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Keeping your home warm and energy-efficient in winter doesn't just mean turning up the thermostat. One often overlooked culprit for heat loss is a draughty door, especially your front door. Luckily, draught proofing a front door is a simple and affordable DIY project with significant energy-saving benefits. In this guide, we'll delve into how to draught proof a front door and make it more energy-efficient.
We’ve put together 8 easy, affordable tips to help you draught proof your front door and reduce heat loss in your home:
Hanging a thick, heavy curtain can make a significant difference when it comes to draught proofing a front door. Make sure to choose one with a thick lining and made from a solid fabric, such as a thermal draught curtain for a front door. It’s important that it’s slightly wider and longer than your door so that it covers it well and stops the draughts.
An inside door draught excluder in the form of a long cushion or pillow is inexpensive and can be very effective. These types of draught excluders are usually weighted to keep them firmly in place and are filled with various types of stuffing such as sand, rice, lentils, or even small pebbles. In fact, you can easily make one on your own if you enjoy DIY projects.
You might not realise this, but, unless covered, a front door keyhole can actually let in quite a bit of cool air and decrease the temperature in your home.
Thankfully, there is an easy fix for this in the form of a door keyhole cover. Installing one is really simple, with many models available that simply lift up when access is needed and don’t even require tools such as push-on fit options or models with integrated sticky pads. Alternatively, you can fit an escutcheon (metal disk which slides out of the way to make space for the key) over the keyhole by screwing it into place.
Another culprit that may be allowing cool air to seep through your door is the letterbox. Fitting a letterbox brush strip or flap will stop the wind blowing through and contribute to a more stable indoor temperature.
Or why not invest in a brand new letterbox? Most modern ones are designed with energy efficiency in mind and come with brushes or flaps already fitted.
As a third option, you could always seal up the space where your letterbox used to be and opt for a wall-mounted external letterbox instead.
When planning how to draught proof a front door, a good idea is to check the door glazing. If the door has single glazing, or if the glazing is quite old, it might be time to have it replaced. This can make a big difference, especially if you opt for double glazing which is great at preventing draughts as the gap in between the two panes of glass acts as an insulating layer blocking cold air from coming in.
If cold air is seeping through spaces between your door frame and the wall, try using caulk or silicone sealant. For interior gaps, caulk works best. For outdoor use, go with silicone sealant instead as it’s built to withstand the weather.
Fitting draught strips around the edge of the door is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to draught proof a front door.
Draught strips come in different sizes and are super easy to apply as they’re usually self-adhesive. Just make sure to clean the door frame really well beforehand as this will help create a tight fit and measure the area carefully so that you can cut the right amount of product.
We provide further instructions on how to fit a draught excluder for a front door down below, so keep reading!
If you’re researching how to draught proof a front door and looking for the most effective tip, it’s to use a draught excluder for the bottom of the front door. The bottom edges of front doors are one of the most common spots where draughts usually find their way in, which is why domestic draught excluders in the form of brush strips can be highly effective to prevent this.
Brush draught excluders are available in various lengths and can be easily trimmed to match the exact dimensions you need. They are also really simple to install. Keep reading to find out how!
- Invest in high-quality draughtproofing products for better performance and longevity.
- Check your door's alignment and hinges for proper closure. If misaligned, consider repairs or even replacing the front door.
Fortunately, fitting a front door draught excluder is often a DIY job you can tackle yourself. Let's break down the 6 easy steps you'll need to take.
Open and close the door, feeling for drafts with your hand. Common areas include:
- Around the door frame (top, sides, and bottom)
- Threshold (gap between the bottom of the door and the floor)
- Letterbox and keyhole
Select your front door draught excluder based on the location and size of the gaps:
- Brush strip: Best for gaps under the door.
- Door seals/gaskets: Ideal for sealing the perimeter.
- Threshold seals: Address large gaps under the door.
- Lock draught excluder: Blocks drafts through the keyhole.
- Letterbox cover with brush strip: Protects the letterbox opening.
Clean the area around the gaps very well with a damp cloth to remove dirt and allow your front door draught excluder to stick properly. If there’s dust or even leftover paint flakes, it might not create a tight enough seal.
Wipe the surface down with a dry cloth. If it’s too dirty, you can use some mild soap, but make sure it’s completely dry before applying the draught excluder.
There are specific instructions you’ll need to follow depending on which product you’ve chosen. The good news is that they are all very easy to complete and you can find them on our website. To help with your draught excluder installation, we’ve put together detailed fitting guides for all types of door seals and brush strips which you can find here.
Before starting the application process, remember that:
- When applying door strips, you should start at the bottom and ensure the strip fits snugly into the corners.
- Threshold seals might require a specialised fixing adhesive for installation.
Once everything’s in place, close the door and run your hand around the edges to check for any draughts still getting through. If you spot any, simply adjust what you’ve already applied or add an extra layer if needed.
Consider draughtproofing other external doors and windows for maximum energy savings.
If you're looking for the best type of draught excluder, first you'll need to inspect the door to locate the gaps. The location of the gap in the door will determine the type of door draught seal you'll need.
For gaps under the door, a draught excluder brush strip is a great solution. This is a sturdy, thick bristle brush strip that fixes to the bottom of the door and provides a long-term solution.
For gaps around the side and top of the doors, door draught seals also known as draught strips or weatherstrips are an easy-to-install fix to help prevent the warm air from escaping. This type of door surround draught excluder can be cut to size for small gaps and can stop rain from entering your home in bad weather.
Door gaskets are ideal for sealing the perimeter of the front door and keeping out the elements. They are also effective at reducing sound and light as well as draughts. Rubber gaskets are easy to install without needing to hire a professional.
From improved thermal efficiency to sound reduction, here are a few reasons why you should draught proof a front door.
- You can reduce energy bills: Draughty doors let warm air escape, forcing your heating system to work harder and use more energy. Sealing those gaps can significantly reduce your energy consumption and heating costs. In fact, according to the Energy Saving Trust, draught proofing around windows and doors can reduce your annual energy bill by about £40!
- It improves comfort: No more shivers when you walk near the front door! Draught proofing creates a warmer and more comfortable living environment.
- You can reduce noise: Door gaps can let in unwanted noise from outside. Effective door draught seals can muffle sounds and create a more peaceful home. This can be particularly beneficial if you live in a noisy neighbourhood or along a busy street.
- Improve your home’s energy efficiency: Draughts around doors are a common source of heat loss in UK homes. By sealing gaps and preventing cold air from getting in, draught proofing helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.
- Helps to enhance door durability: Draught proofing contributes to the longevity of your doors, frames, and other structural components.
- Can improve insulation: Fitting draught-proofing strips around the frame or a door draught excluder to the bottom of the door.
A draught-proofed front door reduces the workload on heating systems, contributing to lower energy consumption and, consequently, lower utility bills.
If you’re thinking about how to draught proof your front door, installing quality brush strips, weatherstripping or another type of effective door seal should be high on your priority list. If you’d like more information about door seals you can browse our selection of door draughting products or contact our team who’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the best draught excluder for your front door.
