Draught Proofing 101: Who, What, Where, When Why

Draught proofing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and affordability. Despite being a relatively small upgrade compared to major renovations, it can make a big impact on how a home feels and functions.

If you’re new to the concept of draught proofing, this guide will take you through the who, what, where, when, and why of residential retrofit draught proofing. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why draught proofing is an essential first step in making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

What Is Draught Proofing?

Draught proofing, also known as air sealing, is the process of identifying and sealing unwanted gaps and cracks in a home’s building envelope—typically around doors, windows, vents, floorboards, and other openings.

These gaps allow uncontrolled air movement between the inside and outside of a house, which can lead to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Draught proofing works by preventing this air leakage, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling.

Key Draught Proofing Terms Explained:

• Building envelope – The physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a home (walls, floors, roof, doors, windows).

• Air leakage – The unintended movement of air through cracks, gaps, or poorly sealed openings.

• Thermal efficiency – How well a home retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer, reducing energy use.

Why Is Draught Proofing Important?

Draught proofing is one of the best-value energy efficiency upgrades you can make. Here’s why:

1. It Lowers Energy Bills

Unsealed gaps let warm air escape in winter and hot air enter in summer, meaning heaters and air conditioners have to work harder. By sealing these gaps, you can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 25%.

2. It Improves Home Comfort

Cold drafts in winter, hot spots in summer, and temperature fluctuations throughout the house can make your home uncomfortable. Draught proofing helps create a consistent indoor climate so you can feel comfortable all year round.

3. It Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

Heating and cooling account for around 40% of household energy use. By reducing wasted energy, you’re not just saving money—you’re also cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and helping the environment.

4. It Helps with Dust, Noise, and Air Quality

Draughts don’t just let air in—they also bring dust, pollen, pollution, and noise from outside. Sealing gaps can help improve indoor air quality and reduce outside noise intrusion.

5. It’s a Key Step in Home Electrification

As more homes transition to all-electric appliances and renewable energy, reducing energy waste becomes crucial. Draught proofing ensures that any energy used in your home—whether from a heat pump, solar power, or the grid—is used as efficiently as possible.

Where Are the Biggest Draughts Found?

Draughts can occur anywhere in a home, but some areas are more prone to air leakage than others. Common problem areas include:

1. Doors

External doors, particularly older wooden doors, can have gaps around the edges, under the door, and even through keyholes. Sliding doors and French doors can also be a major source of air leakage.

2. Windows

Gaps around window frames, particularly in older sash or casement windows, can let in significant draughts.

3. Fireplaces and Chimneys

Unused fireplaces can be a major source of heat loss. Chimney dampers or draught stoppers can help prevent warm air from escaping.

4. Floorboards and Skirting Boards

Gaps between floorboards and skirting boards can allow cold air to rise from beneath the house.

5. Ceiling Fans and Exhaust Fans

Ceiling fans and exhaust fans can allow air to move freely between inside and outside, especially in older homes.

6. Heating and Cooling Vents

Unused vents from old gas heating systems are often left unsealed, creating large gaps for air leakage.

When Should You Draught Proof Your Home?

There’s no bad time to improve your home’s energy efficiency, but some moments are particularly well-suited to draught proofing:

• Before winter – To keep your home warm and reduce heating costs.

• Before summer – To prevent hot air from seeping in, reducing cooling costs.

• During renovations – If you’re already making changes, adding draught proofing is an easy upgrade.

• Before home electrification – To ensure your home is as energy-efficient as possible before transitioning to all-electric appliances.

How Is Draught Proofing Done?

Draught proofing can be done as a DIY project for minor gaps, but for a professional, long-lasting result, expert installation is recommended.

1. Identifying the Draughts

At Draught Fix, we start with a detailed inspection to find the key sources of air leakage. This can include:

• Visual inspections of doors, windows, vents, and floorboards.

• Thermal imaging (where needed) to detect hidden air leaks.

2. Creating a Draught Proofing Plan

We provide a prioritised report outlining the main problem areas, recommended fixes, and the best solutions.

3. Installing Permanent Draught Proofing Solutions

Using high-quality, durable materials, we seal problem areas without compromising ventilation. Some of our most common solutions include:

• Door seals – Brush or rubber seals around doors to block air leaks.

• Window seals – Draught-proofing strips to maintain a tight seal while allowing full functionality.

• Chimney dampers or draught stoppers – To prevent heat from escaping up unused chimneys.

• Floor and skirting board sealing – Using flexible sealants to block unwanted gaps.

Who Should Consider Draught Proofing?

Draught proofing is beneficial for:

• Homeowners looking to reduce power bills

• Renters wanting to improve comfort (with removable solutions)

• People transitioning to home electrification

• Anyone living in an older home with gaps and cracks

Final Thoughts

Draught proofing is one of the most cost-effective and high-impact upgrades you can make to your home. Whether you’re looking to reduce energy bills, improve comfort, or make your home more sustainable, sealing air leaks is a simple but powerful step.

At Draught Fix, we provide professional draught proofing services tailored to your home’s needs. Contact us today to schedule an energy efficiency assessment and take the first step toward a better, more efficient home.