Draughts in homes, especially in UK period homes, are a common issue. They cannot only make your house feel uncomfortable and cold, but also cause you to waste energy and money on heating. Draught-proofing is the process of sealing the gaps around your doors, windows, and other areas where air might be getting in or out. This article will outline several techniques for draught-proofing your UK period home effectively to keep the cold out and the heat in.
Draught-Proofing Windows
Often, windows are the biggest culprits when it comes to letting in draughts. This is especially true in period homes, where the windows might be older and less efficient at keeping out the cold.
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To combat draughts from windows, consider using draught-proofing strips. These are self-adhesive strips that can be attached to the window frame to seal any gaps and block out cold air. They are an inexpensive and easy-to-install solution.
If your windows are particularly old or inefficient, it might be worth investing in secondary glazing. This involves fitting a second sheet of glass or plastic inside your existing window, creating an insulating layer of air. Not only can secondary glazing reduce draughts, but it can also improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce noise from the outside.
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For sash windows, which are common in period homes, consider installing sash window draught-proofing systems. These are specifically designed to seal the gaps in sliding sash windows, preventing draughts without affecting the functionality of the window.
Insulating Doors
Doors can also let in draughts, particularly at the bottom where there is often a gap between the door and the floor. This gap can be sealed using a draught excluder. This is a device that is fitted to the bottom of the door to block the gap and prevent cold air from entering. They come in various shapes, sizes and materials and are typically very easy to install.
Another technique is to apply weatherstripping around the edges of the door. This can be particularly effective for exterior doors, which are exposed to the elements. Weatherstripping is a material that you stick around the doorframe to provide a seal and prevent draughts.
For doors leading to unheated parts of the house, like a garage or a cellar, you might want to install an insulated door. Insulated doors have a core of insulation material which helps to prevent heat loss and keep the cold air out.
Filling Gaps and Cracks
In older homes, there are often gaps and cracks in the walls and around windows and doors that can let in draughts. Filling these gaps with a suitable filler or sealant can make a big difference in reducing draughts and improving the energy efficiency of your home.
For larger gaps, you might need to use an expanding foam filler. This is a type of filler that expands after application, filling the gap completely. It’s a good solution for gaps around window and door frames, or between floorboards.
For smaller cracks, a standard filler or sealant will usually be sufficient. It’s important to choose a filler or sealant that is suitable for the material you are applying it to, and that can withstand the weather conditions if applied outside.
Insulating the Loft
A significant amount of heat in homes is lost through the loft. Therefore, insulating your loft can be an effective way to reduce draughts and improve the energy efficiency of your house.
There are various types of insulation material available, including rolls of mineral wool insulation, loose-fill insulation, and sheets of rigid insulation board. The best type of insulation for your loft will depend on the structure and size of your loft, and your budget.
Before insulating your loft, it’s important to ensure that your loft is properly ventilated. A poorly ventilated loft can lead to condensation build-up, which can damage the insulation material and reduce its effectiveness.
Wall, Floor and Ceiling Insulation
Finally, insulating your walls, floors, and ceilings can be another effective way to draught-proof your home. This involves adding an insulating material to these areas to reduce heat loss.
For walls, you could use cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation, depending on the type of walls you have. For floors, you can use floor insulation boards or rolls of mineral wool insulation. For ceilings, you can use insulation boards or rolls of insulation material.
It’s important to note that insulating walls, floors, and ceilings can be a more complex and expensive process than the other draught-proofing techniques discussed in this article. However, it can also have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of your home, potentially saving you a lot of money on your heating bills in the long run.
Draught-Proofing Skirting Boards and Chimneys
Skirting boards are often overlooked in draught-proofing, but they can be a significant source of cold air entry, particularly in older homes. These are the boards that run along the bottom of your walls, where they meet the floor. Over time, gaps can appear between skirting boards and the floor or wall, allowing cold draughts to creep in.
Using a sealant or caulk, you can easily fill these gaps. When choosing a sealant, be sure it’s flexible as this will help accommodate any movement between the wall and floor. This small task can significantly reduce the amount of cold air entering your home, contributing to a warmer, more energy-efficient home environment.
Meanwhile, unused chimneys can also be a major source of draughts. If you have a fireplace that’s not in use, consider installing a chimney draught excluder or balloon. These devices are inflated inside the chimney, effectively blocking cold air from coming in, and warm air from escaping. However, it’s vital to remember to remove the balloon if you decide to use the fireplace.
Draught-Proofing the Front Door
The front door is another area where heat can be lost. This is particularly prominent in period homes where the front doors may be old, single-glazed, or poorly insulated. You can improve the situation by using weatherstripping, door sweeps, or draught excluders to seal the gaps around the door.
If your door is old and single-glazed, you may want to consider replacing it with a double-glazed door, which has two panes of glass with a gap in between. This gap is filled with a gas that acts as an insulator, helping to keep heat in and cold air out. While this option might be a bit more costly upfront, it can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.
Alternatively, an easy and cheap solution is to use bubble wrap. Simply stick it to the glass on the inside of your door. While it won’t win any style awards, it’s a surprisingly effective way of reducing heat loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, draught proofing a period home in the UK requires a multi-faceted approach. From windows and doors to skirting boards and chimneys, there are multiple areas to address. The best methods often involve a combination of draught excluders, insulating materials and secondary glazing options.
While some techniques might seem costly or labour-intensive, it’s worth remembering the potential savings on your energy bills and the increased comfort levels you’ll experience in your draught-free home. As an added bonus, by making your home more energy efficient, you’re also contributing to environmental sustainability. So, don’t underestimate the importance of draught-proofing your home – you’ll be reaping the benefits in no time!
