Draught proofing

Draught proofing your home not only helps to keep your home warmer, it also helps reduce your energy bill making it easier to get through the winter months comfortably.

These measures are both budget and renter-friendly and are easy to install. If you are renting and are planning on applying the draught proofing window tape, we recommend checking with your landlord first as the tape can cause marking on old wooden windows when removed.

Reflective radiator foils

Before you start, it's recommended that you hoover behind your radiator to ensure the foils work to their maximum effect. The reflective radiator foils provide most benefit when used on radiators which sit on external walls as they prevent heat being lost to the outside. However, they still provide benefits when used on internal walls.

Materials needed

Tape measure
Roll of radiator foil
Scissors

1) Measure width of radiator at the back, between the brackets.

2) Cut the foil to size.

3) Use the clips provided (or add double-sided tape to the back of the panel, depending on which brand you use) and fold the top edge over to form a rigid edge.

4) Place behind the radiator, balancing the rigid edge on the brackets.

Homemade draught excluder

Before you start, check if there are draughts coming from the bottom of the door. You can use your wrists to feel for a draught as they are particularly sensitive to temperatures and draughts.

Materials needed

Pair of jeans you are no longer using
Scissors
Elastic band/hair tie/needle and thread
Old socks/linens

1) Find an old pair of jeans you no longer use

2) Cut off the leg (or legs if you have more than one draughty door)

3) Tie off one end of the leg – you can use an elastic band, a hair tie or a needle and thread.

4) Fill the trouser leg with old socks, linens and clothing that wouldn’t be used again. Once the leg is full, tie of the other end (using an elastic band, hair tie or needle and thread).

5) Consider your draughts excluded

Note: you can use double-sided tape to tape the draught excluder to the bottom of the door to help prevent it from becoming a trip hazard

Draught proofing tape for windows

When choosing a draught-proofing tape, choose one such as a wool tape as this will still allow the room to breathe, reducing the likelihood of moisture build up resulting in damp and mould.

You can also use the tape on doors which are draughty.

Materials needed

Tape measure
Roll of draught-proofing tape
Scissors

1) Check around your windows to find if there are gaps letting in draughts.

2) On draughty windows measure their height and width. Then cut the draught-proofing tape to size.

3) Secure the tape around the windows, getting it as close to where the window meets the frame as possible.

Note: ensure that any condensation is wiped away from the window before trying to stick down the tape to ensure that it can stick onto the window.

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