According to the Energy Saving Trust 18% of domestic heat loss is through windows, so by remedying that you can expect a payback period of less than 4 years with an estimated saving of £25 a year for an average 3-bedroom home, which the Trust calculates will save 130kg of CO2.
An average window or door will cost around £10 to draught proof if you install the products yourself.
Watch our step by step video on how to draught proof doors and sash windows:
To draught proof your doors and sash windows you will need:
- A Tape Measure
- A Junior Hacksaw
- A hammer
- A nail punch
- A pair of wire cutters
- A Bradawl or drill – for making additional holes in the strips
- Masking tape can also be useful to hold strips in place
Tip: A thick stiff piece of cardboard can be a useful aid to protect windows when hammering
Where can I buy the draught proofing materials?
The Green Living Centre, 222 Upper Street stocks the materials used in the video as well as other energy saving items.
There are 3 different types of draught strips used for sash windows and doors.
- Q Lon SBS - For the vertical sides of the window frame
- Q Lon FS - For the point where the sashes meet
- Q Lon 21L - External door draught strip
- Brush seal strip
Step by step written instructions
Sash Windows
Use the narrow SBS strip for the vertical sides of the window frame:
Step 1:
First measure the two vertical sides of the sash window.
Step 2 :
Cut a strip for one of the vertical sides
Step 3:
Then fit this into place, checking that it has been cut to exactly the right size.
Begin to nail this into place. Be sure to keep a gentle pressure on the strip so that there is a compression of up to 3mm on the flexible trim.
Tip:
It’s helpful to have another pair of hands to help hold the strips and maintain the pressure on the seal. If there’s no-one available to help you could use masking tape to keep the strip in place. Only lightly tack the nails to begin with - this allows for adjustment of pressure and position later. Measure, cut and fit each strip in place before cutting the next strip.
Next use the FS strip for the point where the sashes meet .
Step 1:
Use a step ladder to raise yourself safely to a comfortable working height.
Step 2:
Measure the sash meeting rail from edge to edge where the sashes meet, ready to fit the FS strip. If there is a catch on the meeting rail the strip may need to be cut into two pieces.
Step 3:
Cut the strip and lay over/across the place where the two sashes meet – so that it sits over the gap but doesn’t prevent the window being opened.
Tip:
If the two sashes do not meet you can add some self adhesive rubber seal which will help to level and/or fill the gap where the sashes meet. Now nail the FS strip in place.
Remember, the lower sash is draught proofed from the inside, but the upper sash is draught proofed from the outside. If access to the top sash is difficult or there is no frame to attach a strip to, try attaching the SBS strip to the top of the sash on the inside
Draught proofing external doors
Use the 21L strip
Step 1:
First measure the width of the door opening from the outside .
Step 2:
Cut the strip for the top edge. Nail this into place with the door firmly shut.
Step 3:
Next measure and cut the strips for the vertical sides.
Again, ensure there is a compression of the flexible trim of about 3mm. The trim expands as the door is opened and is re-compressed on closing.
Where can I get information on how to draught proof my whole house?
The Better Archway Forum has written a comprehensive guide to DIY draught proofing throughout the home. Please find a copy of this guide in the downloadable documents section at the bottom of this page.
Thanks to:
Space Oddity- http://www.spaceoddity.eu/
Better Archway Forum - www.ecoarchway.co.uk
Transition Belsize: www.transitionbelsize.org.uk