With winter just around the corner, it’s a wise idea to put draught-proofing at the top of your home improvements to-do list. Doors can be a primary culprit for letting cold air into your home, fortunately, it can be easy and affordable to draught-proof both internal and external doors. So keep your home cosy this winter with these handy draught-proofing tips.
Can I DIY draught-proof doors?
Happily, you won’t need to spend a fortune on getting your home draught-proofed. It’s a straightforward job that should only take an afternoon. As a result, you’ll save around £60 per year, according to the Energy Trust. Plus, you won’t be waiting for a busy professional to add you to their list. The best bit? You’ll create the snug and welcoming space you crave.
How to draught-proof a front door
No matter if your door is composite or uPVC, these tips on how to draught-proof a wooden front door will stop winter chills dead in their tracks.
Fit a brush strip
The bottom of your door is the main culprit for draughts. So, fitting a brush strip is highly recommended. All you need to do is cut the strip to the required length and then fasten it in place with screws or nails for long-lasting draught exclusion. For best results, position it so the brush lightly sweeps the floor.
Add draught strips
Self-adhesive foam draught strips are also highly effective at preventing air leaks around the door frame. Installation is easy — simply cut the draught strip to length, aiming for a tight fit, and stick it in place. You’ll need to ensure the door and frame are scrupulously clean so the adhesive strip sticks effectively.
Seal keyholes and letterboxes
No matter how small the gap, it can let in unwanted draughts. It’s helpful to cover keyholes with an escutcheon that slides out of the way. You can also fit a letterbox flap to keep out cold draughts or invest in a wall-mounted letterbox that doesn’t require any hole in the door.
Use a draught excluder
Draught excluders are incredibly effective at stopping unwanted cold air. And with so many attractive designs, you’re sure to find one that fits your decor. Look for ones that span the door and are weighty enough to stay in place but move when you open the door. Or try making one yourself from an old sweater. Draught excluders also work well for internal doors when you need to keep the warm air in.
Check the door frame
It’s also worth checking around the door frame for any gaps that could let cold air leak in. You’ll need a tube of masonry caulk and a gun to fill any gaps inside and out.
Upgrade your door
If your old front door is notoriously draughty, it could be time for an upgrade. Look for energy-efficient glazing with a high U-value. Wood or composite doors are highly thermally efficient and have a beautiful aesthetic to enhance your home.
How to draught-proof patio doors
If you’re experiencing air leaks with your patio doors, it’s time to winter-proof them for the months ahead. Here’s how to draught-proof your bifold doors for optimum energy efficiency.
Start by checking your weather strips and replacing them if necessary. You can also fit brush seals to the base to keep out draughts. Heavy thermal curtains will also help to keep your room cosy.
If you’re considering fitting external bifold doors, look for features including outstanding U-value glazing, thermal breaks and rubber door gaskets. This combination should stop draughts in their tracks.
Improve your home’s insulation with doors from A Wood Idea
Are you thinking of upgrading your doors this winter? At A Wood Idea, we have internal and external doors that will keep your home snug and secure, so shop today.
