What happens on a DraughtBusters visit?
We often get asked what happens during a DraughtBusters visit and what type of things by be draughtproofed. Here’s an outline example from one of our volunteer DraughtBusters Service log.
DraughtBusters Visit Example
Property Description
Detached house 50+ yrs, 2 stories high, 4 bedrooms, garage converted into a study. New conservatory extension. Occupants report feeling chilly all through the winter, without heating the house rarely goes above 13 degrees. 200mm rockwool loft insulation installed recently but barely helps.
Front Door
The letterbox is secured, closed on both sides. The door is not touching D rubber seal strip on the outer frame with a noticeable gap. The rubber seal strip is in good condition.
Fixed by adjusting the door latch. The back door was checked using the “sliding paper test”, if it doesn’t slide through when closed it means the door connection is tight to the surrounding seals.
Windows
Most windows passed the sliding paper test. There are isolated marginal cases but attempts to adjust window latch did not yield results. All newly installed windows come with trickle ventilators as enforced by the authorities. Noticeable gaps even in the closed position. Advised the occupants on ventilation options.
Skirting board and floor
Downstairs laminated floorboards feel solid and airtight but cold. Floor surface temperature 10.5 degrees throughout the living room, as measured by Infrared thermometer. (Outside ambient temp and external wall temp 12.5 degrees).
A 1-2mm gap between skirting board and floorboard was found along the outer structural wall in the living room. Sealed with clear silicone sealant. The floor area adjacent to the skirting board was found to be 12.5 degrees 15 minutes after the fix.
Loft Trap
The loft was recently insulated with 200mm rockwool. The trap door itself was not insulated. Old loft insulation was removed. Space between loft trap and frame is dusty indicating draught. Loft trap doors hinged on one side with a corner cut to avoid hitting the purlin strut. Frame is cleaned thoroughly and fitted with thin foam strips. The corner hole is covered with make shift foam strips.
Initial Results
The occupant reported a 2 degree increase in living room temperature that evening and thanked the team for the effort.