We all know that thin stream of cold air that chills your ankles. It nearly always comes from the same place: under the door. Before thinking about major work, there are simple fixes that take seconds or a few minutes. Here are the five most useful ones, and how to choose.
Why is there a draft under the door?
Internal doors are fitted with a gap at the bottom so they open without scraping the floor and let a little air move around the home. When a neighboring space is cold (hallway, entrance, stairwell) or it's windy outside, cold air comes through that gap and slides along the floor. The result: a room that feels cold even with the heating on, and freezing feet.
First, do the candle test: you'll know whether the air really comes under the door, or from elsewhere too.
Fix 1: the double draft stopper
Two rolls joined by a flat strip: the strip runs under the door, with one roll on each side. It goes on in ten seconds, with no tools, and moves with the door when you open it. It's the simplest fix for internal doors on smooth floors, and the best one for renters. Our Abrilys double draft stopper works exactly like this.
Fix 2: the adhesive door seal
A silicone or foam strip sticks to the bottom of the door and lightly brushes the floor. It's discreet and stays put. But the adhesive can come loose over time and leave marks: avoid it on freshly painted doors, or test a corner first if you rent.
Fix 3: the single draft stopper or a rolled-up towel
Free or nearly free, it'll do for an evening. Its flaw: it stays on the floor when you open the door and has to be put back every time. In a room you walk through often, you end up giving up on it.
Fix 4: the door curtain
For a front door or a door to the garage, a heavy curtain on a pole creates a buffer zone. It doesn't replace a draft stopper, but it works well alongside one in very exposed spots.
Fix 5: check how the door closes
A door that doesn't close properly lets air through at the sides and top too. Check that the latch catches properly and the door doesn't rub. If air comes between the door and the frame, an adhesive weather strip on the frame often solves it.
Which fix should you choose?
- Internal door, smooth floor: double draft stopper.
- Internal door you rarely use: single draft stopper or adhesive seal.
- Front door: a screw-on door seal outside if you own the home; otherwise a double draft stopper inside, plus a curtain in exposed entrances.
- Room with a boiler, water heater or stove: never block the gap needed for ventilation.
For a detailed comparison, read door seal, weather strip or draft stopper: which to choose?.
Frequently asked questions
Does a draft stopper save on heating? It stops the draft under the door, which makes the room more comfortable. The effect on your bill depends on each home: we don't give any figures.
How many draft stoppers do I need? One for each door that lets air through: often the bedroom, living room, home office and hallway.
No more draft, no tools: Discover the double draft stopper
Article written by the Abrilys team. This is general advice: for an assessment of your home, or if you are unsure about the ventilation of a room, ask a professional.