🔧 BEGINNER
Quick Answer
Draught-proof your doors and windows in a weekend using weatherstripping. Cost: $30-80 for a whole house. Takes 2-4 hours. Saves 15-20% on heating bills and stops cold draughts instantly.
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- Adhesive-backed weatherstripping tape ($20-50 at Bunnings for whole house)
- Door seals/draught stoppers ($15-30 at Reece)
- Window caulk and caulking gun ($10-20 at Mitre 10)
- Scissors or craft knife ($5-10 at Bunnings)
- Cloth for cleaning surfaces ($2-5)
- Methylated spirits for cleaning ($3-6 at supermarket)
- Optional: silicone sealant ($8-15 at Reece)
Why SE Melbourne Homes Lose Heat
SE Melbourne’s winter temperatures drop to 5-8°C, and many older homes in Camberwell, Hawthorn, and Glen Waverley have single-glazed windows and solid wood doors with poor seals. Draughts around door frames and windows account for 15-20% of heat loss in these properties.
Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest, quickest energy-saving upgrades you can make. A weekend with weatherstripping tape and door seals costs less than $80 but saves $200-300 in heating costs over a winter. You’ll feel the difference immediately—cold spots disappear and rooms feel more comfortable.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Clean the frame surface with methylated spirits on a cloth. Remove dust, cobwebs, and debris. This helps the weatherstripping adhesive stick properly. Let it dry (1 minute).
- Peel back the adhesive backing and press the tape firmly into the frame groove, starting at the top. Use steady pressure—the tape should bond smoothly with no bubbles. Work your way down each side.
- Test the door seal by closing it gently. It should meet light resistance as the weatherstripping compresses. If it’s too tight, you’ve applied too much tape. If too loose, the tape may be in the wrong location.
- For doors with large gaps under the frame, install a draught stopper or door seal ($15-30 from Reece). This is a rubber or silicone strip that sits under the door and compresses when closed, blocking cold air.
- For exterior doors, consider a door sweep—an angled seal that sits over the bottom edge ($10-20 at Bunnings). Install with small screws provided.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Weatherstripping won’t stick | Surface too dirty or wet | Clean thoroughly with methylated spirits and let dry completely |
| Door is hard to close after weatherstripping | Tape too thick or misplaced | Remove tape and adjust placement 2-3mm inward into the frame |
| Cold air still comes under the door | Gap too large for tape alone | Add a draught stopper ($15-30) or door sweep ($10-20) |
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional if you have large gaps (over 10mm) that tape can’t cover, your frame is rotted or damaged, you want to seal cracks in external walls, or you’re considering double-glazing. Full window replacement costs $1000-3000 per window in SE Melbourne.
Tips & Gotchas
- Safety warning: Methylated spirits can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when cleaning. Ensure good ventilation when applying caulk—fumes are strong.
- Weatherstripping tape works best when outside temperatures are above 10°C. Apply it on a warm autumn day—cold weather slows adhesion.
- SE Melbourne’s high humidity in autumn means frames can be damp. Let surfaces dry completely before applying tape.
- Buy assorted tape thicknesses ($20-50 variety pack) from Bunnings—different doors have different gap sizes.
- Draught stoppers ($15-30) are essential for bottom door gaps and last 3-5 years, unlike tape which needs annual replacement.
- Window caulk is permanent—only use silicone caulk around fixed windows, not operable ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money will draught-proofing save me?
15-20% of heating costs on average. For a typical SE Melbourne home, that’s $200-400 saved per winter. ROI is usually within the first season.
Can I use weatherstripping on windows too?
Yes. Weatherstripping works on any operable window (sliding, hinged, casement). Don’t use it on fixed windows—caulk is better there.
How long does weatherstripping tape last?
12-24 months depending on weather exposure and traffic. External doors see more weathering. Plan annual replacement.
Should I draught-proof before or after getting double glazing?
Always start with draught-proofing first ($80-200). If heating is still inadequate after a winter, then invest in double glazing ($3000-5000).
Local Resources (SE Melbourne)
- Bunnings Hawthorn – Full weatherstripping range, door seals, draught stoppers
- Reece Plumbing Camberwell – Professional draught-proofing supplies
- Mitre 10 Glen Waverley – Weatherstripping tape, caulk, sealants
