Precautions

1. All vents and bricks must be checked for any kind of blockage. Also, ensure that the boiler flues are clear.
2. Full draught proofing should not be installed in rooms containing gas fires, gas boilers and open fires.
3. Draught proofing should not be done on any of the windows of the house if there is usage of bottled gas or paraffin heaters.
4. It is advisable to install draught proofing only on the external envelope of the property i.e. all windows and doors, the letterbox and keyhole.
5. When internal doors come into picture, toilet or pantry doors where fixed vents are installed should be draught proofed.
6. Materials conforming to the British Standards 7386 should be purchased. Other materials should be strictly avoided.

Draught proofing windows

Instructions

For draught proofing of wooden windows, following instructions must be carefully followed.

For sash windows, start by fitting brushers or rubber wipers to the inside of the frame by starting at the bottom, then moving on to the sides, across the central bar and up the sides of the upper panel. Also, it is necessary to fit seals to the outside of the frame. But ensure that the windows can be properly closed and the window catches are secure.

Draught proofing doors

Draught proofing a door is a 3 stage process.

Stage 1: Fitting the draught strip

Cut a 45° angle at one end of the strip. If it is impossible to keep a pinhole within 25mm of each end, make a new hole.

Now measure the width within the top of the doorframe and cut the other end of the strip, also at a 45° angle.

Close the door, press the carried into the frame and slide it against the head of the door until the seal is half compressed. Nail the strip in place.

Repeat for the side strips, cutting 45° angles at the top and 90° angles at the bottom. Make sure that the gaps between the top and sides is wind tight and use a Stanley knife to trim any rough edges that might catch on the door.

Stage 2: Fitting the bottom seal

Cut a length of seal that is about 5mm less than the length of the door strip.

Position the carrier as close to the bottom as possible. Open the door to check that it doesn’t hit the frame. If it does, then trim it shorter.

Trim 1mm off the ends of the seal and close the ends of the carrier.

Close the door and put the carrier in place so the seal rests on the floor covering and fix in place.

If there is a weather board, only run the trim to this.

c. Letterbox and keyhole cover

Fit a letter box cover to the inside of the front door, making sure you can still pass letters through the gap.

Fit a keyhole cover on the outside of the door.