Draughtproof internal doors

Stop draughts round an internal door by sealing the frame and the door bottom with the right foam, brush or fire-rated strip.

DP-01Gather your tools and materialsYou'll need a self-adhesive draught strip for the frame, a separate seal for the door bottom, scissors or a craft knife, a cloth, and mild detergent. Lay everything out before you start so you're not hunting for things halfway through.

1 roll · Self-adhesive foam draught strip (5m roll)

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1 each · Self-adhesive brush pile strip for door bottom

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1 each · Scissors or craft knife

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1 each · Cloth

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1 bottle · Mild detergent

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1 each · Tape measure

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DP-02Check whether this is a fire doorFire doors are common on flat entrance doors, doors to integral garages, and doors onto escape routes in flats and shared buildings. They usually have a coloured plastic disc on the top edge naming the fire rating, or 'FD30'/'FD60' stamped on the edge. If it's a fire door, don't use generic foam strip on the frame — you need a certified intumescent and smoke seal instead.

RULES

1 set · Certified intumescent and smoke seal strip

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KNOW THE RULES

Building Regulations Approved Document B covers fire doors. A fire door's seal is part of its fire and smoke rating, so only fit a certified intumescent/smoke seal on a fire door — never plain foam strip.

DP-03Clean the door frame and door edgeWipe down the door frame (the fixed part the door closes against) and the edge of the door itself with mild detergent and a dry cloth. Dust, grease or old paint flakes will stop the adhesive strip sticking properly. Let everything dry fully before you fit anything.

DP-04Measure and cut the strip for the frameClose the door and run your finger round the gap between the door and frame — top and both sides usually need sealing, the hinge side often needs less or none. Measure each length with the door shut, then cut the strip slightly long so you can trim it to fit.

DP-05Fit the strip to the frame, not the doorPeel back a short length of backing paper at a time and press the strip onto the frame, not the door leaf. Close the door as you go to check the strip lightly compresses without stopping the door shutting or the latch engaging. Press firmly along the whole length once it's in the right place.

DP-06Fit a seal to the bottom of the doorFor a stick-on brush strip, clean the bottom edge of the door, measure the width, cut to length and press the strip on so the brush just touches the floor without dragging. For a screw-fixed adjustable seal, hold it against the door bottom, mark the screw positions, then drill small pilot holes before screwing it on — this stops the timber splitting.

1 pack · Small wood screws (pack)

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DP-07Test the door and adjustOpen and close the door several times. It should shut fully, the latch should engage properly, and it shouldn't drag or stick on the new seals. If it's too tight, peel back and reposition the strip slightly rather than forcing the door.

DP-08Tidy upTrim off any excess strip with scissors, and wipe away any adhesive marks with a damp cloth while they're still fresh. Bin the backing paper and offcuts, and put any leftover strip aside — it's useful for other doors in the house.

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