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The benefits of draught proofing
Using the right draught proofing materials
Draughts and ventilation – what’s the difference?
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Draught proofing is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to save energy in any type of building, from a flat to a mansion – but it’s often overlooked.
To draught proof your home you should block up unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. By saving warm air you’ll use less energy to heat your home.
Usually, yes – if you’re happy carrying out simple DIY tasks, draught proofing will be no problem.
But some homes, especially older homes with single glazing, will be more difficult to draught proof – it might be worth contacting a professional.
Either way, draught proofing will pay for itself within a few years because you’ll save money on your heating bill.
Draught proofing saves you money – and makes your home snug and pleasant.
The savings
Full draught proofing will save on average £25 per year. Blocking gaps around skirting boards and floor boards could save another £20 per year.
Draught-free homes are comfortable at lower temperatures – so you’ll be able to turn down your thermostat. This could save you another £55 per year.
How the savings add up
If every household in the UK used the best possible draught proofing, every year we would save:
You will need different draught proofing material for different parts of your home – the information below should help you find the right product.
Always look for draught proofing with the Kitemark – this shows that the product is made to a good standard.
Read more about draught proofing for:
British Standard Institution accredited products have a 20 year life where properly installed and maintained.
Windows
For windows that open, buy draught-proofing strips to stick around the window frame. These fill the gap between the window and the frame. There are 2 main types:
Make sure your strip is the right size to fill the gap in your window. If the strip is too big it will get compressed and damaged and you may not be able to close the window. If it's too small there will still be a gap.
For sliding sash windows it's best to fit brush strips or consult a professional. Foam strips do not work well.
For windows that don't open you can use a silicon sealant.
Doors
Draught proofing for outside doors can save a lot of heat and will only cost you a few pounds.
There are 4 main things to think about:
1. the gap at the bottom – use a brush or hinged flap draught excluder
2. gaps around the edges – fit foam, brush or wiper strips like those used for windows
3. the keyhole – buy a purpose-made cover that drops a metal disc over the keyhole
4. the letterbox – use a letterbox flap or letterbox brush. Remember to measure your letterbox before you buy.
Inside doors need draught proofing if they lead to a room you don’t normally heat, like your spare room or kitchen. You should keep doors to unheated rooms closed as much as possible to stop the cold air from moving into the rest of the house. If there is a big gap at the bottom of the door then you could make a draught excluder stuffed with used plastic bags or bits of spare material.
Inside doors between two heated rooms don’t need draught proofing – it’s ok to let warm air circulate between different rooms.
Chimneys and fireplaces
If you don’t use your fireplace, your chimney is probably a big source of unnecessary draughts. There are 2 main ways to draught proof a chimney:
1. fit a cap over the chimney pot – this might be better done by a professional
2. buy a chimney balloon – an inflatable cushion which blocks up the chimney
Remember to remove the draught proofing if you decide to light a fire!
Floorboards and skirting boards
You can block cracks using filler that you squirt into the gap.
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 silicon-based.
Look for:
• flexible fillers
• decorator’s caulk
• mastic-type products
Fillers block gaps permanently so be careful when you apply them and wipe off any excess or mess with a damp cloth before it dries. Fillers may break down over time, but can easily be re-applied.
Fillers come in many different colours, and for indoor and outdoor use.
Loft hatches
Draught proofing your loft hatch is essential, since hot air rises and is lost into the cold space in the loft. Cold air can also blow in through the gaps around the loft hatch.
Loft hatches can be draught proofed by using strip insulation, like you would on a door.
Pipework
You can fill small gaps around pipework with silicon fillers, similar to the fillers used for skirting boards and floorboards.
Larger gaps should be filled with expanding polyurethane foam. The foam can be sprayed into the gap. As it dries it will expand and fill the hole, then set hard.
Old extractor fans
Old extractor fan outlets may need to be filled with bricks or concrete blocks and sealed from the outside and inside of the building. You should contact a good builder for this kind of work.
Cracks in walls
You can fill cracks in walls 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.
Draught proofing works by blocking any gaps where unwanted air enters the house – but every home needs some fresh air. It’s important to know the difference between proper ventilation and unwanted draughts.
What is ventilation?
Ventilation is a way of keeping the air in your home fresh, dry and healthy. Air should move around your different rooms, and should be slowly exchanged with fresh air from outside. This stops the build up of damp and stale air.
Homes should be fitted with vents which allow the right amount of air to flow into and out of the house.
What are draughts?
Draughts are like ventilation in some ways – both let fresh air into your home. But draughts are uncontrolled. They let in too much cold air and waste too much heat.
Draughts occur where there are accidental gaps in the construction of your home, or if you leave doors, windows, keyholes or letterboxes open or uncovered.
What kinds of ventilation are there?
There are several different types of controlled ventilation which help keep your home healthy. You should not block up any of these without consulting a professional.
• extractor fans – these extract damp air quickly in rooms where lots of moisture is produced (kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms)
• under-floor grills – these help keep wooden beams dry
• wall vents – these let small amounts of fresh air into rooms
• trickle vents – modern windows often have small vents above them to let fresh air trickle in
What kinds of draughts are there?
You’ll find draughts at any accidental gap in your home that leads outside. These are the most common places:
• windows
• doors
• loft hatches
• electrical fittings on walls and ceilings
• suspended floorboards
• pipework leading outside
• ceiling-to-wall joints
You should block most of these – but be careful in rooms that need good ventilation, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Which rooms don’t need draught proofing?
You should be careful about draught proofing rooms that need good ventilation, including:
Grants for homeowners
You can get help with the cost of installing draught proofing from the government, local authorities and energy suppliers.
You can take up offers from any energy company, no matter who supplies your gas and electricity.
To find a grant, call 0800 512 012 or search our grants and offers database
Tax savings for landlords
If you’re a landlord you can get can get an energy saving tax allowance of up to £1,500 on each property you own. You can claim the costs for:
• draught proofing
• cavity wall insulation
• loft insulation
• solid wall insulation
• hot water tank insulation
• floor insulation
Find out more about the Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance from HM Revenue & Customs
Draught proofing products and installers
For a list of registered installers visit the National Insulation Association website. Work by these installers will be guaranteed for 10 years.
You can find products, installers and manufacturers at the Draught Proofing Advisory Association
Advice on saving energy
We offer free expert, impartial advice on all kinds of energy saving measures, including draught proofing. Just call the Energy Saving Trust helpline on 0800 512 012
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