Draught excluders are crucial for boosting home comfort and energy efficiency. As seasons change and energy prices vary, understanding draught excluders can significantly enhance your living environment. This guide covers the essentials of draught excluders, including their types, benefits, installation methods, and their role in creating a more energy-efficient home.
What is a Draught Excluder?
A draught excluder, or draft stopper, is a device designed to block gaps around doors and windows where cold air might enter and warm air might escape. By sealing these gaps, draught excluders help maintain a stable indoor temperature, reduce heating costs, and improve overall comfort.
Types of Draught Excluders
Draught excluders come in various forms and materials, each suited to different doors and windows. Here’s an overview of the most common types:
1. Door Draught Excluders
Fabric Draught Excluders: These often contain materials like sand or foam and are typically placed at the base of doors. They can range from simple fabric tubes to more elaborate designs.
Brush Strips: These are attached along the door edges and feature bristles that flex to cover gaps, making them effective for uneven surfaces.
Rubber and Foam Seals: Installed around the door frame, these materials compress to create a tight seal when the door is closed.
2. Window Draught Excluders
Self-Adhesive Foam Strips: Easy to apply, these strips are ideal for sealing small gaps around window frames.
Weatherstripping: Available in materials like rubber, vinyl, or metal, weatherstripping is used around window edges to prevent drafts.
Draught Excluder Bars: Suitable for larger gaps, these bars often combine different materials for improved insulation.
Advantages of Draught Excluders
1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Draught excluders help keep indoor temperatures consistent by blocking drafts. This reduces the need for additional heating or cooling, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
2. Increased Comfort
Drafts can make spaces feel chilly and uncomfortable, especially in colder months. Draught excluders eliminate cold spots and ensure a more even temperature throughout your home.
3. Noise Reduction
Sealing gaps with draught excluders can also help reduce noise pollution. By blocking external sounds, they create a quieter and more serene living environment.
4. Improved Security
By filling gaps around doors and windows, draught excluders can enhance security. They make it more difficult for intruders to exploit small openings, adding an extra layer of protection.
Choosing the Right Draught Excluder
Selecting the right draught excluder depends on several factors:
1. Type of Door or Window
Choose a draught excluder based on the type of door or window you need to seal. For instance, fabric draught excluders work well for large gaps at the base of doors, while foam strips are better for smaller gaps around windows.
2. Material and Durability
Consider the materials used in the draught excluder. Rubber, foam, and brush materials each have different properties and durability. Choose a material that suits your needs for longevity and effectiveness.
3. Aesthetic Preferences
These come in various styles, from functional to decorative. Choose one that complements your home’s decor while providing the necessary functionality.
4. Ease of Installation
Some require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by homeowners. Consider your comfort level with DIY projects when selecting a draught excluder.
Installing Draught Excluders
Installation methods vary by type. Here’s a general guide for common types:
1. Fabric Draught Excluders
Step 1: Measure the width of your door to ensure the draught excluder fits properly.
Step 2: Place the fabric draught excluder at the bottom of the door.
Step 3: Secure it in place using adhesive or fasteners if needed.
2. Brush Strips
Step 1: Clean and dry the area where the brush strip will be installed.
Step 2: Measure and cut the brush strip to fit the door edges.
Step 3: Attach the brush strip using screws or adhesive.
3. Self-Adhesive Foam Strips
Step 1: Clean and dry the window frame.
Step 2: Measure and cut the foam strip to the appropriate length.
Step 3: Peel off the backing and press the strip firmly onto the window frame.
4. Weatherstripping
Step 1: Clean the surface where the weatherstripping will be applied.
Step 2: Measure and cut the weatherstripping material.
Step 3: Apply the weatherstripping according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintenance and Care
They generally need minimal maintenance. Here’s how to keep them in good condition:
Inspect Regularly: Look for signs of wear or damage, especially in high-traffic areas.
Clean as Needed: Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for fabric draught excluders, and wipe rubber or foam types with a damp cloth.
Replace When Necessary: Draught excluders may lose effectiveness over time. Replace them if you notice significant wear or if they no longer seal properly.
Conclusion
Draught excluders are vital for enhancing home comfort and energy efficiency. By understanding their types, benefits, and proper installation, you can make an informed choice that improves your living space. Whether you choose a fabric tube, brush strip, or weatherstripping, the right draught excluder will help you reduce energy costs, increase comfort, and maintain a quieter home.
FAQs:-
Why are draught excluders important?
Energy Efficiency: By sealing gaps, they reduce the amount of heat lost from a room, leading to lower heating costs.
Comfort: They help keep indoor temperatures stable, making living spaces more comfortable.
Noise Reduction: They can help in reducing the amount of external noise that enters a room.
What types of draught excluders are available?
Door Sweeps: Attached to the bottom of doors, these can be made of rubber, vinyl, or metal.
Seal Strips: These are adhesive-backed strips applied around the edges of doors and windows.
Brush Strips: Installed along the edges of doors or windows, these have bristles that seal gaps.
Foam Tubes: These are flexible and can be cut to size, fitting into gaps around windows and doors.
Fabric Draught Excluders: Often filled with materials like sand or rice, these are placed along the bottom of doors.
How do I choose the right draught excluder for my home?
When selecting a draught excluder, consider the following:
Gap Size: Measure the gaps around your doors and windows to choose an appropriate size and type.
Material: Different materials offer varying levels of insulation and durability. Choose based on your needs and preferences.
Ease of Installation: Some draught excluders are easier to install than others. Ensure you select one that matches your DIY comfort level.
Aesthetics: Consider how the draught excluder will look in your home, especially if it’s going to be a visible feature.
How do I install a draught excluder?
The installation process varies based on the type of draught excluder:
Door Sweeps: Attach them to the bottom of the door using screws or adhesive strips provided.
Seal Strips: Clean the surface, measure and cut the strip to size, then peel and stick it around the door or window frame.
Brush Strips: Similar to seal strips but usually require screws or adhesive to attach.
Foam Tubes: Measure the length needed, cut the tube, and press it into place.
Fabric Draught Excluders: Simply place them along the bottom of the door or window.
How can I maintain my draught excluder?
Maintenance depends on the type:
Door Sweeps and Brush Strips: Clean with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
Seal Strips: Check for peeling or wear and replace if necessary.
Foam Tubes: Replace if they become compressed or worn out.
Fabric Draught Excluders: Spot clean or wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can draught excluders help with soundproofing?
While these are primarily designed to prevent drafts, they can also help with soundproofing to a degree. Brush strips and seal strips can reduce the amount of noise that travels through gaps around doors and windows.
Are draught excluders effective all year round?
Yes, these are effective in all seasons. In winter, they help to keep heat in, while in summer, they can prevent cool air from escaping. They also help to keep out dust and pollen, which is beneficial year-round.
Where can I buy draught excluders?
Home Improvement Stores: Major chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and B&Q.
Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specific home goods sites.
Specialty Stores: Stores specializing in home insulation or energy efficiency products.
How long do draught excluders last?
The lifespan of a draught excluder depends on the material and usage. Typically:
Door Sweeps and Brush Strips: 5-10 years with proper care.
Seal Strips: 1-5 years, depending on adhesive quality and usage.
Foam Tubes: 1-3 years, as foam can compress over time.
Fabric Draught Excluders: 2-5 years, depending on the filling and fabric quality.
Are draught excluders eco-friendly?
Many are eco-friendly, especially those made from sustainable or recycled materials. Look for products with environmental certifications or those made from natural fibers if eco-friendliness is a priority.
Can I make my draught excluder?
Yes, DIY draught excluders are quite popular and can be made using various materials:
Fabric: Sew or glue fabric tubes filled with rice or beans.
Foam: Use foam tubing and adhesive strips to create a custom fit.
Socks or Old Clothes: Repurpose old socks or clothing by filling them with sand or rice.
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