The Best Draught Excluder for Front Doors in 2024

Key takeaways from the Article

Key Points	Description
Types of Draught Excluders	Various forms like door snakes, brush-style, and foam-tape.
Features to Consider	Draught location, excluder filling, and decor style.
Benefits of Draught-proofing	Energy efficiency, reduced condensation, cost-savings.
Top Draught-proofing Methods	Sealing gaps, weatherstripping, thermal curtains.
Top Picks from UK Oak Doors	Aquamac 21 Door Seal, Oak Weatherbar, Solid Oak Door Frame.
Installation and Maintenance	Accurate measurement, regular cleaning, check for wear.
Energy Saving Tips	Thermostat management, sealing other leaks, wise curtain use.

Introduction

As winter approaches, the unwelcome chill often finds its way into our homes through gaps in doors, transforming warm havens into draughty spaces. A simple yet potent solution to this cold dilemma is employing draught excluders. These essential accessories serve as barriers, averting cold air from entering and warm air from escaping through door gaps. In doing so, draught excluders play a pivotal role in not only maintaining a cosy home but also in energy conservation. The reduced cold air ingress lowers the necessity for heating systems to overwork, consequently saving on energy bills. This article explores the realm of draught excluders, offering insights into various types, top picks from UK Oak Doors, and handy tips on selection, installation, and maintenance.

Types of Draught Excluders

Draught excluders come in a variety of forms, each tailored to different door types and homeowner preference. Here’s a breakdown of the common types:

• Door Sausage or Door Snake:
  • Shape: Tube-shaped
  • Placement: Bottom of the door
  • Function: Blocks cold drafts
• Double-sided Door Snakes:
  • Features: Cushioning on either side
  • Placement: Slides under the door
  • Function: Offers draught protection on both sides
• Brush-style Excluders:
  • Suitable For: External doors
  • Features: Allows natural ventilation, adapts to uneven floors
  • Function: Halts draughts while allowing ventilation
• Foam-tape Draught Excluders:
  • Versatility: Seals doors and windows
  • Features: Adhesive, cut-to-size
  • Function: Blocks draughts from various spots

This pie chart breaks down the popularity of door snakes, brush-style, and foam-tape draught excluders, helping you choose the best fit for your home

These types cater to varied needs and door configurations in homes. Your choice largely depends on your specific needs, the type of door, and your aesthetic preferences. As we delve deeper, we’ll also spotlight some top draught excluder picks available at UK Oak Doors, highlighting how they distinguish themselves in the competitive market of draught excluders.

Features to Consider

When on the lookout for the perfect draught excluder, certain factors come into play to ensure you make an informed choice. Here's a rundown of key considerations:

• Draught Location:
  • Identify the main sources of draughts in your home, be it windows or doors, to choose an excluder that suits the location.
• Excluder Filling:
  • Light polyfill may be a budget-friendly option, but for doors that won't stay closed, a weightier option like sand or gravel-filled excluders might be ideal.
• Decor Style:
  • If your draught excluder will be placed in a prominent area like the living room, select a style that blends with your existing decor or serves as a statement piece.

Understanding your home’s specific needs and aligning them with the features of various draught excluders will go a long way in ensuring you pick an option that not only serves its purpose but also complements your home’s aesthetic.

Benefits of Draught-proofing in 2024

Draught-proofing your home brings along a slew of benefits that go beyond just keeping the cold at bay. Here are some key advantages:

• Energy Efficiency:
  • Less energy is required to heat your home, promoting energy conservation.
• Reduced Condensation and Damp:
  • By keeping cold air out, draught-proofing helps in reducing condensation and preventing dampness.
• Cost-Savings:
  • Lower energy usage translates to reduced energy bills, saving you money in the long run.
• Warm and Cosy Environment:
  • A draught-free home is a cosy home, providing a comfortable living environment.

Draught-proofing is a smart move towards creating a comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective living space.

 

Top Draught-proofing Methods

There are several avenues homeowners can explore to draught-proof their homes. Here's a breakdown of some effective methods:

• Seal Gaps:
  • Use sealants to close any gaps around doors and windows.
• Weatherstripping Tape:
  • Apply tape to seal gaps and keep out draughts.
• Brush Strips:
  • Install at the bottom of external doors to block cold air.
• Draught Excluders:
  • Select from the top picks at UK Oak Doors for robust draught exclusion.
• Flexible Sealant:
  • Seal gaps with flexible sealant for a snug fit.
• Compression Threshold Strips:
  • Install strips to seal the threshold and prevent draughts.
• Thermal Curtains and Blinds:
  • Use thermal curtains or blinds to add an extra layer of insulation.
• Carpets or Rugs with Underlay:
  • Provide insulation to your floors and keep the warmth in.
• Keyhole Covers:
  • Cover keyholes to prevent draughts from sneaking in.
• Chimney Cap:
  • Install a chimney cap to block draughts from the chimney.
• Letterbox Internal Brush or Cover:
  • Install a brush or cover to keep draughts out from the letterbox.

Adopting a combination of these methods can significantly improve the insulation of your home, keeping it warm and cosy.

Top Picks For Draught Excluders In 2024

For those seeking effective draught excluders, UK Oak Doors offers an array of top-notch choices. Here are some of the top picks:

• Aquamac 21 Door Seal:
  • This door seal provides a robust barrier against draughts, ensuring a snug fit for your doors.
• Oak Weatherbar for External Doors:
  • Perfect for external doors, this weatherbar provides an effective draught-proofing solution while adding a touch of elegance with its oak finish.
• External Solid Oak Door Frame and Aquamac Seal:
  • Combining the strength of solid oak with the effectiveness of the Aquamac seal, this door frame is an excellent choice for draught-proofing your external doors.

Each of these picks provides a robust solution to draught-proofing, ensuring your home remains warm and cosy, especially during the chilly winter months. They are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making them a valuable addition to your home.

Installation Tips

Installing draught excluders is a fairly straightforward process. Here are some tips:

• Correct Measurement:
  • Measure the door or window accurately to ensure the excluder fits well.
• Proper Cleaning:
  • Clean the surface properly before installation to ensure good adhesion.
• Follow Instructions:
  • Adhere to the installation instructions provided with the product.
• Check for Gaps:
  • After installation, check for any remaining gaps and seal them.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining and cleaning your draught excluders is key to their longevity and effectiveness:

• Regular Cleaning:
  • Clean draught excluders regularly to prevent dust build-up.
• Check for Wear and Tear:
  • Inspect them for any signs of wear and tear and replace if necessary.
• Adhere to Cleaning Instructions:
  • Follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you do not damage the material.

With proper installation and maintenance, draught excluders can serve you well, keeping your home warm and your energy bills low.

Energy Saving Tips

This pie chart spotlights the key areas in your home where energy tends to be wasted, urging you to consider draught-proofing solutions like UK Oak Doors' offerings for a more energy-efficient home.

Beyond draught-proofing, other measures can further enhance energy conservation in your home:

• Thermostat Management:
  • Adjusting your thermostat efficiently can lead to significant energy savings.
• Seal Other Leaks:
  • Check for leaks in the attic, basement, and around electrical outlets.
• Use Curtains Wisely:
  • Open them during the day to let in sunlight and close them at night to retain heat.

Conclusion

Draught-proofing is a prudent step towards creating a cosy, energy-efficient abode. The myriad of draught excluders and draught-proofing methods highlighted, especially the top picks from UK Oak Doors, offer robust solutions to keeping cold draughts at bay. With proper selection, installation, and maintenance, draught excluders can significantly contribute to a warm, comfortable living space and lower energy bills. Making this small investment today can lead to a more comfortable, energy-efficient home tomorrow, making every winter day a cosy, pleasant experience.

FAQs

1. How do draught excluders work?

Draught excluders are placed at the bottom of your door, employing bristles to create a seal against the floor which halts draughts from entering through the gap beneath the door.

2. What are the benefits of draught excluders?

Draught excluders help in keeping the cold air out and the warm air in, thereby improving the energy efficiency of your home. This can lead to reduced energy bills and a more comfortable living environment all year round.

3. Which is the best draught excluder for my home?

The best draught excluder for your home would depend on your specific needs and the type of door you have. Referring to the list of top picks provided in the article could guide you in making an informed choice.

4. What are the different types of draught excluders?

Draught excluders come in a variety of types including door snakes, brush-style, and foam-tape, each designed to suit different door configurations.

5. Where else could I fit a draught excluder?

Besides doors, draught excluders can also be fitted around windows, loft hatches, and garage doors to improve energy efficiency and reduce draughts in those areas.

These FAQs provide a quick insight into the functioning, benefits, and placement of draught excluders, aiding in making an informed decision while choosing one for your home.