THE Most Effective Energy Saving Solution

THE Most Effective Energy Saving Solution – Draught Proofing!

Posted on 20th February 2023 in Press Releases

The Most Effective Energy Saving Solution – Draught Proofing!

Your home requires good ventilation whether you’ve got a traditional or new build, to reduce condensation and prevent dampness. However, draughts if not well controlled can allow in too much cold air. Homes with draughtproofing can lower the thermostat and reduce energy usage because they are more comfortable at a lower temperature.

What is Draught Proofing?

Draught Proofing is sealing up any opening where warm air can escape and cold air can enter. Most solutions are easy for any DIYer to complete and won’t take long at all. Ensure when you are draught-proofing that you don’t seal up any ventilation that has purposely been put there to keep your home healthy, dry, and fresh. The areas you don’t want to seal are extractor fans, air bricks, or underfloor grilles that keep timber beams and flooring dry.

Draughts occur in areas of your home where there are unwelcome air gaps or via any unintentional opening in the building’s construction that lead outside. We’ve come up with a list of common places where draughts are found and how to correct them.

Doors

External doors can let in a lot of cold air and this problem can be very easily fixed with some inexpensive solutions. A letterBox brush can make a massive difference as well as a keyhole cover which is usually a small metal disc that drops down and covers the keyhole. Where your door is installed over time the seal around the edges can deteriorate it’s always a good idea to check it and re-seal if it needs it.

Skirting Boards and FloorBoards

To draught-proof skirting boards you can seal any cracks using filler, foam, or caulk that’s silicone based. You must use something that can withstand movement because skirting boards frequently contract and expand. However, this won’t be an effective solution for floorboards. The best way to block any draughts coming up through your floorboards is using our EcoTec FloorFoam Insulation Kit. It’s designed to be used under most flooring including, carpet, underlay, wood, laminate, and vinyl. EcoTec FloorFoam instantly makes your room feel much warmer it’ll also reduce your energy bills from the day it’s installed.

Windows

For windows that open the seal between the frame and the window that opens will deteriorate over time, this will let a lot of cold air into your home. Purchase draughtproofing strips to wrap around the window frame and seal the gap so that when your windows are closed no cold air can get in. However for sliding sash windows, this won’t work, it’s best to install brush strips or seek professional advice. For non-opening windows use silicone sealant to exclude any air from getting in between the frame and the glass.

Gaps in Walls

For any cracks in the wall hard setting filler or cement can be used, then repainted. Over time cracks can appear around electrical fittings on walls, ceilings, and joists running from wall to ceiling. However, if there’s a significant crack in the wall there could be an underlying problem get in contact with a professional if you’re worried.

Loft Hatch

The area surrounding your loft hatch should be sealed up since hot air rises and condenses in the chilly area of your loft or attic. Our Loft Floor Insulation Kit is an ideal solution. For insulating your loft floor without the use of any nasty, itchy fiberglass. Also without raising the floor height and keeping your loft storage boards in place. At 6mm thick when compressed EcoQuilt Expert is equivalent to around 100mm of Fibre Glass. It also helps retain heat by reflecting heat into your home.