When your living room feels chilly or your heating bills keep rising, drafty windows and doors are usually to blame. Many London Ontario homeowners face this issue, especially in older houses with aging frames or poorly installed replacements. The good news? You don’t always need a full renovation to get relief.
This guide covers three proven fixes that help reduce drafts quickly. Each option improves comfort and saves money, whether you choose a DIY approach or call in the experts at McCallum Aluminum.

Why Drafts Are Such a Problem in London Ontario

London Ontario homeowners deal with wide seasonal swings: freezing winters, humid summers, and plenty of rain. That combination stresses your windows and doors. Seals dry out, frames warp, and installation gaps widen. Even small leaks can add up to a big problem.

How drafts impact you:

Higher energy bills — Heated or cooled air escapes, making your furnace or AC work harder.

Cold spots near windows and doors — Rooms feel uneven and less comfortable.

Moisture problems — Drafts often come with leaks that let in condensation or water.

Noise and dust — Gaps also allow sound and outdoor debris inside.

If you’ve ever stood near a window on a windy night and felt air movement, you know how frustrating it is. Luckily, there are fast and practical fixes.

Fix 1 — Seal Gaps with Caulk and Weatherstripping

The most common cause of drafts is gaps between the frame, trim, and wall. Over time, caulk breaks down and weatherstripping loses its compression. Resealing is a quick, affordable way to cut down on leaks.

What You’ll Need

Exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane caulk

Caulking gun

Adhesive foam, felt, or V-strip weatherstripping

Utility knife and putty scraper

Damp cloth or sponge

Step-by-Step Process
Inspect frames inside and out. Look for cracked caulk, daylight gaps, or areas where old sealant has pulled away.

Remove old material. Scrape away flaking caulk and clean dust so new material adheres properly.

Apply caulk. Run a steady bead around trim and seams. Smooth with your finger or a caulking tool.

Install weatherstripping. For doors, apply adhesive strips along the top, sides, and bottom of the frame. For windows, apply along sashes and meeting rails.

Test for leaks. Hold a candle or lighter near seams on a windy day — flickering means more sealing is needed.

Why This Works

Caulking closes permanent gaps in rigid areas.

Weatherstripping creates a flexible seal that compresses when the window or door closes.

Materials are inexpensive and available at any hardware store.

Pro Tip: Don’t block drainage holes at the bottom of frames — those allow water to escape and prevent rot.

Fix 2 — Upgrade to Insulated Aluminum Doors

Sometimes the issue isn’t the seal — it’s the door itself. Older wooden or hollow-core doors often warp or lack insulation, making them impossible to seal fully. In that case, upgrading to an insulated aluminum door is the best long-term fix.
What Makes Aluminum Doors Effective
Thermal breaks. These are non-metal barriers inside the frame that prevent heat from moving through the metal.

Insulated cores. Foam or composite cores reduce heat transfer and block drafts.

Double or triple glazing. Many aluminum doors include insulated glass inserts with Low-E coatings.

Durability. Aluminum doesn’t swell, rot, or warp, making it ideal for Ontario’s climate.

Benefits for Homeowners
Lower heating and cooling bills year-round.

Stronger security, since aluminum supports multi-point locking systems.

Sleek designs that boost curb appeal.

Less maintenance than wood, with powder-coated finishes that resist fading.

Before you buy, ask about performance features and warranty coverage. Ecohome offers a clear guide on what to look for in professional installation, ensuring your new door delivers maximum performance.

Fix 3 — Add Door Sweeps, Threshold Seals, and Tune Hardware

Even if your frame is tight, drafts often sneak in from the bottom of doors. This happens when sweeps or threshold seals wear down. Replacing or adjusting them can stop airflow immediately.
Checklist for Homeowners
Install a new door sweep. Brush or rubber sweeps attach to the bottom of the door and block gaps.

Upgrade threshold seals. Adjustable thresholds let you raise the seal to meet the door snugly.

Tighten hinges and screws. Loose hardware can prevent the door from closing tightly.

Adjust strike plates. Ensures the latch pulls the door tight into its frame.

Replace worn jamb weatherstripping. Look for cracks or flattened areas and replace as needed.

Quick Test

Slide a piece of paper under your closed door. If it moves easily, the seal is too loose. After adjusting or replacing sweeps, the paper should stay snug.
These small fixes cost very little but often make the biggest difference in comfort.

When to Repair and When to Replace
DIY fixes go a long way, but sometimes drafts persist. That usually means a larger problem with the frame or installation. Signs you may need professional help include:
Condensation between double-glass panes

Soft or rotted window sills

Warped door frames that won’t close properly

Repeated leaks after multiple fixes

At that point, it’s worth considering new energy-efficient windows and doors.

How McCallum Helps London Ontario Homeowners

McCallum Aluminum has been serving London Ontario for decades with trusted window and door installations. Whether you need a simple weatherstripping replacement or a full upgrade to insulated aluminum doors, their team provides local expertise and reliable service.
See window options for upgrades tailored to Ontario’s climate.

Request a free estimate for professional installation and advice.

Getting professional help not only solves drafts but also ensures your investment lasts for decades.

FAQs

Q: Can sealing windows really reduce energy bills?
Yes. Even small leaks force your furnace or AC to work harder. Sealing and weatherstripping can save up to 10–20% in energy costs.
Q: How long does caulking last?
High-quality exterior caulk lasts about 5–10 years. Inspect it yearly for cracks or gaps.
Q: Are aluminum doors energy efficient?
Yes, when designed with insulated cores and thermal breaks. They offer both strength and energy savings.
Q: How do I know if I need full replacement?
If seals fail repeatedly, frames are warped, or condensation builds inside glass units, replacement is usually more cost-effective long-term.
Q: Can I install a door sweep myself?
Absolutely. Most sweeps attach with simple screws or adhesive and cost under $25.

3 Quick Fixes for Drafty Windows and Doors