Have you found that your house just can’t seem to get warm, no matter how high you have the heating? Your property may have a draught that is allowing cold air to infiltrate.
Draughts can cause mould, reduce energy efficiency, increase heating costs and make your home an unpleasant place to live. Therefore, if you notice a persistent chill in the air, it’s vital to address this as quickly as possible.
But how can you stop draughts in your home? The team at SWR Home & Outdoor has outlined some effective draught-proofing measures in this helpful article.
Where do draughts occur?
Draughts are caused by cold air entering your home through unsealed gaps and openings. Some common spots where draughts can occur include:
- Windows and doors: Poorly sealed, single-glazed windows and doors are common culprits for letting in draughts.
- Chimneys and vents: If your chimneys and vents are unsealed, this provides a direct pathway for draughts to permeate your interior.
- Cracks: Over time, age, wear and structural shifts can cause cracks to develop in any building. Even the smallest of cracks can allow cold air to enter.
- Attics: Loft areas are often poorly insulated, which can contribute to draughts.
Locating the source of a draught is vital, as it allows the appropriate draught-proofing measures to be taken.
Firstly, check all the places listed above for any obvious gaps. It’s a good idea to dampen your hand and feel around the area; if you feel a sharp, cold burst of air then this is most likely a draught. You should also listen out for the telltale sounds of any whistling or rattling, especially during windy weather.
How to stop draughts from windows
Windows are one of the most common areas where a draught can occur, particularly if your windows are worn, ill-fitting or single-glazed. In fact, Historic England has estimated that up to 20% of your home’s heat can be lost through your windows.
One way to prevent draughts through windows is to install draught-proofing strips. Self-adhesive foam strips are a cheap and simple option that can be used on all window types; however, these are very much intended as a short-term solution and aren’t expected to last long.
You could also install thermal curtains as a way of increasing insulation, but this doesn’t actually stop draughts, it merely reduces their impact.
By far the most effective way to stop draughts coming through your windows is to opt for a complete window replacement. By upgrading your existing windows with an energy-efficient double or triple-glazed alternative, you can significantly enhance insulation. Unlike other draught-proofing measures, this is a long-term solution that will prove effective for years to come.
If you’re considering window replacements for your home, it’s important to choose a trusted home improvement expert like SWR Home & Outdoor to supply and install your new windows.
Here at SWR, we stock windows from leading manufacturers like Origin and Homeframe, and with low-emissivity glass options available, you’re sure to find a product that offers enhanced energy efficiency and insulation.
How to stop draughts around doors
Even the smallest gaps can compromise the insulation of your home. Therefore, if you’re looking to stop draughts around your doors, it may be worth investing in a letterbox plate and keyhole cover to help keep the cold air out.
If there are gaps at the bottom of your external door, it’s also recommended that you install a brush or hinged flap draught excluder; this creates a tighter seal between the door and the frame to minimise heat loss.
Draught excluders are also a good solution for internal doors, and these can be ordered fairly cheaply online or even created at home using spare materials.
However, the best long-term solution for stopping draughts around your doors is to opt for a door replacement. Here at SWR Home & Outdoor, we supply both front doors and internal doors from several leading manufacturers, including Hörmann, Solidor, Origin, Spitfire and Rockdoor. Constructed from the highest quality composite and aluminium, our external entrance doors offer exceptional thermal efficiency and are sure to stand the test of time.
With over 30 years of experience, our knowledgeable team can perform a flawless and precise front door installation that leaves no gaps for potential draughts.
If you’re looking for a way to keep draughts out of your home during winter, why not get in touch with the team at SWR Home & Outdoor?
From windows to front doors, we supply a whole host of home improvement products that are sure to enhance both the appearance and energy efficiency of your property in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden or the wider Hertfordshire area.
Get in touch with our friendly experts for more information or to book a free consultation.
