Draught Stoppers: Fitting One That Actually Seals

A door sweep works or it does not, and the difference is usually a few millimetres.

Measure the gap, not the door

Measure at three points along the bottom of the door. Floors are rarely level and a sweep sized to the smallest gap will bind at the widest.

Sweep or twin-sided draught excluder

A fixed sweep attaches to the door and moves with it. A twin-sided slide-on excluder needs a consistent gap but requires no fixings — the better option in a rental.

Do not seal a vented door

Doors to rooms with a gas appliance may rely on that gap for ventilation. If in doubt, leave it.