Energy Efficiency · 7 min read · Beginner

Draught-Proofing a Home: Doors, Windows, Floors & Ventilation

Reduce uncontrolled cold-air leakage without blocking ventilation that the building needs for moisture control, combustion or indoor air quality.

Key points & steps

Find genuine uncontrolled draughts first: common locations include opening windows, external doors, suspended floor edges, loft hatches, letterboxes and service penetrations.
Do not block purpose-provided ventilation such as trickle vents, air bricks, extractor routes or combustion air openings simply because cold air can be felt there.
Adjust door and window hardware where poor alignment is creating a gap before adding thick seals that may prevent the sash or door from closing correctly.
Fit brush, compression or foam seals suited to the size and movement of the joint and replace seals that are permanently crushed or split.
Use suitable covers/brushes for letterplates and keyholes where they do not interfere with security or safe operation.
Seal floorboard/skirting gaps only with materials that can accommodate movement and without obstructing required subfloor ventilation.
After draught-proofing, continue to use extract fans and background ventilation to control humidity, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Draught-proofing targets unintended air leakage; ventilation is intentional and should not simply be sealed up.
Condensation that worsens after sealing gaps is a sign to review ventilation and moisture generation, not necessarily to remove every draught seal.
Open-flued appliances and rooms with combustion ventilation need particular care.