If in summer the heat entering your home is closely linked to how your windows are designed and protected, in winter we can face a problem too if that design and protection are not adequate. What enters then is not heat. Often, especially when a window is old or wooden, there are gaps through which the cold penetrates.
The chemical engineer and expert in small home improvements Diego Fernández insists that these gaps, no matter how small they seem, “allow dust, external noise and draughts that affect the indoor temperature of the home to enter.” Sealing them is one of the simplest ways to improve thermal and acoustic comfort without undertaking major work.
Why draught excluders matter so much
Draught excluders are components designed to seal the gap between the door or window leaf and its frame. They are so unassuming that many people overlook them, but their role is crucial in preventing air leaks, especially in homes with heating or air conditioning.
When these gaps remain unsealed, the thermal feel worsens and the climate-control systems have to work harder than necessary. The result is a less comfortable home and higher energy consumption.
The tape-type draught excluders and their most common uses
Among the most common solutions are the tape-type draught excluders, which are fitted around the interior perimeter of doors and windows. They are easy to install and adapt well to different carpentry styles.
There are foam varieties, which are economical and functional, and also rubber ones, which offer greater durability. This second type tends to resist wear and temperature changes better, making it an attractive option in high-traffic areas.
There are solutions for sliding doors and windows
Typical draught excluders do not work for sliding doors and windows, which require specialised solutions. For these, there are excluders with a brush strip, designed to seal without hindering movement of opening and closing.
This type of draught excluder helps reduce the entry of air and dust without impeding the sliding action, something especially useful on balconies, patios or large panes.
The importance of a proper installation
Although fitting draught excluders is straightforward, doing it correctly is crucial for them to work well. Before sticking them, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface where they will be placed, removing dust or grease.
If the area isn’t well cleaned, the adhesive loses its effectiveness and the draught excluder may lift off in a short time. A careful installation ensures the seal lasts longer.
The space beneath the door, a major overlooked source
In addition to the window surrounds, the space beneath the front door is one of the areas where air leaks most frequently. To fix this there are under-door draught excluders, also known as sweeps.
Some slide under the door leaf and others are fixed to the bottom edge. In addition to improving thermal insulation, these systems help prevent the entry of insects and dirt from other rooms or from outside.
There are also under-doors designed to blend with home décor. Some are made from natural fabrics and textile fillings that simply rest on the floor, beneath the door. You can even make them from fabrics and recycled materials.
How often to check and replace draught excluders
Like any other item in the home, draught excluders wear out with use. Over time they can lose elasticity, lift away or fail to seal properly.
It is estimated that a quality rubber draught excluder lasts between 8 and 15 years. Nevertheless, it is wise to inspect them periodically, especially before winter and before summer. If you again notice air or noise entering, it is likely time to replace them.
A key measure: sealing the blind’s casing
We can seal windows with draught excluders, but if cold air enters via the blind’s casing we will not have achieved good insulation.
If you’re not sure air is entering from there, light a flame and pass it around the opening and along the space where the blind’s tape emerges. That will show whether air is getting in.
To seal the blind’s casing, unscrew the cover, clean the interior thoroughly, measure and cut the rubber draught excluder to fit around all edges. You can also use sealant to fill gaps.
