A simply magic draught proofing product!
Why magic?
I am always extremely wary of recommending specific products, and I will only do so for one or more of the following reasons:
It is particularly good at doing a job
There are no other decent competitor
It is not widely known about
It is inexpensive or easy to use
This product ticks all those boxes so I am making an exception. In fact, if ever met the people who designed it I'd give them a big thank you hug!
From my experience of using it for draught proofing in a home it is:
Extremely versatile and can be used to solve draught proofing problems that other products simply can't
Thin and soft but very durable
Sticks incredibly well to smooth surfaces (like S**T to a blanket!)
Cheap and a doddle to use!
First, an important note on home ventilation and health
It's extremely important to mention that it is essential you do not make your home is too airtight. Many homes, or in some cases specific rooms, now ARE now too airtight to be healthy. This results in condensation and mould issues, and also high levels of air pollution from day to day indoor activities. Homes CANNOT be healthy without adequate ventilation, a subject I will be writing more articles on in the future.
The difference between "ventilation" and "draughts" is not well understood though. This other article explains the difference.
What makes this draught seal different and where it can be used
I've learnt from experience that using the thinnest foam or sponge draught proofing seal that you can to fill a gap is essential. If you use a draught proofing product that is too thick it won't last or it will fall off quickly.
This product is wonderfully thin making it ideal for the narrow gap draughts that occur on UPVC windows and doors in particular. It is also much wider than other products and has a more useful and unusual shape. The others tend to be thicker and have a very simple narrow profile.
It comes on a roll that is around 6 metres long, and is self adhesive, just down the one side as you can see in the photo below.
It is ideal for doors, windows, and even loft hatches. It may even be useful in keeping the draughts out from places that can be quite difficult to draught proof such as sash windows.
As with all draught strip fitting, always clean the surface you want to stick to thoroughly first.
It really really is super sticky, so you might want to just mark in pencil on the window or door frame the position that you want to stick it as once you've applied it, it's pretty difficult to remove it if you find you want to tweak the position of it.
If you find when you use it that it looks wrinkled, the wrinkles do disappear after a while in my experience.
Where to buy
I only came across it last winter and it is only available online. It comes in two colours from Amazon in white and grey. The Amazon photos also give some further practical photos of how to use it.
You can also buy it on Ebay, and if you Google "236 draught strip" you will easily find other sources.
It costs around £10 for the 6m or 236 inch length.
Other relevant articles
In my other article here, I describe an easy simple 'hack' way to finding draughts around the home, particularly (but not solely) for windows and doors.
Do also check out my other article on an often neglected dead simple and quick UPVC window maintenance job that will extend the life of your windows and keep them draught free.
Do subscribe for updates if you like what you've read here.
I run this website as a hobby, because I care about this stuff, and do it for no commercial purpose. If you have valued what you've seen, please tell other people about it.
If you have any other suggestions for additions or changes to site content do please let me know. While I have made every effort to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, I cannot take responsibility for errors or omissions.
All content on the site should be treated as information and not advice. You should take professional advice where appropriate to different site articles.
Thanks.
Mark Thompson
Get Energy Savvy - simple practical home energy efficiency information