How To Draught Proof A Front Door

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 with door draught seals. 

Why Draught Proof Your Front Door?

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.
• 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.

Types of Draught Excluders For Doors

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 can determine the type of door draught seal you'll need.

Brush Door Draught Excluder

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. 

Door Draught Seals  

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

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.

 

How Do I Stop Draughts From Coming Through My Front Door?

Fortunately, door draught proofing is often a DIY job you can tackle yourself. Let's break down the 6 easy steps you'll need to take.

 

Step 1 - Identify the Gaps

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

​Step 2 - Choose the Right Draught Sealing Products

Select your 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.

Step 3 -Prepare the Surface - Clean the area around the gaps with a damp cloth to remove dirt and ensure proper adhesion.

 

Step 4 - Apply the Draughtproofing - Follow the specific instructions for each product, which typically involve cutting the material to size and attaching it with adhesive.

• When applying door strips, start at the bottom and ensure the strip fits snugly into the corners.
• Threshold seals might require an adhesive sealant for installation.

Step 5 -Test and Adjust - Close the door and feel for any remaining drafts. Reposition or add additional layers of draughtproofing if needed.

Step 6 - Check Other Areas- Consider draughtproofing other external doors and windows for maximum energy savings.

 

Additional Door Draughtproofing Tips:

• 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.

 

Draught-proofing a front door with brush strips, weatherstripping, and other effective products is a simple and impactful way to improve your home's energy efficiency, comfort, and noise reduction. If you’d like more information about door seals you can browse our selection of door draught proofing products or contact our team who can answer your questions.

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