Best Draught Excluders UK 2026: Keep the Cold Out & Cut Your Bills
Draughts are responsible for up to 25% of heat loss in a typical UK home — and most of that escapes through gaps you can fix yourself in an afternoon. Whether it’s a cold gust creeping under the front door, a whistling letterbox, or a decommissioned chimney acting as a wind tunnel, the right draught excluder can make a real difference to your comfort and your heating bills. This guide covers our research-based picks for every common draught source, from simple self-adhesive foam strips to chimney balloons and letterbox seals. We also include a practical DIY draught-proofing guide to help you tackle the job from start to finish.
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Prices and availability checked 4 November 2026 against live Amazon listings; tap through for the current price.
Part of our Draught-Proofing Hub — the complete UK guide to doors, windows, letterboxes, chimneys, radiators and the cheap fixes that actually warm a home.
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Editorial policy.
Where Is the Draught Coming From?
Identify your draught source first — the right product will always outperform a generic fix:
- Under doors → under-door excluder or brush seal
- Door frame gaps → foam or rubber compression strip seal
- Letterbox → letterbox draught excluder with brush seal
- Keyhole → spring-loaded keyhole cover plate
- Chimney → chimney balloon or chimney sheep
- Windows → window seal strip or secondary glazing film
- Floorboards → draught excluder tape or sheepskin strips
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Type | Best For | Price Range | Buy on Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StormGuard EPDM Draught Excluder Strip | Adhesive rubber strip | Door frames & edges | £4.89 | Check price on Amazon |
| Aluminium Under-Door Brush Seal | Under-door sweep | Gap under front/back door | £17.95 | Check price on Amazon |
| HNNHOME Self-Adhesive Brush Seal Strip | Brush-style bottom seal | Heavy-use external doors | £6.99 | Check price on Amazon |
| Chimney Sheep Draught Excluder | Chimney wool sheep | Unused chimneys | £48.00 | Check price on Amazon |
| Stormguard Letterbox Draught Excluder | Letterbox cover | Letterboxes | £15.39 | Check price on Amazon |
| Vellure Silicone Under-Door Seal | Stick-on silicone flap | Gap under an internal door | £12.90 | Check price on Amazon |
subject to change
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Best for Door Frame Gaps
StormGuard EPDM Draught Excluder Strip
Stormguard 05SR034010MB 10m EPDM 'P' Profile Self-Adeshive Rubber Draught Excluder - Brown
The StormGuard EPDM strip is a self-adhesive rubber compression seal designed to fill gaps around door frames and casement windows — a quick, tool-free fix.
Based on our research, it performs consistently well in draughty Victorian and Edwardian properties where door frames are often irregular, with the P-profile rubber conforming well to slight variations in the gap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Self-adhesive: no tools or screws required | ✖ Adhesive can lose grip on cold or damp surfaces — clean and warm the frame before fitting |
| ✔ Works on both doors and windows | ✖ May need replacing every 2–3 years with heavy use |
| ✔ Easy to install and durable |
Specifications
| Coverage | 10 metres per roll |
|---|---|
| Material | EPDM rubber |
| Self-adhesive | Yes |
| Weather rating | Suitable for external doors and windows |
Best Under-Door Excluder
Aluminium Under-Door Brush Seal
Bottom of Door Brush Seal Draught Excluder, Aluminium, Screw Fixing, 914mm…
This aluminium-rail brush seal fits to the bottom of your door, eliminating the gap that accounts for the majority of door-related heat loss.
Based on our research, it’s particularly well-regarded for external front doors and back doors where the gap is consistent, with the rail accommodating a range of door thicknesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Effective brush seal blocks cold air and draughts | ✖ Requires drilling — not suitable for renters unless landlord approves |
| ✔ Adjustable for different door thicknesses | ✖ May scrape on thick carpets if door clearance is minimal |
| ✔ More durable than foam strips for high-traffic doors |
Specifications
| Coverage | Fits doors up to 91cm wide |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium rail, brush seal |
| Self-adhesive | No (screw-fit) |
| Weather rating | Suitable for external doors |
Best Brush-Style Bottom Seal
HNNHOME Self-Adhesive Brush Seal Strip
HNNHOME Draught Excluder for Doors, Self-Adhesive Brush Seal Strip 5M, Grey | 9mm x 9mm | blocks draughts, dust and insects | Improves insulation | Reduces noise | Fits doors, windows and sliding doors
A self-adhesive brush seal strip for the bottom of external doors, the HNNHOME strip is a straightforward, tool-free option for anyone who wants a brush-style seal without screwing a rail to the door.
Based on our research, the dense brush creates an effective barrier against wind, rain splash, and insects — making it a practical pick for front doors, side gates, and garages, and easy to trim to fit non-standard door widths.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Dense brush provides an effective draught and weather barrier | ✖ Self-adhesive backing can lose grip on cold or damp surfaces over time |
| ✔ Self-adhesive — no drilling or screws required | ✖ Less effective on very wide door gaps |
| ✔ Cut-to-size roll suits non-standard door widths |
Specifications
| Coverage | 5 metre roll, cut to size |
|---|---|
| Material | Brush strip, self-adhesive backing |
| Self-adhesive | Yes |
| Weather rating | External use |
Best for Unused Chimneys
Chimney Sheep Draught Excluder
Chimney Sheep 12 x 20 Inch Wool Chimney Draught Excluder & Blocker | Fits Openings 8-11in Deep by 15-18in Wide, Breathable Herdwick Felt, Lifts Out in Seconds
The Chimney Sheep is a uniquely British draught-proofing solution — a thick pad of felted wool sized to fit inside the flue, blocking the considerable upward draught that an open or capped chimney can create.
Made for open fireplaces and decommissioned gas fires, it’s washable, reusable, and easy to remove when you want to light a fire.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Natural wool construction — breathable and moisture-safe | ✖ Must be removed before lighting a fire — comes with a reminder tag |
| ✔ Blocks a significant and often-overlooked source of heat loss | ✖ Sizing must be measured carefully before ordering |
| ✔ Easy to fit and remove with the integrated handle |
Specifications
| Coverage | 12″ x 20″ (other flue sizes available — measure before ordering) |
|---|---|
| Material | Felted wool |
| Self-adhesive | No |
| Weather rating | Indoor chimney use |
Best for Letterboxes
Stormguard Letterbox Draught Excluder
Stormguard Letterbox White with Flap Draught Excluder Seal Brush with Flap Letter Box Metal Weather Cover
Often overlooked, letterboxes can let in a surprising amount of cold air — this Stormguard letterbox cover addresses it directly, making it a convenient and cost-effective fix for most standard UK front doors.
Easy to fit with a screwdriver, the letterbox flap features a brush seal insert to keep the draught out. If your keyhole is also draughty, pair it with a separate spring-loaded keyhole cover.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Effective brush seal cuts the draught through a standard letterbox | ✖ Letterbox dimensions vary — measure yours before ordering |
| ✔ Easy to fit with a screwdriver — no specialist skills needed | ✖ Doesn’t cover the keyhole — buy a separate keyhole cover if needed |
| ✔ Smart finish looks neater than DIY foam tape solutions |
Specifications
| Coverage | Standard UK letterbox |
|---|---|
| Material | White-finish metal |
| Self-adhesive | No (screw-fit) |
| Weather rating | External door use |
Best for Internal Doors
Vellure Silicone Under-Door Seal
Vellure® Premium Door Draft Excluder Strip - Door Seal for Energy Saving - Quick and Easy Installation - Draught Excluder for Bottom of Door - Ideal for Keeping Out Cold
This is the one on our own door, which is why it’s here. It’s a self-adhesive silicone strip that sticks along the bottom of the door face, with a soft flap that rests on the floor to close the gap underneath. There’s nothing to screw in, and any excess trims off with scissors, so it suits a rented home or an internal door you’d rather not drill.
Ours is on an internal door in the flat. The door still opens and closes over the carpet without catching, and the draught at that door is noticeably down since it went on. For a front or back door that takes the weather, the screw-fixed aluminium brush seal (pick 2) is the sturdier fix.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Sticks on in minutes: no screws, and it trims to width with scissors | ✖ The door face has to be clean and dry first, or the adhesive won’t hold |
| ✔ The soft flap clears carpet without catching (on our internal door) | ✖ It sits on the face of the door, so you see it from that side |
| ✔ Peels off without marking the door, the maker says, so it’s renter-friendly | ✖ For an exterior door in driving rain, a screw-fixed brush seal is tougher |
Specifications
| Length | 100cm, trims to fit (maker’s figure) |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
| Self-adhesive | Yes |
| Gap it closes | Up to about 38mm / 1.5in (maker’s figure) |
| Colours | White or brown, singly or as a five-pack |
How We Chose Our Picks
Our research-based picks are selected using product specifications and widely published home insulation guidance, prioritising ease of installation, durability in the UK climate (which means tolerating damp, cold, and temperature swings), and value for money. We look for products that address specific draught sources rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, and we check for UK-specific considerations such as standard door and window dimensions, letterbox sizing, and common flue types found in British homes.
One pick is different. The Vellure seal (pick 6) is fitted to an internal door in our own flat, so what we say about it comes from living with it, not from a specification sheet.
How to Draught-Proof Your Home: A UK DIY Guide
Draught-proofing is the process of sealing unwanted gaps and cracks in your home to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. It’s one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make — the Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing windows, floors and doors could save around £55 a year in Great Britain, and draught-proofing an unused open chimney around £45 a year more, with minimal upfront cost if you do it yourself.
How to Draught-Proof a Door
Follow these steps to seal a draughty door effectively:
- Measure the gap — slide a piece of paper under the closed door; if it moves freely, you have a significant draught gap. A gap of 4mm or more warrants a fitted seal.
- Choose your seal — for gaps under 4mm, a self-adhesive foam or rubber compression strip (such as the StormGuard EPDM strip) works well. For larger gaps of 4–12mm, use a brush strip or under-door sweep such as the aluminium under-door brush seal.
- Fit the strip — for self-adhesive seals, clean and dry the surface first. Cut to length, peel the backing, and press firmly along the door stop. For screw-fit seals like the aluminium under-door brush seal, mark the position, drill pilot holes, and fix with the provided screws.
- Test the seal — close the door and check for daylight or air movement at the edges. Adjust if needed.
How to Draught-Proof Windows
For single-glazed windows with rattling frames, self-adhesive foam or rubber compression strip around the sash or casement is the simplest fix — the same StormGuard-style strips used on doors work well. Press the strip into the rebate so it compresses against the window when closed.
For a bigger upgrade without replacing glazing, secondary glazing film (available in most UK DIY stores) creates a still-air layer that reduces both draughts and heat loss significantly. Apply the film in autumn and remove in spring if needed. This is particularly effective on older sash windows where specialist draught-proofing can otherwise be complex.
How to Seal a Chimney You Don’t Use
An open chimney flue acts like a permanent extractor fan, drawing warm air continuously out of your room even when the fireplace is cold. The simplest solution is a chimney balloon or a wool-filled chimney sheep — such as the Chimney Sheep in our picks above — inserted into the flue just above the fireplace opening. Both are removable if you want to use the fire again.
Always attach the included reminder tag to the fireplace surround or mantelpiece. Never light a fire with a chimney balloon or sheep in place.
How to Seal Letterboxes and Keyholes
Letterboxes and keyholes are small but persistent draught sources — the gap in a standard letterbox is roughly equivalent to leaving a small window open. Fit a brush-seal letterbox flap such as the Stormguard Letterbox Draught Excluder in our picks above, and a separate spring-loaded keyhole cover if your door has one.
Fitting is straightforward with a screwdriver. Before ordering, measure your existing letterbox opening (width x height) — standard UK letterboxes are typically 254mm x 38mm, but older properties may differ.
How to Stop Draughts Through Floorboards
Gaps between floorboards are a common but frequently overlooked source of draughts in older UK homes with suspended timber floors. Cold air rises from the underfloor void through these gaps, creating a chilling effect at floor level.
For small gaps (under 3mm), flexible draught-excluding filler or sealant pressed into the cracks is barely visible once dried. For wider gaps, sheepskin or foam strips cut to fit can be pressed between the boards. In rooms with accessible crawl space or cellar below, fitting rigid insulation boards beneath the floorboards is the most effective long-term solution and can yield considerably higher savings than surface sealing alone.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Draught Excluder
What Type of Draught Excluder Do I Need?
Start by identifying the source of your draught: gaps under doors need a sweep or brush seal; gaps around door frames need a compression strip; open chimneys need a balloon or wool sheep; letterboxes and keyholes need purpose-made covers. Matching the right product to the specific gap will always outperform a generic solution applied everywhere.
Are Self-Adhesive Draught Excluders Good?
Self-adhesive foam and rubber strips are perfectly effective for low-traffic windows and internal doors, and they’re the easiest to install without any tools. For external front and back doors that open and close many times per day, a screw-fit brush or rubber seal will last significantly longer — self-adhesive options on external doors often begin to peel within one to two years, particularly in wet weather. Always clean and warm the surface thoroughly before applying.
How Much Can Draught-Proofing Save on Energy Bills UK?
The Energy Saving Trust puts the saving from draught-proofing windows, floors and doors at around £55 a year in Great Britain. Sealing an unused open chimney can save around £45 a year more. These figures are conservative — in older, draughtier properties with single glazing and suspended timber floors, actual savings could be considerably higher and the payback period on products may be just a matter of weeks.
Can I Draught-Proof My Home Myself?
Yes — most draught-proofing tasks are straightforward DIY jobs requiring nothing more than a tape measure, scissors, and occasionally a screwdriver. Self-adhesive strips require no tools at all. The exception is professional draught-proofing of traditional sash windows, which involves removing the parting bead and can be complex — in that case, a specialist installer may be worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best draught excluder for a front door UK?
For most UK front doors, the best approach combines two products: a brush or rubber under-door sweep (such as an aluminium under-door brush seal) to seal the gap at the bottom, and a compression strip seal around the door frame to stop air coming in at the sides and top. Together these address the main entry points for cold air on a standard UK front door.
Q2: Do draught excluders make a difference UK?
Yes — based on widely published home insulation research, draught-proofing is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make to your home’s energy efficiency. Even simple self-adhesive strips can noticeably reduce cold spots near doors and windows, particularly in older UK properties with gaps that have developed over decades of settlement and use.
Q3: How do you stop draughts under a door UK?
The most effective solutions are a brush-strip door bottom seal (fixed with screws to the bottom of the door) or an under-door sweep such as an aluminium brush-seal model. For a quick temporary fix, a heavy fabric draught snake placed against the base of the door reduces cold air movement, though a fitted seal is far more effective.
Q4: What is the best way to draught-proof a chimney UK?
For a chimney you don’t use regularly, a chimney balloon or wool chimney sheep inserted snugly into the flue is the most effective solution. Both are removable if you want to use the fireplace. Always attach the reminder tag to avoid lighting a fire with the seal in place.
Q5: How much does draught-proofing save on energy bills UK?
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing windows, floors and doors saves around £55 a year in Great Britain. Sealing an unused open chimney saves around £45 a year more. In draughtier older homes, actual savings may be meaningfully higher.
🏠 From the D&L Shop: Making your home warmer this winter? Our Winter Home Survival Guide covers heating, draught-proofing, condensation, energy bills, and keeping comfortable through the cold months — 11 pages, £8.99. Also free: the Sunday Reset Checklist (a calm weekly home reset, instant download). Browse the full shop →
You might also find our guide to Heating Bills UK: How to Understand and Reduce What You Pay useful.
— Gareth
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About Gareth
Gareth Isherwood is the editor of Danbury & Lovejoy. He has baked bread at home for 25+ years and has 15 years of growing experience across gardens, containers and other growing spaces, including an East Sussex allotment for the past three years. Read his full story →
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