Draft sealing home

discod on 13/11/2021 - 09:00

Hi All,

I'm looking for recommendations on products a d techniques to draft seal my house (built in 70s). Intention is to reduce air leakage and save on energy consumption.

So far, I've caulked some old plaster "vents" (not required) and I intend to caulk around my skirting boards (I think this will be a big saver). I've installed some foam and rubber seals around windows and doors, but I've definitely found varying levels of effectiveness from different products. I've got a storm seal (flap style) on one door which is good for rain but not great for drafts.

Has anyone started this journey? I'd love to hear what you did.

Are there any products or product lines anyone can recommend?

Cheers

Home & Garden

Comments

  • kingsville on 13/11/2021 - 09:10

    I found a significant draft around the front door on the hinge edge, and a foam strip did wonders.

  • JimmyF on 13/11/2021 - 10:16
    +2

    Has anyone started this journey? I'd love to hear what you did.

    Yep been there, done that. Caulking mostly is the answer, as well as door and window seals.

    Best way to find them, is on a cold night, close all the doors and windows, turn on all the exhaust fans. This forces air to be 'sucked' into the house via all the draft holes making them easier to find. Then go around and feel for a cold draft. Caulk as required.

    You can also use a thermal camera to spot the cold coming in using the above method too.

    I had a big draft under the dishwasher, from old holes in the wall from a old kitchen, so blocked these up and blocked the draft escaping out from under the dishwasher. Once you start looking you'll realise how bad Aussie homes are built for keeping air in or out.

  • JIMB0 on 13/11/2021 - 10:44
    +1

    You can find the drafts easier if you wet your hand first. Ducted heating outlets often have big gaps around them that let in air from under the house. Best to seal these off completely and go for reverse cycle split systems. Just need to seal around the penetration where the pipes go through the wall.

    Kitchen cabinets often let air in as well as other places that are commonly renovated (replacement windows etc). Exhaust fans are essentially a big hole in your cieling unless they are fitted with draft stopping flaps.

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 13/11/2021 - 12:40
      +1

      You can find the drafts easier with a candle.

      • 87percent on 13/11/2021 - 12:46

        Yeah this…

      • Loot N Plunder on 13/11/2021 - 16:48
        +1

        or a burning incense stick
        That is my go to as you can get really close to things for a long time then just watch the smoke stream

      • mskeggs on 13/11/2021 - 19:51
        +1

        In the old days it was a cigarette.

  • Transient on 13/11/2021 - 12:06
    +3

    Sealing around back and front doors is a good idea. Need to be careful when selecting the foam rubber. Open cell sponge tends to break down after several years even when not exposed to the sun. Closed cell foam or EDPM lasts much longer. Also need to be careful when selecting the thickness. I thought the foam could compress more but it didn't so had to really pull hard to close the front door when exiting. Sealing major gaps is also a great idea for when the dust storms come every couple of years. If you have sliding cavity / pocket doors, these can be sources of drafts (and insects) too.

    • xuqi on 13/11/2021 - 14:48
      +2

      Agree, the cheaper sponge variety break down and wither away with age (also a nightmare to clean afterwards). EPDM is the way to go.

      https://www.bunnings.com.au/raven-5m-grey-superior-door-and-…

      • 87percent on 13/11/2021 - 17:05

        Are you saying the stuff in your link is What op should be using?

        • xuqi on 14/11/2021 - 02:18

          Same type not necessarily the brand, though we’ve used the same for a number of years in our home and happy with performance, and longevity.

        • Stopback on 15/11/2021 - 20:25

          There is a stick on black thing which i see is used more on display homes. It's not foam bit more of some soft plastic material.

  • Stopback on 13/11/2021 - 17:27

    Look for pelmets on windows.

    Lots of other areas too. Tree planting. Etc.

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