Seal the Deal with These Top Rated Window Draught Excluders
Why Draught Excluder Strips for Windows Are Worth Your Attention This Winter
Draught excluder strips for windows are one of the simplest, cheapest ways to stop cold air getting into your home and keep your heating bills down.
Here are the best types to look for:
| Type | Best For | Gap Size | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam (P or E-profile) | Casement windows, small gaps | 1-3.5mm | 4-8 years |
| EPDM Rubber (P-profile) | Most windows and doors | 2-5mm | Up to 8 years |
| Silicone | Larger or irregular gaps | Up to 7mm | 15+ years |
| V-Strip | Windows and doors, medium gaps | 3-7mm | 4-8 years |
If your home feels cold near the windows even with the heating on, draughts are almost certainly the cause. Tiny gaps in window frames let cold air in and warm air out — and that heat loss adds up fast on your energy bills.
The good news? Sealing those gaps is a quick DIY fix that costs very little. Draught proofing can reduce energy loss by up to 35%, and some products can save households up to 10% on total home energy costs.
This guide walks you through the best draught excluder strips available, what to look for, and how to choose the right one for your windows.
Understanding Draught Excluder Strips for Windows and Energy Efficiency
Have you ever sat by a window on a blustery evening and felt a tiny, persistent needle of ice-cold air hitting your neck? That, our friends, is a draught. While it might seem like a minor annoyance, those “sneaky chilly intruders” are actually symptoms of a much larger problem: energy inefficiency.
When we talk about draught excluder strips for windows, we are talking about specialized seals designed to close the gap between the moving part of the window (the sash) and the fixed frame. Without these seals, your home acts like a bucket with tiny holes in it. You can keep pouring in “heat” (money), but it will constantly leak out.
Statistics show that draught-proofing can reduce energy loss by up to 35%. That is a massive chunk of your heating bill that could stay in your pocket. Beyond the financial aspect, sealing these leaks significantly improves home comfort by stabilizing indoor temperatures and preventing that “drafty” feeling that makes you want to live under a duvet from October to April.
If you aren’t sure where your leaks are, we recommend performing a simple “candle test.” On a windy day, close all your windows and doors. Light a candle or a lighter and move it slowly along the edges of your window frames. If the flame flickers or wavers, you’ve found a gap. This is a key step in how to seal air leaks to save energy. For a more thorough look at your home’s performance, check out a comprehensive home energy audit checklist to identify other areas where heat might be escaping.
The Main Types of Draught Excluder Strips for Windows
Not all windows are created equal, and neither are the strips used to seal them. Choosing the right material is the difference between a window that shuts tight and one that won’t close at all.
Foam Strips
Foam is the most common DIY choice because it is incredibly inexpensive and easy to work with. These are typically self-adhesive “I-profile” strips. They are best for internal windows or areas where the gap is consistent and small (1-3.5mm). However, foam can lose its “memory”—its ability to spring back—over time, especially if it gets damp.
Rubber (EPDM) Strips
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a premium synthetic rubber. It is much more durable than standard foam and has “excellent memory,” meaning it returns to its original shape even after being compressed for months. Products like the Stormguard Rubber Foam Weather Strip Black 3.5m are fantastic because they are wipe-clean and resist moisture, making them ideal for external-facing windows.
Silicone Strips
If you want the “Gold Standard,” silicone is it. Silicone remains flexible even in freezing temperatures and can last 15 years or more. It is highly resistant to cracking and splitting. Because it is so stretchy, it’s often used for larger or more irregular gaps.
To help you decide, we’ve summarized the materials below:
| Feature | Foam | Rubber (EPDM) | Silicone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gap Suitability | Small, even gaps | Variable gaps | Large or irregular gaps |
| Moisture Resistance | Low | High | Very High |
| Installation | Very Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Best For | Budget fixes | Long-term reliability | Extreme weather/Long life |
Using these materials is one of the most effective ways to make your home energy efficient with these tips.
Choosing the Best Draught Excluder Strip for Windows
Once you’ve picked a material, you need to look at the “profile”—the shape of the strip’s cross-section. The shape determines how much the strip can compress.
- E-Profile: Best for small gaps (1-3.5mm). The “ridges” of the E provide multiple points of contact.
- P-Profile: These have a rounded “bulb” that is hollow. This makes them perfect for medium gaps (2-5mm) because the bulb can squish down significantly without resisting the window closure.
- V-Strip: These are shaped like a ‘V’ and are designed to fold into themselves. They are excellent for sliding windows or gaps that vary in width. A popular choice is the Exitex V Strip Draught Seal 5m Brown, which handles gaps from 3mm to 7mm.
- D-Profile: Similar to the P-profile but often used for larger, more substantial gaps.
Pro Tip: To measure your gap accurately, take a small piece of reusable tack (like Blu-Tack), stick it to the window frame, and close the window. Open the window and measure the thickness of the squashed tack. This tells you exactly how much space your draught excluder strips for windows need to fill!
Installing Draught Excluder Strips for Windows
Installation is a satisfying Saturday morning project. You don’t need a degree in engineering—just a pair of scissors and a bit of patience.
- Prepare the Surface: This is the most important step. If the frame is greasy or dusty, the adhesive won’t stick. Use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to clean the frame thoroughly. Let it dry completely.
- Remove Old Seals: Never stick new strips over old ones. Use a scraper or spatula to peel off any old, crumbling foam.
- Measure and Cut: Measure the length of each side of the window frame. When using high-quality products like the Duck Brand Max Strength Silicone Weatherstrip Seal, you can easily cut the material to size with standard household scissors.
- The 45-Degree Trick: For a professional finish, cut the ends of the strips at a 45-degree angle where they meet in the corners. This prevents the strips from overlapping and creating a “lump” that prevents the window from closing properly.
- Peel and Press: Peel back a few inches of the adhesive backing at a time. Press the strip firmly onto the frame. Do not stretch the strip as you apply it; if you stretch it, it will eventually shrink back and leave a gap.
- The Final Seal: Once installed, close the window. The pressure of the window sash helps the adhesive bond firmly to the frame.
For more ways to keep the warmth in, you might also consider how to save energy with insulated window treatments like heavy curtains or cellular shades.
Material Durability and Maintenance Requirements
When you invest time in insulating your home for energy efficiency, you want those results to last. The lifespan of your draught excluder strips for windows depends heavily on the material.
- Standard Foam: Usually lasts 4-8 years. It is prone to “setting,” where it stays compressed and no longer fills the gap.
- EPDM Rubber: These are incredibly hardy. A quality EPDM seal can last up to 8 years without losing its shape or cracking.
- Silicone: This is the marathon runner of seals. High-end silicone strips can protect against draughts for 15 years or more.
Maintenance is mercifully simple. Most rubber and silicone strips are “wipe-clean.” Every few months, when you are cleaning your windows, simply run a damp cloth over the strips to remove dust and grit. This prevents abrasive particles from wearing down the seal.
One thing to watch out for is moisture. While EPDM and silicone are moisture-resistant, cheaper open-cell foams can act like a sponge. If you notice your foam strips are damp or starting to grow mould, it’s time to replace them immediately to protect your window frames from rot.
Frequently Asked Questions about Window Sealing
How do I measure the gap size for a window seal?
As we mentioned earlier, the “reusable tack” method is the most reliable way. If you don’t have tack, you can try closing the window on different thicknesses of folded paper. However, most modern kits are designed for standard ranges. If your gap looks “average,” a P-profile (2-5mm) is usually a safe bet. If it’s very tight, go for an E-profile (1-3.5mm).
Can I use window draught excluders on doors?
Absolutely! Most draught excluder strips for windows are interchangeable with doors. They work perfectly on the top and sides of door frames. For the bottom of the door, however, a strip might wear down quickly due to friction with the floor. For door bottoms, we usually recommend a brush strip or a dedicated threshold seal. They are also excellent for sealing loft hatches to stop heat escaping into your attic.
How much money can I save by draught proofing?
While every home is different, the consensus among energy experts is that proper weatherization can save you up to 10% on your annual energy costs. When you consider that a roll of high-quality seal costs less than a large pizza, the Return on Investment (ROI) is incredible. You’ll likely make your money back in energy savings within the first few months of winter.
Conclusion
At Financefyx, we believe that sustainable living shouldn’t be complicated or prohibitively expensive. Sealing your windows with draught excluder strips for windows is a perfect example of a “small win” that delivers big results for your comfort and your bank account.
By taking an hour this weekend to clean your frames and apply a few rolls of EPDM or silicone seals, you are effectively putting a warm coat on your house. You’ll reduce noise, keep out dust and insects, and most importantly, keep that expensive heat exactly where it belongs—inside with you.
For more tips on turning your house into an energy-efficient fortress, dive into the ultimate guide to insulating your home. Stay warm out there!
