How to Stop Draughts Around Doors in Older Newcastle Homes

Live in an older property in Newcastle and feel cold air sneaking in around the doors? You’re not imagining it.

Draughts are a common issue in Victorian, Edwardian, and even mid-century homes across the North East. Gaps, warped frames, and worn seals let in cold air — making rooms uncomfortable and heating bills rise.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we often help homeowners stop these problems with simple upgrades or repairs. If your home is feeling chilly, here’s how to seal things up properly.

Why older homes are prone to door draughts

Older properties were built before modern insulation standards. They often have:

• Timber doors that swell and shrink with moisture
• Worn or missing weather strips
• Large gaps under the threshold
• No insulation in the surrounding wall

Even a 2 mm gap around your door can leak the same heat as leaving a small window open all day.

Signs your door is letting in draughts

• You feel cold air when standing near it
• Curtains or blinds move slightly in windy weather
• You see light coming through at the edges
• The floor feels cold near the threshold
• You can hear whistling or rattling when it’s windy

If any of these sound familiar, your door needs attention.

1. Check the door seal

Look closely around the edge of the door where it meets the frame. There should be a flexible rubber or foam seal that compresses when the door closes.

If it’s cracked, flattened, or missing, it won’t block draughts.

Fix:
Replace the seal with new self-adhesive weather stripping. Choose a thickness that creates a snug fit without making the door hard to close.

2. Install a draught excluder

Older doors often have large gaps underneath. Even a 1 cm gap can cause noticeable cold.

Fix:
Use a brush-style or rubber seal draught excluder along the bottom of the door. Some are screw-fixed, others stick on. Make sure it touches the floor gently without dragging.

For interior doors, a simple fabric draught sausage can work well too.

3. Add a keyhole or letterbox cover

Small gaps add up. Older doors may have uncovered keyholes or poorly fitted letterboxes.

Fix:
Install a letterbox flap or internal brush to reduce airflow. For keyholes, use a purpose-made escutcheon with a rotating cover.

These upgrades are quick, cheap, and make a noticeable difference.

4. Insulate the door itself

Solid timber doors look great but don’t always keep heat in. Hollow or poorly insulated doors lose warmth fast.

Fix:
If you’re replacing your door, choose a modern composite option. It keeps the heritage look but adds a thermally efficient core, tighter seals, and a weatherproof finish.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we offer period-style composite doors that are ideal for older properties in the city.

5. Seal around the frame

Even if the door is in good shape, gaps between the frame and wall can cause issues — especially in homes with old render or brickwork.

Fix:
Check the outside of the doorframe for gaps or cracks. Re-seal using an exterior-grade silicone or frame sealant. This helps keep wind and rain from creeping into the cavity behind.

6. Add a door curtain

A thick curtain hung over the inside of the door helps trap warm air inside — especially useful in draughty hallways.

Fix:
Install a curtain pole above the door and use a thermal-lined curtain that reaches the floor. This is a popular solution in period homes and can also improve sound insulation.

7. Adjust the hinges or latch

Over time, heavy timber doors can sag slightly. This creates uneven gaps around the edges that allow cold air in.

Fix:
Tighten the hinge screws or adjust the strike plate to improve the fit. In some cases, a joiner may need to plane the door or refit it to close flush with the frame.

When to consider a full replacement

If the door is badly warped, rotting, or no longer sits properly in the frame, you may be fighting a losing battle.

Replacing an old, inefficient door with a well-sealed composite version can make a major difference — especially in older Newcastle homes where insulation is limited elsewhere.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we specialise in fitting high-performance doors that match period features while eliminating draughts and improving energy ratings.

Final thoughts

Stopping door draughts doesn’t always mean replacing everything. A few small changes — like replacing seals, adding a bottom strip, or sealing gaps — can make a big difference to how warm your home feels.

But if you’re still cold after trying the basics, it might be time to upgrade your door.

Contact Windows and Doors Newcastle today for advice or a free quote. We’ll help you find the right solution to keep your home warmer, quieter, and more comfortable through every season.