Drafts can be a significant issue for many homes in the UK. Not only do they let in cold air during the winter months, making your home uncomfortable, but they also result in increased energy costs as your heating system works harder to maintain a consistent temperature. Additionally, drafts can lead to moisture build-up, which can cause mould and other damage to your property.
Blocking these drafts effectively is therefore crucial, and there are several methods available that can help you achieve this. This article will explore the most effective ways to block drafts under your home’s external doors, from buying a door draft excluder to proofing your letterbox and windows.
Invest in Quality Doors
The first step in blocking drafts is to ensure that your external doors are of high quality and fit properly. Poorly fitting doors are one of the most common causes of drafts. Weather-stripping or using a draft stopper can help, but investing in a well-insulated, high-quality door is often the best long-term solution.
When choosing a door, consider both the material and the design. Solid wood doors are excellent at preventing drafts, but they can be expensive and require regular maintenance. Fiberglass and steel doors are more affordable and weather-resistant, making them an excellent choice for draft-proofing your home.
Also, look for doors with built-in draft protection features, such as a bottom sweep or a jamb seal. These features will help to prevent drafts from slipping under the door or through gaps around the edges.
Use a Door Draft Excluder
A door draft excluder, also known as a draft stopper or door snake, is a simple and affordable solution that can significantly reduce drafts. These devices are typically filled with insulating material and are designed to fit snugly under the door, blocking any drafts that would otherwise enter your home.
Door draft excluders come in a variety of styles, from basic fabric tubes to more decorative options that can complement your home’s décor. When buying a draft excluder, ensure it’s the right length for your door and has enough weight to stay in place even when the door is opened and closed.
Proof Your Letterbox and Keyhole
Your front door’s letterbox and keyhole can be a significant source of drafts. Even small gaps can allow cold air to enter your home, so these areas should not be overlooked when draft-proofing your doors.
To block drafts from your letterbox, consider installing a letterbox cover or brush. These devices fit over the inside of the letterbox, preventing cold air from coming through while still allowing mail to be delivered.
For the keyhole, consider a keyhole cover. These small devices fit over the keyhole and can be slid to one side when you need to use the key, then slid back to block any drafts.
Upgrade Your Windows
While this article focuses primarily on doors, it’s worth mentioning that windows can also be a significant source of drafts. Drafty windows can undo all your hard work in draft-proofing your doors, so they too need attention.
Consider upgrading to double glazing if you haven’t already. Double-glazed windows have two layers of glass separated by a layer of air or gas. This design significantly reduces heat loss and helps to keep drafts at bay.
Also, consider adding window film or thermal curtains to your windows. These products add an extra layer of insulation and can make a significant difference in reducing drafts and keeping your home warm.
Implement a Regular Maintenance Routine
Finally, implementing a regular maintenance routine can go a long way in keeping your doors draft-free. This includes checking for and replacing worn-out weather-stripping, fixing loose door frames, and sealing any cracks or gaps.
Regular maintenance will ensure your doors remain in good condition and continue to block drafts effectively. It’s a small investment of time that can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
While the task of draft-proofing your home may seem daunting, it’s well worth the effort. By investing in quality doors, using a door draft excluder, proofing your letterbox and keyhole, upgrading your windows, and maintaining your doors, you’ll create a warmer, more comfortable home and lower your energy bills.
Sealing Up Cracks and Gaps
Before we talk about the importance of sealing up cracks and gaps, it is vital to understand how these small openings contribute to the drafts in your home. Cracks and gaps, as small as they might be, can allow cold air to seep into your home and warm air to escape, causing the temperature inside your home to fluctuate and increase your energy costs.
You might find these openings around your front door, windows, doors, and even on the walls. Draught proofing these areas is one of the most cost-effective methods of reducing heat loss and keeping your home comfortable.
You can use materials like weather stripping, door sweeps, or caulk to seal these cracks and gaps. Weather stripping is a great way to draught proof the edges of your doors and windows. Door sweeps work effectively for sealing the gap between the bottom of your door and the floor. Caulk, on the other hand, can be used to seal gaps on your walls or between your windows and doors.
During installation of these materials, ensure that they are securely fitted and cover the entire opening to prevent drafts from seeping in. Over time, these materials might wear out due to regular use and exposure to weather elements, so it’s important to check them regularly and replace them when necessary.
Choosing Energy Efficient Doors and Windows
When it comes to energy efficiency, not all doors and windows are created equal. Some are specifically designed to keep your home warm and comfortable by preventing drafts and reducing heat loss.
Energy efficient doors, for instance, are often made with materials that have good insulation properties like fiberglass, steel, or solid wood. They might also come with features like a door sweep or weather stripping to stop drafts from entering your home.
Energy efficient windows, on the other hand, usually feature double or triple glazing, which greatly reduces heat loss compared to single-glazed windows. The space between the panes in double-glazed windows is filled with air or inert gas that acts as insulation, further improving their efficiency.
When choosing such doors and windows, ensure they fit perfectly to avoid any spaces that drafts could seep through. Although energy efficient doors and windows might come at a higher cost, they can help save on energy bills in the long run.
Conclusion: The Importance of Draught Proofing Your Home
In conclusion, it’s clear that draught proofing your home is a critical task that can lead to significant energy savings, a more comfortable living environment, and even prevent issues like mould caused by moisture build-up.
While elements like door drafts, drafty windows, and bottom door drafts may seem minor, they can have a significant impact on your home’s temperature and your energy costs. By investing in quality, well-fitted doors, using draught excluders, upgrading your windows, sealing gaps, and choosing energy efficient doors and windows, you can effectively block drafts and create a cosy, energy-efficient home.
Remember, the key to successful draught proofing is regular maintenance. Small steps like checking and replacing worn-out weather stripping, fixing loose door frames, or sealing any new cracks can make a big difference in the long run.
Image credit: Draught proofing home essentials, Draught proofing doors and windows for energy efficiency.
By taking the time to draught proof your home, you’re not only making it more comfortable for you and your family, but also contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.
