Partners and Suppliers Sally Walmsley 10/02/2023

How to draught-proof your property

Need to draught proof a window in your property? Making sure the right draught proofing is in place is important in order to keep heat in. Fortunately, it is fairly simple to fit rubber self-adhesive draught excluder strips yourself.

Whether you need to draught proof one window or several, here NRLA partner B&Q (TradePoint) takes a closer look at the tools you need - and how to do it. 

  1. Consider using self-adhesive draught excluder strips

If you have casement windows you can fit self-adhesive draft excluder strips to the inside of the window frame to help keep the heat in. There are different types available, and the strips come in different thicknesses, colours and quality, so its important you choose the right strips for your windows.

  1. Prepare the area: Draft excluders must be fitted correctly in the frame rebate. A diagram of this is available when watching the video at the bottom of this article. To fit a rubber draught excluder, you first need to make sure all the surfaces are both clean and dry. Use white spirit if needed to do this. Then, take a single strip of draught excluder, long enough for the side of the window frame, and peel off the backing paper so the adhesive is exposed. Press the exposed section of the adhesive against the frame and gently press so it fits snugly.
     
  2. Take your time:  It’s advisable to take your time when fitting the draught excluder, and fit small sections as you go, so you can ensure a neat and tidy finish, and try not to stretch the draught excluder while you are fitting it as this may affect the efficiency. You need then need to repeat these steps above for the rest of the frame.
     
  3. If you have upVC windows and the seal needs replacing, you can buy a rubber replacement seal that you can push in.

For more additional advice, watch the video below:

Sally Walmsley

Sally Walmsley Magazine and Digital Editor

Sally is the Magazine and Digital Editor for the NRLA. With 20 years’ experience writing for regional and national newspapers and magazines she is responsible for editing our members' magazine 'Property', producing our articles for our news site, the weekly and monthly bulletins and editorial content for our media partners.

See all articles by Sally Walmsley