Buying Guide
Best Draught Excluders for Windows UK 2026
Updated June 2026
Windows are the biggest source of draughts in most UK homes — worse than doors, worse than letterboxes. Older wooden sash windows are the worst offenders, but even modern UPVC windows can develop draughts as seals age. The good news: sealing a window costs £3–£15 and takes 10 minutes. Here are the 5 best products for different types of UK windows.
Quick answer
Our top pick: HNNHOME Brush Seal Strip (wooden) / Tapel Foam (UPVC)
£5–£18 on Amazon
For wooden windows: HNNHOME Brush Seal Strip (£7–£10, 3M adhesive sticks to wood). For UPVC windows: Tapel Foam Strip with 3M Adhesive (£5–£7). For single-glazed windows: BKSAI Reusable Window Film (£12–£18, creates insulating air layer).
Check Price on Amazon →Types of window draught excluder
Type 1
Foam strip
Cheapest, compresses over time, best for UPVC.
Type 2
Rubber / silicone strip
Lasts longer, good for wooden frames.
Type 3
Brush strip
Flexes with wood movement, best for sash windows.
Type 4
Window film
Covers entire window, best for single glazing.
The products we recommend
HNNHOME 5M Brush Seal Strip
3M adhesive designed for wood. Brush flexes with wood movement as the frame expands and contracts with temperature.
Pros
- 3M adhesive designed for wood
- Brush flexes with wood movement
- 5 metres covers most windows
- Easy to trim with scissors
Cons
- Bristles can shed if scrubbed
- Not waterproof
Who it's for: Wooden casement and sash windows
Check Price on Amazon UK →Tapel Foam Strip with 3M Adhesive
Precision 12mm × 6mm foam specifically for window frame gaps. The best single product for restoring an old UPVC window seal.
Pros
- Precision 12mm × 6mm size for window gaps
- Strong 3M adhesive
- Cheap and effective
- Easy 5-minute fit
Cons
- Foam compresses after 2–3 years
- Replace seasonally for best seal
Who it's for: Modern UPVC windows with degraded seals
Check Price on Amazon UK →BKSAI Reusable Window Insulation Film
Velcro attachment creates an insulating air layer over the glass. Removable and reusable — peel off in spring, refit in autumn.
Pros
- Velcro attachment, no damage to paintwork
- Creates an insulating air layer
- Removable and reusable each season
- Cuts heat loss on single glazing dramatically
Cons
- Reduces view slightly
- Velcro needs flat frame surface
Who it's for: Renters with single-glazed sash windows
Check Price on Amazon UK →YIMIKI 15M Closed-Cell Foam Strip
15 metres covers multiple windows. Cheapest per metre — ideal if you're draught-proofing a whole flat in one weekend.
Pros
- 15 metres covers multiple windows
- Cheapest option per metre
- Closed-cell foam doesn't absorb water
- Self-adhesive, easy fit
Cons
- Single thickness — won't fit larger gaps
- Adhesive weaker than 3M brands
Who it's for: Sealing many windows in one project
Check Price on Amazon UK →Self-Adhesive Silicone Weather Stripping
Silicone doesn't compress or crack like foam. Waterproof and soundproof — the longest-lasting option on this list.
Pros
- Silicone doesn't compress or crack
- Waterproof and soundproof
- Lasts 5+ years
- Works on wood, metal and UPVC
Cons
- Slightly stiffer to fit than foam
- Harder to trim cleanly
Who it's for: Long-term draught-proofing that you fit once and forget
Check Price on Amazon UK →How to find window draughts
- Candle test — hold a lit candle near window edges and watch the flame flicker.
- Hand test — run your hand slowly around the frame edges on a cold windy day.
- Thermal leak detector — the BLACK+DECKER TLD100 shows exactly where heat escapes. Full review →
Draught-proofing sash windows and renting
Sash windows are the draughtiest window type in UK homes
The gaps between the sliding frames can let in significant amounts of cold air. For sash windows, combine brush strip on the meeting rails with window film over the entire glass area.
Professional sash window draught-proofing costs £100–£200 per window — but the DIY approach with our recommended products costs under £20 per window and stops the same draughts.
Window draught-proofing for renters
All products on this page are renter-friendly — self-adhesive strips peel off cleanly when warmed gently with a hairdryer, and window film uses removable velcro tabs that leave no residue.
No drilling, no damage, no deposit risk. You can fit and remove every product here without telling your landlord.
Tip
Mind condensation
Frequently asked questions
Bundle
The Complete Window Draught Kit — Under £30
- HNNHOME brush strip for frames£8Amazon →
- Tapel foam for small gaps£6Amazon →
- BKSAI window film for glass£15Amazon →