That chilly breeze sneaking under your door or that window that never fully closes isn’t just annoying, it’s costing you money. Draughts can let heat escape, forcing your heating system to work harder and pushing up your energy bills.
The good news? You don’t need a full renovation. With a bit of DIY and a free weekend, you can draught-proof your home effectively.
1. Seal Gaps Around Doors
The gap at the bottom of your front door can be sealed with a draught excluder or brush strip. They’re low-cost, easy to install, and make an immediate difference.
For gaps along the sides or top of doors, use foam or rubber strips, most have peel-and-stick backing, so no tools are needed.
Tip: For internal doors, keep a small gap at the bottom for ventilation.
2. Fix Leaky Windows
Older windows, especially wooden ones, often let in draughts. Apply self-adhesive foam strips or silicone sealant around the frames to block gaps.
If a window rattles, it’s a clear sign it isn’t sealing properly. You can check for draughts by moving your hand slowly around the frame or holding a small piece of tissue or ribbon to see if it moves in the airflow.
3. Cover Keyholes and Letterboxes
Small openings like keyholes and letterboxes can leak air. Install a keyhole cover and fit a brush or flap over the letterbox to keep cold air out.
4. Insulate the Loft Hatch
Even if your loft is insulated, a draughty hatch can let heat escape. Apply foam tape around the edges, or replace a thin or warped hatch with an insulated version.
5. Block Unused Chimneys
An open, unused fireplace is a direct path for cold air. Use a chimney balloon, durable inflatable blocker, or a simple chimney draught excluder. Remember to remove it before using the fireplace again.
6. Draught-Proof Floorboards and Skirting Gaps
Older homes often have gaps between floorboards that let heat escape. Use flexible floor filler, draught-proofing tape, or bead rope for small cracks. For larger gaps along skirting boards, silicone sealant works well.
7. Use Thick or Thermal Curtains
Heavy curtains help block window draughts, especially at night. Add thermal linings or choose floor-length blackout curtains for large windows or patio doors. Curtain tracks that curve against the wall can trap even more warmth inside.
8. Cover Cat Flaps and Dog Doors
Pet doors are convenient but often poorly insulated. Check the seals and, if needed, upgrade to a magnetic or insulated flap. Some models feature a double-flap system to keep warm air in and cold air out.
9. DIY Draught Snakes for Internal Doors
For internal doors, draught snakes (or “door sausages”) are simple and effective. You can buy them or make your own by stuffing an old pair of tights with socks, rice, or fabric scraps.
10. Detect Draughts Using Your Senses
On a breezy day, walk slowly around your home with bare feet and feel for cooler air near doors, skirting boards, or other gaps. Checking at different times of day can help you pinpoint draughts so you can target your draught-proofing efforts more effectively.
Draught-proofing may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to make your home warmer and reduce energy bills. Most of these fixes cost under £20 and take less than 30 minutes, and there are plenty of tutorials online if you need guidance.
Don’t forget
If your home isn’t as energy efficient as it could be, you might qualify for free or subsidised insulation and heating upgrades through government schemes like ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme. Check your eligibility today, it only takes a few minutes and could help lower your bills and keep your home warmer.
People Also Asked
Does decorator’s caulk stop draughts?
Yes, decorator’s caulk can effectively seal small gaps around window frames, skirting boards, and door frames to stop draughts and heat loss. It’s best for narrow cracks under 5mm, for larger gaps, use expanding foam or a suitable filler before applying caulk.
What is the best thing to fill home made draught stoppers with?
Common and effective fillings include dried rice, fabric scraps, polyester pellets, or wadding mixed with glass beads. These materials create a dense, flexible barrier that prevents cold air from entering while allowing the stopper to sit snugly against the floor or door.
How can I find the source of draughts in my house?
Turn off fans and close windows, then feel around doors, windows, and skirting boards for cold air movement. A candle or incense stick can help detect airflow, or you can use a thermal imaging camera to pinpoint leaks more accurately.
Does house wrap stop draughts?
Yes, house wrap helps block wind-driven air and moisture from entering your home, reducing draughts and improving insulation performance. It’s especially useful under external cladding and works best when combined with properly sealed joints and insulation.
How do you insulate a wooden floor from underneath?
You can insulate suspended timber floors by fitting mineral wool or rigid insulation boards between the joists from below. Secure them with netting or support bars, and ensure there are no gaps that could cause draughts or moisture buildup.
Is it better to keep bedroom doors open or closed in winter?
It depends on your heating system. In homes with radiators or space heaters, keeping doors closed retains warmth in individual rooms; however, if you use central or forced-air heating, open doors help maintain even airflow and temperature throughout the home.
How do I draught-proof old windows without replacing them?
Use self-adhesive weatherstripping or brush seals to block gaps around sashes, and apply secondary glazing film to improve insulation. You can also use removable sealant during colder months to reduce leaks while keeping the windows functional.
Do curtains help reduce heat loss?
Yes, thick or thermal-lined curtains can significantly reduce heat loss through windows, especially at night. Close them at dusk to trap warm air inside and open them in the morning to let in natural sunlight and heat.
Can rugs help stop draughts through floorboards?
Absolutely, rugs and carpets add an insulating layer over wooden floors, helping to reduce heat loss and stop draughts from gaps between boards. For best results, combine them with underlay or floor insulation beneath.
What’s the best way to draught-proof a door?
Fit a brush or rubber seal along the bottom edge and weatherstripping around the frame. Don’t forget the letterbox, install a draft excluder or internal flap to prevent cold air from sneaking in.
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