Author: Mithul Mistry

There’s nothing worse than feeling a cold draught coming from your windows when you’re trying to get cosy on your sofa.

Not only does it cause you discomfort, it also leads to higher energy bills due to heat loss. And at a time when energy bills are more costly than ever, draughty windows are not ideal.

Draughts can be caused by damaged or faulty windows and will eventually need professional repair.

However, the good news is that there are steps you can take to draught-proof your windows, without spending too much money in the first instance.

How do you spot a draughty window?

• Look for visible signs of window damage

  • If you suspect your windows are letting in cold air, the first thing to do is check for any visible damage. Can you see any cracked window seals or gaps in the frame? Is there condensation forming between the glass panes?

• Do the candle test

  • Before you go lighting candles, make sure you move any flammable materials (like curtains!) out of harm’s way. Light your candle and then move it around the window frame. Does the flame flicker? You’ve found your window draught.

• Run your hand along the window edge

  • You can spot draughty windows by running your hand alongside the window edge. If you can feel cold air coming in, you’ve confirmed the problem.

Draught proofing windows: DIY tips & affordable fixes

Use self-adhesive draught excluder strips

Have you spotted small gaps around your window frames? A cost-effective way to prevent cold air from entering your home is by using draught excluder strips.

Draught excluder strips can be used to seal small gaps around your window frames by creating a tight seal.

They are relatively easy to install and can reduce heat loss without the need for specialist tools or expertise.

Different types of draught excluder strips

The right type of draught excluder strip will depend on the size of the gap and the material of your window:

Use window sealant to close gaps

Can you see small cracks or gaps around your window frame? Over time, small cracks can form where the window frame meets the wall, which lets cold air in – this is particularly common in older wooden window frames.

You may be able to seal the gaps around your window frames with high-quality window sealant. This can block draughts, prevent heat loss and also reduce moisture penetration to stop damp and rot.

Best overall choice: Silicone sealant

There are a variety of sealants available, but silicone sealant is the most versatile.

• It’s highly flexible – expands and contracts with window movement.
• It’s waterproof and weather-resistant – ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
• It’s long-lasting – lasts up to 20 years if applied correctly.
• Clear or coloured options – blends in with your window frames.

Where to apply window sealant

✔ Around the window frame: Small cracks between the frame and the wall can let cold air in.
✔ At window joints and corners: These are common weak points where air can escape.
✔ Along the exterior caulking: If the outside seal has deteriorated, draughts may be getting in from outside.

If you notice large gaps or crumbling window frames, a sealant may not be enough – your windows may need professional repair or resealing.

Use insulating window film for secondary glazing

Secondary glazing is a cost-effective alternative to double glazing, and is designed to add an extra layer of insulation to existing single-glazed or draughty windows.
It creates an air gap between the existing window and the secondary panel, trapping heat and preventing cold air from entering.
There are different ways of achieving secondary glazing.

While secondary glazing can help improve insulation, it’s not as effective as double glazing.

Thinking about upgrading your windows? Our guide on the benefits of double glazing explores how it can help long-term energy savings.

Invest in thermal curtains

You can reduce the draught from your windows without making any changes to the glass or the frames with thermal curtains.

Thermal curtains can be made from a variety of different materials such as cotton, polyester, and wool. However, what they all have in common is that they are thick and lined, helping to trap heat and keep cold air at bay.

Top Tip: Hang your thermal curtains closer to the window and make sure they fully cover the frame to make them as efficient as possible.

While thermal curtains go some way to regulate room temperature, they won’t solve the root cause of the cold draught from your windows.

Fix broken or worn window locks & handles

Are loose window locks or wonky handles causing draughty gaps in your window frame?

In some cases, tightening screws or replacing worn-out locking mechanisms is enough to tighten any broken seals and reduce cold air coming into your home.

• Loose or misaligned locks stop the window from sealing fully and leave small gaps where cold air can get in.
• Worn-out handles may not shut the window tightly enough, which reduces its efficiency in blocking out draughts.
• Damaged locking mechanisms can cause windows to shift slightly out of position, which impacts insulation.

Signs draught-proofing window hacks won’t see you through

If your windows still don’t close properly…

So, you’ve tightened screws, replaced locks and you can still feel a cold draught?

It may be time to call a professional. If your windows won’t close properly, even after DIY fixes, it could be down to misaligned hinges, or faulty locking mechanisms.

Not only is this bad news for energy efficiency, but it also poses a potential security risk.

If your window frame is rotting …

If your window frame is rotting, it’s a sign of serious moisture damage – and that needs urgent attention.

When water seeps into wooden window frames, the material begins to soften, weaken, and eventually decay.

Window frame rot puts the structural integrity of the window at risk and creates gaps where cold air can enter, which does nothing to help your energy bills.

If you can see cracks in the glass or condensation…

If you have cracks in your window glass or you can see condensation forming between double-glazed panes, draught-proofing hacks aren’t going to cut it.

Misted windows usually mean that the seal has failed, which allows moisture in and makes your home feel colder.

However, cracks or misting glass don’t mean you have to replace the entire window. An affordable alternative is to replace the failed double-glazing unit (and you can explore the cost-savings of window repairs in this guide).

Cloudy2Clear specialises in this type of repair, helping homeowners like you restore insulation, without the expense of a full window replacement. Learn more about our window repair service.

Get in touch

Seeking professional repairs can save money in the long run by preventing heat loss, lowering energy bills, and improving security.

Our customers can trust us to quickly diagnose and fix common window problems. So, if you’re losing heat through draughty windows, get in touch.

Our expert engineers can repair misted double glazing, fix faulty seals, and realign misaligned locks – saving you money on energy bills.

Condensation in your home can be a worry as it’s a common cause of damp and mould, and it’s often noticeable on or in your windows. You’re probably wondering what’s causing condensation, how you can get rid of it and how to stop it coming back. We’ve covered all of this and more to help you understand what might be the cause and whether you may need to replace your double or triple glazed windows to resolve the problem.

What causes condensation on windows?

Condensation happens when warm or moist air comes into contact with cold glass or a cool surface. It isn’t uncommon, so many homeowners overlook it when it appears on their windows. Condensation can form on any colder surface, and we see it every day with droplets forming on mirrors, tiles and shower panels in your bathroom after a hot shower.

As winter approaches after a hot summer, our PVC windows and doors are more prone to becoming misshapen. This is because repeated exposure to quickly fluctuating temperatures can distort certain materials. Our windows and doors are exposed to more heat in the daytime and cooler autumn nights. This can expand and shrink the seals of double-glazed units, causing some damage to the quality of the seals which leads to condensation.

Why do my windows have condensation on the outside?

Condensation found on the outside of your windows is perfectly normal. It’s a sign that your double-glazed windows are highly thermally efficient as they are keeping the heat in and cold air out. This allows your home to maintain its temperature so you can stay comfortably warm and use less energy to heat your home. You’ll often find outer window condensation during the winter as the air is moist and the temperature drops.

Why do my windows have condensation on the inside?

Condensated windows inside the panes can be a cause for concern. It’s common to find condensation in your kitchen or bathroom, especially when cooking or taking a hot shower or bath. These activities release extra moisture into the air, increasing the overall humidity levels of these spaces. While some condensation is expected on cold surfaces, it’s still important to minimise potential moisture buildup in your home as repeated or constant condensation can lead to dampness and mould.

Indoor condensation isn’t limited to your kitchen or bathroom. Hanging up your washing indoors without using radiators, or hosting a large gathering of people, can cause steam to form on your windows too. You may even have excess condensation due to poor insulation in the roof or walls of your home.

What causes misted double glazing?

Condensation looks like a misted or cloudy window and can obscure your view outside whilst making your home look less appealing. If you notice you do have misted windows, this may mean your double glazing has ‘failed’.

1. Poorly fitted windows

If your windows were improperly installed, they’ll deteriorate quickly. In extreme cases, they could become cloudy in less than a year. When double glazing is fitted incorrectly, your window panes and frames won’t be aligned properly. This means your seals won’t last and gaps will form, allowing air and moisture into your panes.

2. Using the wrong products

You’d be surprised at how often double glazing can be damaged by human error alone. Many people use unnecessary harsh chemical products to clean their windows, which can reduce their effectiveness. A simple mixture of warm water and white vinegar is perfect to care for your windows and leave them sparkling for longer.

3. Damaged seals

Whether it’s poor installation or wear and tear, broken or faulty seals are one of the most common causes of cloudy and blown double glazing. Windows expand and contract when temperatures rise and fall. Although not visible to homeowners, this movement takes its toll on window seals, made worse by poor materials or shoddy craftsmanship.

Damaged seals allow moisture between the window panes, which is difficult to remove. Once inside, moisture causes condensation which means windows will become misted.

4. Window age

Time is another factor in the health of your double glazing. The date your double glazing was first installed impacts how well it will perform. Not only because the seals will become less effective over time, but also because modern fitting methods are more reliable.

How to prevent condensation in your windows

Condensation occurs in all homes and although it can lead to problems, there are initiatives you can take to help combat the effects. To stop or reduce condensation on double-glazed windows, there are a few things you can do to ventilate your home and reduce the risk of dampness and condensation.

Improve ventilation

By ensuring your home is properly ventilated, you’ll improve airflow and fight off issues caused by condensation. Opening windows and using vents or fans are all great ways to improve air circulation:

• Promote better airflow by opening windows or doors on opposite sides of your house
• Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to extract humid air.
• Allow air to flow into your home slowly, without inviting in a draught, with trickle vents

Heating & insulation

Condensation issues are intensified by sudden rises and drops in temperature as fluctuations cause water to evaporate and condense when you turn the heating on and off. Make sure your heating and insulation efforts are working hard to help you avoid condensation by:

• Keep your heating at a constant low temperature
• Ensuring your home has cavity wall and loft insulation
• Checking your windows for draft, damp or steam

Clear moisture

An immediate solution to condensation is to remove any water droplets you come across in your home. In the short term, cleaning windows of condensation regularly can prevent moisture from developing into dampness or mould issues. Other things you can try to clear moisture in your home include:

• Use dehumidifiers
• Use condensation catchers
• Avoid drying clothes indoors
• Vent your tumble dryer properly

Common issues with condensation inside double-glazed windows

The place you should always be concerned about finding condensation is between the inner panes of double-glazed windows because it is a sealed unit. If condensation is appearing inside your double glazing, it’s often an indication that the seal around your windows has failed. Some other problems you might experience as a result of failed double glazing include:

• With air entering the gap between the panes, the windows will no longer be as effective for thermal insulation.
• Draughts can enter your home, cooling down your house. In colder months, you may see an increase in your energy bills as you try to combat the additional cold air.
• Moisture getting in between the panes of glass ruins the aesthetic of your windows and leads to bigger problems like mould, dampness, heat loss and poor energy efficiency.

How to get rid of condensation between window panes

If you’ve noticed condensation between your double glazing panes and you’ve tried everything to combat it, it’s probably time to get your double glazing replaced so you don’t experience any further problems.

We’ve dedicated years of expertise to fixing issues that can cause condensation on your windows. If you’d like help with your condensation problem, call our team now on 0800 182 2047. You can also contact us online to arrange a free consultation with our specialist engineers.

Double-glazed windows have progressed from a ‘nice-to-have’ to an essential feature in your home. From standard double glazing to bespoke styles, double-glazing can offer many benefits to both homes and businesses. In this article, we’ll cover everything you want to know from double-glazing history, right down to your commonly asked questions.

What is double glazing?

Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass, separated with a layer of normal air or, for more efficiency, a layer of argon gas. The panes are then sealed to keep the gas contained, creating an airtight, sealed unit.

A spacer bar maintains the gap between the panes and is usually made from aluminium or plastic with low heat conductivity properties. Energy-saving glass helps reduce heat loss but it can be more expensive to install.

How does double glazing work?

Double glazing is designed to slow the transfer of heat between the panes, keeping warm air in and cold air out. Air is a poor conductor of heat so trapping it between two glass panes means it is unable to circulate, leading to greatly reduced heat loss.

Over 20% of all heat loss escapes via your windows so by keeping warm air in, double-glazing improves your property insulation. This results in fewer draughts and cheaper heating bills as you may not need to heat your home as much as you would if you only had single-glazed windows.

Argon gas has around a 34% lower thermal conductivity level than air because it is denser so it acts as a better insulator. When it’s used between the panes it’s even harder for heat to escape through double-glazed windows, further improving thermal efficiency. It is also an excellent insulator of heat and is a non-flammable and ‘non-reactive’ gas. As a noble (or inert) gas, argon does not react in the presence of a flame or heat.

Energy-saving glass is even more efficient than standard double-glazing units with thermal spacer bars acting as a better insulator than standard aluminium bars.

The history of double glazing

After gaining popularity in the USA in the late 1940s, the UK began introducing double-glazed windows in the 1970s and 80s. Until then, window companies only produced single glazing.

Window specialists began using a ‘second window’ system in the mid-60s, which involved removing rotting timber windows and replacing the original window with a second layer of glass. Although this was a popular product for the time, aluminium double glazing was the next big breakthrough in the late 70s.

From the 1980s onwards, double glazing became standard for new UK homes. Although only about 8% of UK homes featured double glazing in the 70s, the concept quickly took off and now over 85% of homes in the UK are fitted with double-glazed windows.

Benefits of double glazing and low-E glass

Double glazing offers a range of benefits to your home, particularly around energy efficiency and keeping your family warm and comfortable. When combined with low-E glass, the benefits are only increased.

Keep your house comfortable

Low-E glass combined with double glazing can keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This keeps your home at a comfortable temperature year-round.

Reduce energy bills

The insulating effect of low-E glass and double glazing can reduce your energy bills each year. Preventing heat transfer through your windows, low-E coatings can reduce heat loss from the home by up to 50%.

Protect against UV rays

UV rays can damage homes and furniture, lead to peeling paint, cracked walls and a sun-bleached effect that makes furniture look faded. Low-E glass coatings reflect UV rays away from the home so it can limit the damage caused by UV light.

Keep condensation at bay

Low-E glass and double-glazing keeps the inside of the glass warmer, reducing the chance of condensation on the inside of your windows. Condensation can quickly spread and mould and dampness also pose health risks.

Less maintenance & upkeep

Low-E glass keeps windows, doors, and their surroundings safe from external weather conditions. The glass coating is also highly durable, and more resistant to scratches than standard glass alone.

More environmentally friendly

Energy-efficient glass and double-glazing is more eco-friendly because it requires less fuel to heat the home. It can be combined with other energy-efficient designs to reduce your carbon footprint on an even greater scale.

Benefits of double glazing for businesses

From a business perspective, double glazing offers many benefits from cost saving to improved security measures and works towards maintaining a comfortable working environment.

Improved security

Security concerns are one of the main issues for businesses so double glazing makes your premises much harder to break into and can deter thieves. The costs associated with upgrading to double glazing could negate any costs or losses if you were to experience a break-in.

Noise insulation

Double-glazing has soundproofing properties which is ideal for premises on busy high streets. The double-layered glass, alongside the soundproofing gases suspended in between, offers impressive noise reduction benefits. Double glazing is designed and fitted to enhance insulation, reducing noise by up to 70%.

Energy efficiency

Maximising energy efficiency efforts is essential within your business so double-glazed windows can help keep energy costs down. Double glazing works to regulate the temperatures inside your building, providing a natural balance of both cooling and insulating benefits, depending on the season.

Enhanced safety

Double glazing can help contain fire within a building or room. The double panes of glass, separated by argon gas, act as a barrier to slow the spread of damage to your business in the event of a fire.

Aesthetics

With quality double glazing, your windows should remain clear and condensation-free while reducing the risk of dampness and mould. This can improve energy efficiency and show you are up to date with improving sustainability as a business.

The best double-glazed windows

With so many types of windows to choose from, it can be confusing to know which style of double glazing is the best option for you. With this in mind, here are some of the most popular styles and the benefits they offer.

Double-glazed casement windows

As the most popular window style in the UK, casement windows are hard to beat. They are easy to use and open for maximum ventilation as the hinge mechanisms are smooth to operate. Some of the benefits of double-glazed casement windows include:

• Easy to use
• Enhanced security
• Effective slanted design
• A popular choice

Double-glazed bay windows

Bay windows are becoming an increasingly popular architectural revival feature of the modern home. With origins dating back to the medieval era and their use in churches and cathedrals, their popularity increased and they became a common feature within homes in the Victorian era. Double-glazed bay windows offer:

• Architectural and aesthetic charm
• Additional light
• Expansion of the home

Double-glazed sash windows

Sash windows have been a popular feature within British architecture since the 17th century. They offer a traditional look, as the style became increasingly common during the Georgian and Victorian eras. With double-glazed sash windows, you can enjoy:

• Traditional style and bespoke options
• Great ventilation benefits

Of course, the ‘best’ double-glazed windows often comes down to personal choice. So, it’s worth considering your budget, style and the practicalities of your consent windows before you make a decision.

Double glazing FAQs

If you’re concerned that your windows have begun to fail, contact your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today for a free, no-obligation quote.