Sunday, November 17, 2013

Economical Draught Proofing For DIY Enthusiasts

By Zara Zambini


Living in a house with old windows can be very difficult in the winter months. Cold winds can make their way through every small crack and the home will be very costly to keep warm. However, some simple and inexpensive steps can be taken to help with draught proofing.

Replacement windows are quite expensive and are often out of the budget of many homeowners. People who are renting a house are also stuck with the existing windows and cannot do anything about them. Rather than be miserable all winter they can spend a little bit of money on insulation and help to dramatically reduce the draughts.

The home owner or renter should thoroughly inspect all the windows to determine which draught proofing treatment will be the most effective. Weather stripping the windows is one of the easiest ways to stop the cold air. The self stick plastic strips are V shaped to fit into the track of the windows. They can really make a huge difference and cost very little.

Caulking compound can be make of several different materials. Most is a basic silicone that has many advantages, it is pliable, inexpensive and non toxic. Caulk can also be made of polyurethane or latex foam. It is readily available from all home improvement or hardware stores. It if an easy project that pretty much anyone can do, even those with little or no DIY experience.

One of the best ways to to cut down on draughts is by using heavy curtains or wooden shutters. There are a host of insulated or thermal curtains available to fit any size windows. They have the advantage of being a feature that can be taken to another home, making curtains a great option for renters. Thermal curtains are available in many different colors and styles. They can actually add a nice touch to any room and create a bright focal point.

One of the most popular ways to keep draughts at bay is by fixing plastic sheeting over the windows. Although it does not look very nice, it does a great job. Many people are finding that they can apply the plastic in only a few minuets. Kits are available at very low prices and have everything necessary to cover the draughty windows. This includes the plastic sheeting and double sided tape.

The plastic sheet is cut to completely cover the glass and reach to the window frames. The homeowner then applies double sided tape which keeps the plastic sheet tight. Some people even use a hair dryer on a low setting to finish, although this step is optional. The kits are very reasonably priced and so an excellent job of keeping the rooms warmer.

Home owners and renters have some very practical and affordable options. Draught proofing is a project that should be tackled in the autumn, before the weather gets too cold. Most of the solutions do not take much time and can be surprisingly effective.




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