Common Areas for Draughts and How to Address Them

Installing Draught Excluders

Draught excluders can play a significant role in reducing heat loss and preventing cold air from seeping into your home. These simple yet effective devices can be easily installed around doors and windows to create a barrier against draughts. By choosing the right size and material for your draught excluders, you can ensure a snug fit that effectively blocks any unwanted air flow.

When installing draught excluders, pay close attention to areas where you can feel cold air seeping in or where you notice gaps between the door or window frame and the wall. It’s crucial to securely attach the draught excluders to ensure they stay in place and provide optimal insulation. Additionally, regularly check and replace any worn-out or damaged draught excluders to maintain their effectiveness in keeping your home warm and cosy.

Letterboxes and Keyholes

Letterboxes and keyholes are common culprits for allowing draughts to enter your home, even when they are closed. To address this issue, consider installing draught excluders specifically designed for letterboxes and keyholes. These small but effective solutions can make a big difference in keeping your home cosy and warm during the colder months.

When choosing draught excluders for letterboxes and keyholes, opt for materials like silicone or brush strips that provide a durable barrier against incoming draughts. It’s important to regularly check and maintain these draught excluders to ensure they are still effectively blocking any unwanted airflows. By paying attention to these often overlooked areas, you can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home and create a more comfortable living environment.

Blocking Unused Chimneys

Blocked unused chimneys can be a significant source of draughts in many homes, allowing cold air to seep into living spaces and making rooms feel chilly and uncomfortable. Taking steps to block off these unused chimneys can greatly improve the overall warmth and energy efficiency of a property.

One effective method for blocking unused chimneys is to install a chimney balloon. These inflatable devices are placed inside the chimney flue and inflated to block off any airflow. They are relatively simple to install and remove, providing a temporary solution to prevent draughts from entering through the chimney opening. Alternatively, chimney sheep can also be used to block off chimneys. Made from wool, these devices are eco-friendly and provide an effective barrier against cold air infiltration.

Air Bricks and Wall Cavities

Air bricks and wall cavities are common areas where draughts can enter the home, leading to energy wastage and discomfort. It is crucial to check these areas regularly to ensure that they are properly sealed and insulated. Air bricks, typically located near the ground level of a building, allow air to circulate under the floorboards, but if not adequately maintained, they can also let in cold air. By inspecting and blocking any gaps or holes around air bricks, you can significantly reduce the infiltration of draughts into your home.

Wall cavities, the spaces between the inner and outer walls of a building, can also be culprits for draughts. Insulating these gaps can make a significant difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy bills. Using cavity wall insulation is an effective way to fill these spaces and prevent heat loss. It is essential to seek professional advice when considering cavity wall insulation to ensure that it is installed correctly and does not cause any issues with dampness or ventilation in your home.

Using Heavy Curtains

An effective way to combat draughts in your home is by using heavy curtains. Thick, lined curtains act as a barrier against cold air entering your rooms through windows and can significantly reduce heat loss. When choosing curtains, opt for materials such as velvet, wool, or thick cotton that offer better insulation properties. By keeping your curtains closed during the evenings and nights, you can create an extra layer of protection against draughts, especially during colder months.

In addition to providing insulation, heavy curtains also add a touch of warmth and coziness to your living spaces. They can enhance the overall decor of a room while serving a practical purpose of reducing draughts. Consider installing curtains that extend below the windowsill or floor-length curtains to ensure maximum coverage and effective draught exclusion. By investing in good-quality, heavy curtains, you not only improve the thermal efficiency of your home but also create a more comfortable and inviting environment for you and your family.

French Windows and Patio Doors

French windows and patio doors are common culprits for letting in cold draughts, especially if they are older or poorly fitted. The large glass panes and multiple moving parts often create gaps where cold air can seep through. To combat this issue, consider installing heavy curtains or blinds that can be drawn at night to create an extra layer of insulation. Additionally, using draught excluders around the edges of these doors can help seal any gaps and prevent the cold air from entering your home.

When addressing draughts coming from French windows and patio doors, it is important to check the seals around the frames and ensure they are intact. Over time, these seals can wear down and become less effective at keeping out the cold air. Replacing or repairing these seals can make a significant difference in reducing draughts and improving the overall energy efficiency of your home. Remember, a small investment in maintaining and upgrading the seals around your French windows and patio doors can lead to long-term savings on your heating bills.

FAQS

Table of Contents

What are common areas where draughts can enter a home?

Common areas for draughts to enter a home include letterboxes, keyholes, chimneys, air bricks, wall cavities, windows, and doors.

How can draught excluders help in preventing draughts?

Draught excluders can be installed to block gaps under doors and windows, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.

Why is it important to address draughts coming through letterboxes and keyholes?

Draughts coming through letterboxes and keyholes can lead to heat loss and discomfort. Installing covers or brushes can help prevent this.

What is the significance of blocking unused chimneys in preventing draughts?

Blocking unused chimneys can prevent cold air from entering the home and warm air from escaping through the chimney, reducing heat loss.

How can air bricks and wall cavities contribute to draughts in a home?

Air bricks and wall cavities can allow cold air to seep into the home. Installing covers or insulating these areas can help reduce draughts.

How can heavy curtains help in reducing draughts?

Heavy curtains can act as an additional barrier against draughts, especially when drawn at night or during cold weather, helping to retain heat within the room.

Why is it important to address draughts around French windows and patio doors?

Draughts around French windows and patio doors can lead to significant heat loss. Using draught excluders or sealing gaps can help in preventing this heat loss.