Draught proofing your home

The best way to draught proof your home will depend on what areas are letting in the cold.

• Gaps between skirting and floorboards
  Flexible sealant is ideal for filling gaps between skirting and floorboards. It's not very prone to deterioration.
• Patio doors and sash windows
  Brush strips create a flexible barrier that's ideal for surfaces moving against each other.
• Door and window frames
  Self adhesive foam or rubber strips can easily be attached to window and door frames. Rubber strips are tougher and more hard-wearing than foam strips.
• Around external doors
  A screw-on external door kit forms a second seal around the door. It sits on top of the frame rather than between the seal and door. It won't interfere with the normal operation of the door.
• Underneath external doors
  Compression threshold strips can be fitted to the floor under external doors to prevent draughts. They're extremely effective.
• Keyholes
  These are a common source of draughts since the keyhole needs to go through the entire door. Remedies include fitting brass covers that pivot to allow use of the lock.
• Letterboxes
  To prevent draughts you should fit a good quality flap with a strong spring-mounted return mechanism. An additional interior flap or brush unit can be fitted to further reduce draughts and neaten the appearance of the opening.

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