How to Stop Draughts in Your Home: A Simple Guide for Warmth & Energy Savings

Winter chill sneaking in through windows and doors isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s expensive. Draughts can account for a significant portion of your heating bills and make your home feel cold even when the heating is on. The good news? Stopping draughts is straightforward, and with the right materials, it’s a job any homeowner can tackle.

Here’s a simple guide to draught-proofing your home this winter.

1. Find Where Draughts Are Coming From

Before you start sealing, you need to know where the cold air is getting in. Common spots include:

• Around window frames

• At the bottom and sides of external doors

• Gaps where trims or architraves have pulled away

• Cracks between walls and frames

• Letterboxes and keyholes

Pro tip: On a windy day, light a candle or incense stick near suspected gaps. The flame or smoke will flicker if there’s a draught.

2. Seal Small Gaps with Silicone

For minor cracks and gaps, silicone sealant is ideal. It’s flexible, waterproof, and long-lasting making it perfect for winter weather.

How to use silicone:

1. Clean the surface to remove dust and old sealant.

2. Cut the nozzle of the silicone tube at an angle for precise application.

3. Apply a continuous bead along the gap.

4. Smooth with a finger or silicone finishing tool.

5. Leave to cure as per manufacturer instructions.

Products to use:

• Silicone & sealants

3. Cover Larger Gaps with Trims & Architraves

Sometimes gaps around windows or door frames are too large for silicone alone. In these cases, fitting a trim or architrave can not only seal the gap but also give your windows and doors a neat, finished look.

Tips:

• Measure carefully to cut the trim to size.

• Use a quality adhesive or finishing nails to secure.

• Seal edges with silicone for extra protection against drafts.

Products to use:

• Trims & architraves

• Silicone & sealants

4. Consider Your External Doors

If your doors are old, warped, or no longer fit snugly in the frame, draughts will persist no matter how much sealant you use. In this case, upgrading your external doors is the best long-term solution.

Modern external doors are designed to be energy efficient and help prevent cold air from entering your home. We supply quality uPVC and Composite external doors, please contact us to enquire.

5. Don’t Forget PVC-U Skirting & Finishing Touches

Even gaps along the floor can let cold air rise into your home. Installing moisture-resistant, hard-wearing PVC-U skirting can help seal these areas while giving rooms a polished finish. Deeplas Roomline skirting is a low-maintenance, no-hassle alternative to timber and perfect for damp-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.

Products to use:

• Deeplas Roomline skirting

6. Final Checks

Once your draught-proofing is done:

• Close all doors and windows.

• Use a candle or smoke test to check if gaps remain.

• Reapply silicone or adjust trims if necessary.

• Enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home this winter!

Key Benefits of Draught-Proofing

• Lower heating bills

• Reduced condensation and damp

• A warmer, more comfortable home

• Less wear on heating systems

By taking a few hours to seal gaps around your home, you’ll feel the difference immediately and prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs.