STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to draught proof a door

How to draught proof a door

How to draught proof a door © Karndean

You will need:

  • Hacksaw
  • Craft knife
  • Pincers
  • Electric drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Panel pins
  • Foam strip
  • Nylon brush draught excluder

Draughts account for as much as 25% of the heat loss in a home, so adding draughtproofing can make your home much more comfortable and cheaper to run.

Draughtproofing a door is a simple DIY job that can make a big difference in cold weather.

Time to complete job: Under 20 minutes.
Approximate budget: Less than £25 for the average sized home.

First steps
Clean the door frames with hot soapy water and paint any bare wood areas before fitting any draughtproofing.

Why not take the opportunity to oil the hinges and locks as well, before you clean up the door to keep everything working smoothly.

Watch our video Home insulation and draught excluders, and read our article How to buy double glazing.

  • <b>Fitting a brush strip draught excluder</b>

    Fitting a brush strip draught excluder

    Hold the brush strip against the inside of the door and mark the length required to fit from edge to edge.

    Cut through the metal and bristle excluder with a hacksaw and crimp the bristles with pincers to stop the ends fraying.

    Fix the strip to the bottom of the door with the screws provided. Make sure the bristles push down on to the floor below the door.

  • <b>Fitting foam strip</b>

    Fitting foam strip

    You can draught proof the edges and top of the door by fitting foam strip around the frame.

    Wash the frame with soapy water, then press self-adhesive rubber or foam strip into place once the paintwork has dried.

    Tip: To find any gaps that may need an extra layer of draughtproofing strip, run the back of your hand around the door edge to feel for 'cold spots' after you've applied one layer of the strip.

  • <b>Fitting extras</b>

    Fitting extras

    If your door continues to be draughty, it's worth fitting an escutcheon plate to cover the keyhole.

    Tip: Adding an inner letterbox flap will also cut down on draughts.

Related sections: Doors , Eco living , Woodwork , Repair

Comments