Draughts

elf06

Evening all. I don't know whether I've posted in the right place or not so if not please let me know!!

I had a quote yesterday for new windows and doors. Its not likely to happen any time soon as it is a HUGE amount of money anyway what I discovered is that because I live in a flat (ground floor) I need a composite door which bumps the cost up massively - apparently no joiner will fit otherwise as its a safety issue. This is probably obvious to most but I've never had to buy new windows or doors so it hadn't entered my mind. Anyway.....it got me thinking. The windows are gubbed for want of a better word but I've lived with them long enough so an other few years won't hurt but a lot of my heat is lost through my front door.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to draught proof it - other than the obvious draught excluder or curtain, these arent practical when taking dog in and out to toilet. It needs to be a more permanent kind of draught blocking......

TIA

ivyleaf

Hi elf, new windows and doors are horrendously expensive, aren't they

Googling tells me that doors for flats have to be fire-resistant for 30 minutes, so that'll be why they're saying you need a composite door next time.

You may get more replies if you re-post your query on the "In My House" board as you need something more permanent in the way of draught excluders. I know you can buy brush-type ones that are attached to the door though.

Carrot007

Why not just get the door replaced then?

I got a composite door on my north facing front for around 500+100 fitting.

Really did make a difference to draughts coming in.

elf06

Thanks Ivyleaf. I have a brush type and I have rubber seal things down the sides too but they make no difference. I'll try posting in the other place. Thanks again

elf06

Carrot007 sorry missed your reply. Oh they are quoting me nearly £2000 for mine! That was the first quote, admittedly, but I just cannot afford that much - for 5 windows and the door was going to be close to £8000

Carrot007

Price does somwhat depend on where abouts you are in the country.

But mainly do not go with any company that advertises on TV, that is where your money goes.

Do you not get a local companies leaflet though the door. They will be much cheaper and no different to the "big" known companies. It fact they probably take more rpide in fitting to a decent standard.

My mother around here was quoted much similar for a new front door, but got one for around 400 fitted in the end. but not composite at her choice.

Get either a local company of a local fitter who will source the door for you. They are so much cheaper and better to deal with.

elf06

It all came about through Green Deals. They got someone out to quote and although they are a larger company they do not advertise any more for the reasons you have mentioned above. I know that a local company MAY be cheaper but due to my location there is very little choice! I'm going to get back on to Green Deals as they said something about grants etc if losing X amount of heat through windows which I am almost certain I will but in all honestly I like my front door and would prefer not to change it if I could draught proof it better.

Geoff1963

I have a brush type and I have rubber seal things down the sides too but they make no difference.

Is there actually a draught of air coming in, or could it be the coldness of the door which is causing the air to move ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catabatic_wind
Maybe you need to insulate the door.

elf06

Geoff I am pretty sure its a draught of air coming in. I did previously have a duvet hanging over it and a draught excluder and these seemed to help but weren't practical.
Do you have any suggestions on how to insulate the door?

lessonlearned

If you can't run to a new door then your best bet is a portiere curtain pole. It allows the curtain to move with the door so ideal for doors which are in constant use.

Geoff1963

If air is coming in, it will be around the edges ; if it is catabatic wind, it will feel cold on the surface.
You could maybe try taping over the edges, to completely stop the air ; just as a test to see if that is better.

Do you have any suggestions on how to insulate the door?

Easiest might be a thin wooden sheet, spaced 20mm from the door, to act like double glazing ; a front door is likely to be solid for security. It's hard to suggest without seeing the design.