Definition of a Draught and Draught-Proofing
So let’s start at the beginning and define what a draught is and what draught-proofing is.
A draught is an uncontrolled vent to the outside world which allows cold air into your home and lets warm air out.
Newsflash: It’s not a good thing.
As such, draught-proofing is anything that looks to limit a draught's impact.
Second Newsflash: They’re a good thing.
However, a draught is not an intentional vent like a wall vent or an extractor fan - don’t block these up. If you do, you may find you get problems with mould or condensation.
Third Newsflash: They’re not good things.
What are the benefits of Draught-Proofing?
This is probably the easiest section of this blog to write! The benefits of draught-proofing are numerous:
- Draft-proofing is cheap to install and maintain.
- It keeps your home warm.
- Because your house is kept warmer you spend less on energy bills
- And that also lowers your carbon footprint.
All-round good stuff.
Sounds good. How do I Draught-Proof then?
Draught-Proofing Doors
Depending on your needs it could be easiest just to get a cushion-filled "snake" if the problem is simply along the bottom of the door. That being said, they can be frustrating to have to move every time you open or close the door. Especially in a high traffic household with children and pets.
Alternatively, you may prefer adhesive foam tape which will cover most issues and will require less faff.
But if you’re looking for something more permanent and longer lasting then the best option may be to get a metal-framed draught excluder with a brush seal. These need tools to be fitted but are unlikely to work themselves loose like adhesive tape might.
Draught-Proofing Windows
Cracks around the windows will allow air into your home so you need to make sure you seal these up. Equally, if your window has warped over time, that will allow draughts through too.
For windows you have two options for draught-proofing.
You can use either adhesive foam tape which is sold high and low. Alternatively, a “T-shaped” sealing strip may be more appropriate for your needs. It's difficult to make a recommendation without seeing the problem first-hand.
Draught-Proofing Loft Hatches
Like with windows and doors you may find the self adhesive foam tape to be the best fit for your loft hatch. But you actually may be better off getting a PVC plastic strip with a curved rubber draught strip. These form a solid seal between the frame and the hatch so are an excellent choice to consider but do require some tools and labour to apply.
Draught-Proofing Pipework
If you have holes around your pipework you need to get these filled in. Not only do they let air move freely through your home, they also allow pests to.
Depending on the pipework and the size of the hole you have options of whether to use a silicone filler, or an expanding foam.
You’d probably be better off using the silicone filler for small holes and pipes which need to move around for whatever reason. Whereas the expanding foam is much better suited for large holes and for pipes which don’t need to move.
Conclusion
And there you have it. That’s our list of the little known ways you can draught-proof your home and keep it warmer for cheaper, and for longer. Hopefully it’s given you something to consider as well as ideas on how to lower your carbon footprint.
By the way, if you want your home draught-proofed but don’t fancy the physical labour, the messing around with tools, or the potential accidents then why not give us a call today to get your free, no obligation quote. We’ll come to your home at a time convenient to you. And we offer extremely competitive prices as well as courteous and professional workers who'll do a great job. They'll even clean up after themselves too.
So make sure to give us a call today.
Categories: Handymen
