Most homeowners in the UK prioritise keeping their homes warm and energy-efficient because of the country's frequent cold winds and erratic weather. Installing a draught excluder is among the easiest and most economical ways to stop heat loss. But with so many varieties to choose from, you may be wondering which draught excluder is ideal for your doors.
We'll go over the many kinds of draught excluders, their functions, and which ones are best for the front, rear, patio, or interior doors of your house in this extensive guide. Continue reading to make an informed decision that increases energy efficiency, comfort, and saves money.
Why Draught Excluders Matter
The purpose of draft excluders is to seal off openings surrounding doors so that neither warm nor cold air may escape. They are a wise addition to any house in the UK for the following reasons:
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Reduce energy bills by retaining heat
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Improve home comfort by eliminating cold spots
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Lower your carbon footprint
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Prevent dust and noise from entering
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Easy and affordable to install
Types of Draught Excluders for Doors
Choosing the right draught excluder starts with understanding the different types available on the market:
1. Brush Strip Draught Excluders
Best for: External and internal doors with gaps at the bottom
Brush strips feature a row of bristles attached to a metal or plastic strip. They work well on doors with uneven surfaces and can block air, dust, and even insects.
Pros:
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Excellent flexibility
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Suitable for hardwood and carpeted floors
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Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
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Not as aesthetically pleasing for interiors
2. Rubber or Foam Seal Strips
Best for: Internal doors, front doors, and frames
These adhesive strips are applied to the edges of the door frame and compress when the door is shut. They come in different profiles (D-shape, P-shape) and materials.
Pros:
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Easy to install
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Inexpensive
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Effective for small gaps
Cons:
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Less durable than other types
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May peel off over time
3. Metal or Plastic Threshold Seals
Best for: External doors, patio doors
These are rigid strips installed at the base of a door. They create a firm seal between the door and floor, and are often combined with brushes or rubber for better insulation.
Pros:
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Strong barrier against air and water
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Long-lasting
Cons:
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Installation requires tools
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Not suitable for renters
4. Door Snakes (Draft Stoppers)
Best for: Internal doors, temporary use
These are soft fabric tubes filled with sand or polyester. They sit at the base of the door and can be moved easily.
Pros:
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Portable
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Available in various colours and designs
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No installation needed
Cons:
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Must be repositioned every time the door moves
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Not suitable for high-traffic areas
5. Automatic Drop Seals
Best for: High-end internal and external doors
These intelligent draught excluders drop down automatically when the door closes and retract when it opens.
Pros:
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Discreet and sleek
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Excellent for minimalist designs
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High performance
Cons:
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Expensive
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Professional installation recommended
Best Draught Excluder by Door Type
Front Door
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Top Choice: Rubber compression seal + brush strip at the bottom
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Why: Ensures airtight sealing while withstanding heavy use
Back Door
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Top Choice: Threshold seal + adhesive foam strips
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Why: Good combination of durability and sealing effectiveness
Patio/French Doors
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Top Choice: Automatic drop seal + frame-mounted seal strips
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Why: Maintains aesthetics while delivering excellent performance
Internal Doors
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Top Choice: Foam strips or draught snakes
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Why: Quick fix without heavy-duty requirements
How to Choose the Right Draught Excluder
When selecting a draught excluder, consider the following factors:
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Gap Size: Measure the gap under or around your door. Larger gaps may need brush strips or threshold seals.
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Usage Frequency: High-traffic doors need durable and fixed solutions.
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Aesthetics: For internal doors, you may want something discreet or decorative.
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Budget: Options range from a few pounds to over £50.
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Permanence: Tenants may prefer removable types like door snakes.
Installation Tips
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Clean the surface before applying any adhesive strip.
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Use a hacksaw to trim metal excluders to size.
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For drop seals, consider hiring a professional.
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Always read manufacturer instructions.
Maintenance and Replacement
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Inspect excluders annually for wear and tear.
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Replace foam strips every 1–2 years.
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Clean brush strips to remove dust and debris.
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Ensure that movable excluders are repositioned regularly.
Where to Buy Draught Excluders in the UK
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DIY stores like B&Q, Wickes, and Screwfix
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Online retailers such as Amazon UK, Toolstation
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Local hardware stores
Look for trusted brands such as:
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Stormguard
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B&Q Essentials
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Everbuild
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Raven
Eco-Friendly Draught Proofing
Some draught excluders are made from recycled materials or natural fibres. Look for:
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Fabric door snakes with recycled polyester filling
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Rubber seals made from sustainable materials
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Recyclable plastic and metal options
Conclusion
The comfort and energy efficiency of your house may be greatly increased by selecting the appropriate draught excluder, regardless of whether you live in a modern new construction or a Victorian terrace. The UK market has a variety of efficient options, ranging from drop-down seals to foam strips.
With little work and expense, you can have a warmer, more energy-efficient house by matching the appropriate product to your door type and consumption requirements. Close the openings now to prevent the cold from creeping in.
For more information about our interior or exterior doors or door accessories, give us a call at 01603 622261 and speak to a member of our expert team today or Email us at sales@doorsuppliesonline.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.