How to Draft-Proof Old Windows Without Replacing Them

Living in an older home in Newcastle has its charm—high ceilings, period features, and sash windows that give your house real character.

But with that character often comes one big drawback: draughty windows.

If your windows are letting in cold air, whistling on windy nights, or making your heating bills climb, you’re not alone. We regularly hear from homeowners across Jesmond, Heaton, and Gosforth looking for ways to keep their homes warmer without the cost of a full window replacement.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we install modern double glazing—but we also help people make the most of what they already have. In this guide, we’ll show you how to draught-proof old windows without replacing them.

Why bother with draught-proofing?

Draughts might seem minor, but they can have a big impact on your comfort and energy bills.

Benefits of sealing your windows:

• Reduces heat loss and lowers heating costs
• Makes rooms feel warmer and more comfortable
• Stops cold air and noise from getting in
• Helps prevent condensation and damp near windows
• Preserves the original character of your windows

If your windows are still structurally sound and the glass is intact, there are plenty of cost-effective ways to improve performance.

How to check for draughts

Before you start, find out exactly where the cold air is coming from.

Run the back of your hand around the edges of the frame on a cold day—or hold a lit incense stick or candle near the window. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves, you’ve found the draught.

Common problem areas:

• Around the edges of the sash or casement
• Where the window meets the frame
• Between the frame and the wall
• Through keyholes or trickle vents
• In damaged or missing sealant

Once you’ve identified the problem spots, you can choose the right solution.

1. Use self-adhesive weatherstripping

One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce draughts is to apply weatherstripping tape around the moving parts of your window.

How it works:

Weatherstripping creates a seal between the sash and the frame, stopping cold air from creeping through gaps.

What to use:

• Foam strips for uneven surfaces
• Rubber or silicone strips for tighter seals
• Brush-style draught excluders for sliding sash windows

You’ll find these at most DIY shops. Just clean the surface, cut the strip to size, and stick it in place.

Best suited for:
Timber casement and older uPVC windows with minor movement.

2. Fit window draught excluders

For sash windows, use specialist sash window draught-proofing kits that include brush strips, parting beads, and seals designed to slot into the frame.

These kits are a bit more involved to install but can dramatically reduce draughts while keeping the window fully functional.

If you’re not confident doing it yourself, we offer sash window draught-proofing services across Newcastle to keep original features intact while sealing gaps.

3. Seal the gaps with caulk

If you feel draughts between the window frame and the surrounding wall, the issue may be with the perimeter sealant.

Over time, the caulk or filler between the frame and brickwork can shrink or crack.

What to do:

• Remove any loose or cracked sealant
• Clean the surface with a damp cloth
• Apply a fresh bead of decorators’ caulk or exterior-grade sealant
• Smooth it out with a wet finger or finishing tool

Best suited for:
All window types where the gap is between frame and wall—not the moving parts.

4. Use thermal curtains or blinds

While not a draught seal in the traditional sense, thick curtains or thermal blinds help trap warm air and block cold air from reaching into the room.

They’re especially effective on large windows or those with single glazing.

Tips for maximum effect:

• Let curtains fall below the windowsill
• Choose lined or thermal fabrics
• Close them as soon as it gets dark and cold

We’ve seen this make a noticeable difference in Georgian homes and bay windows in Newcastle suburbs.

5. Install secondary glazing

If you want better insulation without removing your old windows, secondary glazing is a great option.

This involves fitting a slim, discreet panel of glass or acrylic to the inside of your window frame. It adds an extra layer of insulation, reduces draughts, and can even help with noise.

Types include:

• Magnetic panels that can be removed in summer
• Acrylic sheets fitted inside timber frames
• Full aluminium secondary glazing units

Secondary glazing is especially helpful in listed buildings where window replacement isn’t allowed. We regularly recommend it in conservation areas like Jesmond Dene or parts of Tynemouth.

6. Block unused trickle vents or keyholes

Some windows have trickle vents or old keyholes that let air in even when the window is shut.

Trickle vents are useful for ventilation, but if they’re letting in too much cold air, you can close or block them temporarily during the winter.

If the window has a keyhole but you don’t use it, fit a keyhole cover or stuff it with a small sponge or felt pad to block the draught.

7. Lubricate and realign hinges

On older uPVC or aluminium windows, the draught might come from a misaligned sash that no longer sits properly in the frame.

A quick service may be all that’s needed:

• Clean the hinges and apply silicone spray
• Tighten any loose screws
• Adjust the sash so it closes flush with the frame

If the window still doesn’t shut fully, call in a local expert like us to realign or replace the hinges.

8. Add temporary window film

For a low-cost winter fix, try applying window insulation film.

It’s a clear plastic sheet that you tape to the inside of the frame and shrink using a hairdryer. It creates an air gap between the film and the glass, acting like secondary glazing.

It’s not the most elegant solution, but it’s cheap, quick, and effective—ideal for spare rooms or short-term lets.

Final thoughts

If your windows are letting in cold air, you don’t have to jump straight to a full replacement.

Simple draught-proofing steps can make your home warmer, quieter, and more efficient—especially in Newcastle’s colder months.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we’re happy to inspect your current windows and recommend the best solution. Whether you want to repair, upgrade, or just improve what you already have, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Book your free window assessment

If you’re dealing with draughts or heat loss, contact Windows and Doors Newcastle for a free home check. We’ll pinpoint the problem and offer practical, cost-effective fixes—no pressure, just honest advice.

Keep the warmth in and the cold out—without losing the character of your home.