Are you looking for simple and inexpensive solutions to prevent drafts during the cold season? Below you will find some tried and tested options and tips!
Many people neglect the fact that their living spaces are poorly insulated and therefore often have to struggle with drafts in the cold. Although wind permeability can be beneficial in summer, it has negative health consequences in winter. One of them, for example, is facial nerve paralysis, which can also be caused by air conditioning in hot weather. Other disadvantages of the draft in the winter are of course the heat losses, which affect the desired comfort in every home. All of this leads to increased heating costs and frustratingly cold interiors, which no one who wants to be comfortable wants. If you are also one of them, you can try taking some of the following countermeasures.
How can drafts be prevented without making extensive repairs?
The main cause of cold air constantly flowing in is of course windows and doors, which often have unnoticed leaks. This can be bothannoying colds, neck pain and inflammation of the facial muscles as well as unplanned household costs. Other areas where you don't suspect that cold air is coming from can also be the culprits. These would be, for example, leaky attics, chimneys or simply glazed garden or patio doors from which there is a constant draft when it is windy. Fortunately, you don't always have to renovate the entire home or invest in costly repairs to solve the problem.
- First of all, it is important to identify the points of air entry so that cold drafts can then be prevented. Also check all window and door seals.
- Do you also have an anteroom that is located in front of the front door or in the backyard? Then it would make sense to create some kind of barrier between them so that there is no cold draft.
- The simplest and cheapest option in such cases would be to attach a sealing tape or a draft excluder. A movable weather strip could also help.
- Door or window glass is also one of the influencing factors that could lead to poor thermal performance in your home. There are house or interior doors that are equipped with glass panels. If a glass panel on the interior or front door is broken, this would definitely cause a draft.
- Therefore, try to fix such small leaks as quickly as possible. Otherwise, they would not only impair thermal efficiency, but also pose a certain safety risk. For example, you can replace individual glazing with protective glass, which is much more efficient, without having to replace the entire door or window.
- If there is wind, try to feel with your hand whether there is a draft somewhere else. Don't forget to check fireplace areas, floorboards and baseboards, and use sealants, brush strips and covers similar to those on mailboxes or keyholes if necessary.
How to insulate a leaky door or window with weatherstripping?
As a cheap and common insulating material, sealing tapes are ideal for windows and doors. Just try it out following the following steps to prevent leaks and therefore drafts.
- First, measure your door or window frame and cut the weather stripping to the exact length before installing. This way you ensure that there are no leaks. Even small gaps can allow cold air to enter.
- Please also note that sealants are not suitable for tiles, glass and other smooth surfaces. Instead, use Teflon, bitumen or silicone sealants, which adhere better to such materials.
- Now attach the seal to the contact point with the door leaf on the door frame or window frame. Also note that this will be a temporary solution. Doors and windows are constantly moving and friction occurs there every day. Therefore, you may need to replace the weatherstripping tape the next time winter hits.
Use other sealants and prevent drafts
There are also other options if you need to prevent drafts in your home when it's cold. One of them is to install weatherstripping so you stop the airflow at the bottom of your door.
- Such products function somewhat like a brush bar, with door weather strips usually having a solid rubber plate. This can be easily attached and can move when the door is opened and closed.
- However, some weatherstripping is only suitable for doors that open inwards and will not fit through the door frame. For this reason, you should choose this option depending on the way your door opens.
- There are also complete sets that you can use to seal a door if you don't have the time or inclination to make a complex selection of materials. This not only keeps cold air out, but also dirt, dust and any outside noise.
- Such kits usually contain artificial leather, which allows you to insulate and decorate the door leaf, as well as foam rubber, sealing tape and draft stoppers.
What tricks and measures help with heat loss?
- Since the bedroom should be slightly cool according to experts, you can concentrate more on keeping your sleeping bed warm. To do this, replace your blanket with a thicker version.
- Sleeping socks and hot water bottles can also help you feel more comfortable when lying down or sleeping at home. These help maintain a constant body temperature.
- Make sure your radiators are bled before the winter season to achieve optimal heat efficiency and prevent heat loss. While you're at it, you can consider whether you can heat certain living areas less to save on heating costs. Keep the doors to these rooms (which you may have already insulated using these tips) closed.
- Since cold and uncovered floors also promote coldness in the room, you can add home textiles such as rugs and rugs. These also provide a kind of isolation and at the same time contribute to the cozy atmosphere.
- Last but not least, don’t forget to eat every now and thenVentilate your living spaces, as too much sealing could cause mold to form.
