.

2 Step 2 — Restore compression Make the smallest safe correction and retest. ⌄

Adjust hinges or strike plate only enough for the seal to contact evenly.

3 Step 3 — Replace or add suitable seals Make the smallest safe correction and retest. ⌄

Use the correct profile and avoid making the door too tight to close.

⌁ Why the problem happens How compression, alignment and weathering affect sealing. ⌄

Weather seals work only when the door closes evenly against them. Small alignment changes can create a continuous air path.

⌘ Advanced checks Further diagnosis for persistent sealing faults. ⌄
  1. Check frame plumb and door gaps.
  2. Inspect external sealant around the frame.
  3. Assess threshold height and drainage.
  4. Check for warped door leaf.
  5. Use temporary smoke testing safely.
◇ Tools and information needed Useful items for accurate checks. ⌄
  • Tissue or smoke pencil
  • Torch
  • Screwdrivers
  • Tape measure
  • Replacement seal
▣ Parts or improvements that may help Common sealing products linked to this problem. ⌄
  • Perimeter gasket
  • Brush seal
  • Drop seal
  • Threshold seal
  • Exterior frame sealant
! When to call a professional Conditions that should end basic DIY diagnosis. ⌄
  • The door is a fire door.
  • The frame is rotten or badly distorted.
  • The door is an external security door.
  • Water ingress accompanies the draught.
  • Major rehanging or frame repair is needed.
? Frequently asked questions Common draught and seal questions. ⌄

Why does the draught stop when I pull the door?

The seal compression or latch alignment is poor.

Can I add thicker seals?

Only if the door still latches correctly and the hinges are not overloaded.

Could the frame itself leak?

Yes. Gaps around the frame can feel like a door-seal fault.