Controlled ventilation helps reduce condensation and damp, by letting fresh air in when needed. However, draughts are uncontrolled: they let in too much cold air and waste too much heat. To draught-proof your home you should block up unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Saving warm air means you’ll use less energy to heat your home, so you'll save money as well as making your home snug and pleasant. Draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you £25 to £35 per year. Draught-free homes are comfortable at lower temperatures – so you may be able to turn down your thermostat saving even more on your energy bills. Draughts happen where there are unwanted gaps in the construction of your home, and where openings are left uncovered. You’ll find draughts at any accidental gap in your home that leads outside, such as: You should block most of these – but be careful in areas that need good ventilation, such as: If you’re happy carrying out simple DIY tasks, draught-proofing will be no problem.

However, some homes, especially older homes with single glazing, will be more difficult to draught-proof. Professional draught-proofing is likely to save more energy because the installer will know exactly the right materials to use and where to use them.bi folding doors room dividers There are plenty of DIY stores that sell draught-proofing materials, but look for draught-proofing with a Kitemark – this shows that the product is made to a good standard. garage door repairs midlandBritish Standard Institution accredited products have a 20-year life when correctly installed and maintained.car door handle peeling For windows that open, buy draught-proofing strips to stick around the window frame and fill the gap between the window and the frame. garage door springs regina

There are two types: Self-adhesive foam strips – cheap, and easy to install, but may not last long. Metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers attached – long-lasting, but cost a little more.second hand upvc double doors Make sure the strip is the right size to fill the gap in your window. garage door repair katyIf the strip is too big it will get crushed and you may not be able to close the window. cheapest laptop screen repair melbourneIf it's too small there will still be a gap. For sliding sash windows, foam strips do not work well. It’s best to fit brush strips or consult a professional. For windows that don't open, use a silicone sealant. Draught-proofing outside doors can save a lot of heat and will only cost you a few pounds.

There are four main things to consider. Keyhole – buy a purpose-made cover that drops a metal disc over the keyhole. Letterbox – use a letterbox flap or brush, but remember to measure your letterbox before you buy. Gap at the bottom – use a brush or hinged flap draught excluder. Gaps around the edges – fit foam, brush or wiper strips like those used for windows. Inside doors need draught-proofing if they lead to a room you don’t normally heat, such as your spare room or kitchen. Keep those doors closed to stop the cold air from moving into the rest of the house. If there is a gap at the bottom of the door, block it with a draught excluder – you can make one stuffed with used plastic bags or bits of spare material. Inside doors between two heated rooms don’t need draught-proofing, as you don’t lose energy when warm air circulates. If you don’t use your fireplace, your chimney is probably a source of unnecessary draughts. There are two main ways to draught-proof a chimney:

Fit a cap over the chimney pot – this might be better done by a professional; buy a chimney draught excluder – devices that help stop draughts and heat loss through the chimney, usually fitted within the chimney or around the fireplace. Remember to remove the draught-proofing if you decide to light a fire! Floorboards and skirting boards You can block cracks by squirting filler into the gaps. Floorboards and skirting boards often contract, expand or move slightly with everyday use, so you should use a filler that can tolerate movement – these are usually silicone-based. Look for the following: Fillers come in different colours, and for indoor and outdoor use. They block gaps permanently so be careful when you apply them – wipe off any excess with a damp cloth before it dries. Fillers may break down over time, but can easily be reapplied. Check whether you also need to insulate between the skirting board and the floor. Hot air rises and gets lost into the cold space in your loft or attic, so it’s worth blocking off draughts around your loft hatch.

Use strip insulation, as you would on a door. You can fill small gaps around pipework with silicone fillers, similar to the fillers used for skirting boards and floorboards. Fill larger gaps with expanding polyurethane foam. This is sprayed into the gap, expands as it dries, and sets hard. Old fan outlets may need to be filled with bricks or concrete blocks and sealed from both the inside and outside. You can fill in cracks using cements or hard-setting fillers, but if it’s a large crack there may be something wrong with your wall. Consult a surveyor or builder to see what caused the crack in the first place. Air needs to flow in and out of your house so it stays fresh, dry and healthy. Make sure you don’t block or seal any intentional ventilation, such as the following: when you choose at checkout. Dispatched from and sold by SK Depots. Shop Home Automation, DIY, Kitchen, Toys and more on Amazon Launchpad: House Homemate® Door Draught Excluder - UK's Number 1 Draught Excluder - Fits doors up to 30" wide & needs no fixings

P Profile WHITE - EPDM Rubber Draught Seal and Foam Draught Excluder Window or Door draft, TWIN DRAFT DRAUGHT GUARD EXCLUDER INSULATOR HOT/ COLD Product Dimensions76.2 x 2.8 x 4.3 cm 1,517 in DIY & Tools (See top 100) in DIY & Tools > Hardware > Door Hardware & Locks > Draught Excluders & Seals Delivery Destinations:Visit the Delivery Destinations Help page to see where this item can be delivered. Date First Available11 Oct. 2013 Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? This is the UK's Number 1 Draught Excluder. Simply because of the numerous benefits for having one on each door in your home. The Draught Buster is a unique patented design that simply slides on the bottom of the door and stays in place on the door. Unlike the draught snakes that need putting back in front of the door every time you open the door & the flimsy foam draught excluders, the Draught Buster fits the door and moves with the door. Also it will move up to go over door plates and bumps in the floor.

It can be fitted to any standard interior door up to 76cm (30") wide & 35mm in thickness, and can be cut down to fit any door smaller that that. The Draught Buster has many benefits and here's just a few: • Saves money - energy bills reduced • Insulates rooms - keeps warmth in & draughts out • Fitted in seconds - no tools or fixings required, simply slide under the door & leaves no residue from sticky glue • Moves with the door - no need to reposition • Works on all interior floor types - carpets, wood, tiles, linoleum & more. • Blends into decor - simple, discreet design • Blocks sound & smells - sounds & smells are reduced • Barrier to spiders & crawling insects - helps to prevent entry. • Fits doors up to 35mm thick • Made from plastic Size approx: 76 x 4.3 x 3cm (30 x 1.7 x 1.1") One of the main problem with the Draught excluders that are not fitted is that they pose a tripping hazard when not up to the door. The Draught Buster completely eradicates this problem leaving your home safer, warmer, free from pests and energy efficient.

We also now stock a 36" variety for wider doors! Please check our other listings Look for similar items by category DIY & Tools > Hardware > Door Hardware & Locks > Draught Excluders & Seals What do customers buy after viewing this item? 02SR0200838W 838mm Bottom of The Door Brush Strip Draught Excluder - White Draught Excluder Draft Insulator, Cream 5m White D profile Weatherbar Draft - EPDM Rubber ROLL STRIP Draught Seal and Foam for Window or Door See all 130 customer reviews See all 130 customer reviews (newest first) Most Recent Customer Reviews Probably works with carpets, did not work with our wooden floors (as illustrated in the product picture). Fine initially but would scratch the floor. Fast delivery and product was just perfect. I had to trim it a little however it made an effective impact. Excellent idea, it works really well. Stops draughts straight away. Seems ok easy to fit but is best under a carpet Our door was too thick for this product.