Buying Guide
Best Draught Excluders for UK Doors & Windows (2026)
Updated June 2026
UK homes lose up to 20% of their heat through gaps around doors, windows, letterboxes and loft hatches. On a windy winter night, that's the equivalent of leaving a small window permanently open.
Draught-proofing is the cheapest, easiest and fastest energy-saving fix you can do — typically £30–£50 of materials, one afternoon's work, and around £60 a year back on your heating bill.
Quick answer
Our top pick: HNNHOME 5M Brush Seal Strip
£7–£10 on Amazon on Amazon
Brush seal with 3M adhesive — outlasts foam, fits most UK door frames, renter-friendly.
Check Price on Amazon →The top 5 draught excluders we recommend
HNNHOME 5M Brush Seal Strip
A brush-type draught strip with 3M adhesive that outlasts foam alternatives. The brush bristles don't compress over time like foam does, maintaining a tight seal for years. 5 metres covers a standard UK door frame. The 3M adhesive sticks firmly even to older wooden frames.
Pros
- Brush seal lasts longer than foam
- 3M adhesive sticks to wood and PVC
- 5m length covers one full door frame
- Renter-friendly (peels off)
Cons
- Brush style may not suit very large gaps over 5mm
Who it's for: Standard UK internal and external door frames
Check Price on Amazon UK →YIMIKI 15M Closed-Cell Foam Strip
Amazon's #1 Best Seller in draught excluders. You get three 5-metre rolls (15m total) of closed-cell foam — enough to do multiple doors and windows in one go. Closed-cell foam is better than open-cell because it doesn't absorb moisture. Firm enough to fill draughts without collapsing.
Pros
- Incredible value — 15m for under £8
- #1 Best Seller on Amazon
- Closed-cell foam resists moisture
- Waterproof and soundproofing
Cons
- Foam may compress after 12–18 months on high-traffic doors
- Thinner than rubber seals
Who it's for: Doing a whole flat on a tight budget
Check Price on Amazon UK →Stormguard External Letterbox Cover with Brush
Stormguard has been making draught-proofing products in Macclesfield since 1810. This letterbox cover fits over your existing letter slot and uses brush bristles to block wind while still letting post through. Works on both internal and external fitting. Fits standard UK letterbox openings (338mm x 78mm).
Pros
- Recognised UK brand (since 1810)
- Brush design lets post through
- Fits standard UK letterboxes
- Works internal or external
Cons
- May need trimming for non-standard sizes
- Plastic frame not metal
Who it's for: UK front doors with standard letterbox slots
Check Price on Amazon UK →ESUFEIR Self-Adhesive Silicone Door Bottom Seal
Unlike foam or rubber under-door strips that compress and wear out, this ESUFEIR strip uses silicone — it stays flexible, doesn't crack, and maintains its seal even after months of the door opening and closing over it. Self-adhesive backing peels off cleanly, making it fully renter-friendly. 1 metre length fits standard UK doors.
Pros
- Silicone lasts far longer than foam
- Self-adhesive peels off cleanly (renter-friendly)
- Works on smooth floors and low carpet
- 1m fits standard UK doors
Cons
- Only 1m per pack — buy two if you need multiple doors
- Not suitable for large gaps over 10mm
Who it's for: Renters who cannot drill or modify doors
Check Price on Amazon UK →BKSAI Reusable Window Insulation Film Kit
Unlike traditional shrink-wrap films that need a hairdryer and get thrown away each spring, the BKSAI uses hook-and-loop (velcro) attachment. Peel it off in summer, stick it back on next winter — genuinely reusable. The film is 7x thicker than standard (0.15mm vs 0.02mm), so it doesn't tear during fitting. Crystal clear and virtually invisible once installed.
Pros
- Reusable year after year (velcro, not tape)
- 7x thicker than standard film
- No hairdryer needed
- Doesn't damage paint on removal
- Transparent
Cons
- Velcro strips are visible on the frame
- Covers one window per kit (1.7m x 1.5m)
Who it's for: Single-glazed sash windows in older UK homes, especially for renters
Check Price on Amazon UK →Best Draught Excluders for Wooden Windows
Wooden window frames in older UK homes are the biggest source of draughts. The wood shrinks and expands with temperature changes, creating gaps that foam strips can't seal properly. For wooden windows, brush-style or silicone strips work better than foam because they flex with the wood movement. The HNNHOME Brush Seal Strip (our #1 pick) uses 3M adhesive specifically designed for wood surfaces.
Best Draught Excluders for UPVC Windows
UPVC windows develop draughts as the rubber gasket seals age and compress. The easiest fix is a self-adhesive foam or rubber strip pressed into the gap between frame and opening casement. For UPVC windows, the YIMIKI Foam Strip (our #2 pick) works best because its 12mm x 6mm profile matches the typical UPVC gap width. Peel off the old compressed seal first, clean with white spirit, then press the new strip into place. Takes 5 minutes per window.
Draught-Proofing Sash Windows
Sash windows are notoriously draughty. The gaps between the sliding frames let cold air pour in. For sash windows, brush pile strips fitted into the gap between the sashes are the most effective solution. Alternatively, window insulation film (our #5 pick, the BKSAI kit) creates an air barrier over the entire window. For a more permanent fix, professional sash window draught-proofing services cost £100-£200 per window.
Draught Excluder Buying Guide by Door & Window Type
| Type | Best Product | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden external door | HNNHOME Brush Strip | Flexes with wood movement |
| UPVC door | YIMIKI Foam Strip | Matches UPVC gap width |
| Sash window | BKSAI Window Film | Covers entire window gap |
| Letterbox | UAP MailPlate | 100% draught seal |
| Under door gap | Stormguard Brush Cover | Slides on, no adhesive |
| Wooden window frame | ESUFEIR Silicone Strip | Lasts longer than foam on wood |
Buying advice
Types of draught excluder explained
How to find where your home is losing heat
Tip
Renter-friendly options that won't damage your deposit
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