Ways to reduce draft and keep your property warm in the winter

Winter in the UK can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to keeping your property warm and energy bills down. One of the most effective ways to maintain a cosy indoor environment is by reducing drafts whether that be in a home, office or commercial space. Drafts not only let in cold air but also cause heat loss, making your heating system work harder and possibly increasing your energy costs.

Before you can effectively eliminate drafts, you need to identify where they’re coming from which can change depending on the building type. Common sources include:

• Windows and doors: Gaps around window frames and door edges are the most common culprits as they are letting cold air in and allowing the warm air to escape
• Lofts, roofs and basements
• Chimneys and vents: Unused chimneys and vents can act as funnels for cold air
• Floorboards and skirting boards: Gaps between floorboards or around skirting boards can also allow drafts to enter

Reducing drafts and keeping your property warm during the winter months is not only about comfort but also about improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. By taking particular steps, such as sealing windows and doors, upgrading glazing, and improving insulation, you can create a warmer, more energy-efficient environment which is appropriate for living and working.

One effective method of sealing windows and doors is applying weatherstripping around the edges of frames, which creates a tight seal to block out cold air with an immediate impact. Caulking is another useful approach, particularly for older properties where frames may have shifted, allowing cracks or gaps to develop. Filling these with caulk helps to eliminate drafts. Additionally, installing draft excluders at the base of doors, whether simple fabric draught snakes or more permanent door sweeps, can significantly reduce the amount of cold air entering under external doors.

Single-glazed windows are a major source of heat loss in many properties, especially for older builds. Upgrading to double or triple glazing can significantly reduce drafts and improve your property’s energy efficiency. Aluminium secondary glazing is particularly popular because it’s durable, lightweight, and provides excellent thermal insulation. This method involves fitting a second pane of glass inside your existing windows, creating an additional barrier against drafts.

Proper insulation is crucial for keeping your property warm. Heat rises, and if your loft isn’t properly insulated, a significant amount of warmth can escape through the roof. Insulating your loft with materials such as fibreglass, mineral wool, or foam can prevent this heat loss. In addition to loft insulation, cavity walls, common in many UK homes, can be filled with insulating material to reduce heat loss and prevent cold air from entering.

Windows are a major source of heat loss, even with double glazing. To further reduce drafts, thermal curtains or blinds can be an easy and cost-effective idea. These are designed to provide an extra layer of insulation by trapping warm air inside and blocking cold air from entering and can be used in homes or commercial buildings.

A well-maintained heating system is essential for keeping your property warm and energy-efficient, especially for larger properties that can have a range of different boilers, heating systems and air conditioning units. It is always recommended to maintain and check systems on a regular basis to ensure they are operating correctly and efficiently. This also includes replacing any old systems as these will start to work slower and harder.

Are you ready for a new set of windows or want to get your home ready for the winter months?

Boasting excellent performance, not to mention improved aesthetics for your home or commercial building, we can custom make your aluminium windows in a range of shapes, sizes and colours.

ABS is based in Nottinghamshire, and we operate across the UK and Ireland in aluminium window manufacturing. Please get in touch either by dropping us an email or giving us a call on 01623 392370 for further help or information.