Door Draft Guard

Introduction

As winter approaches, the battle against cold drafts sneaking into our homes through doors begins. These drafts, caused by pressure differences and the natural behavior of air, can make our homes uncomfortable and less energy-efficient. But worry not, a simple yet effective solution exists - door draft guards. These devices, also known as draught excluders or door snakes, are designed to prevent cold air from entering through gaps around doors. They come in various forms, materials, and designs, adding not only functionality but also a personalized touch to your home decor. This comprehensive guide will help you understand door drafts, explore different types of door draft guards, and guide you on choosing the best one for your home.

Understanding Door Drafts: Causes and Effects

Drafts are created when warm air in a home leaks out and gets replaced by cold air. Two primary causes for air drafts in a home are pressure differences between the interior and exterior air, and the natural behavior of warm air rising and cold air sinking. Drafty doors are often a result of worn down weatherstripping or gaps in the door's construction. Wood doors are more prone to being drafty, while fiberglass and steel doors are better at keeping out drafts. Addressing a drafty door is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort.

What is a Door Draft Guard?

A door draft guard, also known as a draught excluder, is a device designed to prevent cold air from entering a building through gaps around doors. It is typically placed at the bottom of a door to cover the gap located at the threshold. In the past, these draught excluders were often sausage-shaped and made from fabric stuffed with sawdust. Today, they come in various forms and materials, including tubular sand-filled fabric ones, commonly referred to as 'door snakes'.

Types of Door Draft Guards

Door draft guards, also known as door snakes, are designed to prevent cold air from slipping through the cracks of doors and windows. They are typically made from thick, durable fabric and filled with dry sand to keep them in place. There are different types of door draft guards, including the custom ones where you can choose the color, design, and even add personalized text. Some are even holiday-themed for a touch of winter cheer. These draft stoppers are not only functional but also add a personalized touch to your home decor.

Fabric Door Draft Guards

A fabric door draft guard, also known as a draft stopper, is a snakelike, cloth tube filled with materials like batting, rice, or beans. It's placed across gaps under doors and around windows, acting like fabric weatherstripping. This type of draft guard prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping, providing an effective solution for insulation. It's also an excellent soundproofing tool and can block out fumes and odors. Fabric door draft guards are easy to make at home, allowing for customization in terms of size, design, and filling material.

Slide-On Door Draft Guards

Slide-On Door Draft Guards are designed to fit the under-door gap tightly, blocking cold air, dust, or insects from entering the house. They're adjustable and can fit most single and twin doors. These draft guards feature a hook-and-loop fixation for smooth movement with the door. They offer double-sided noise-reduction and protection against pests. These guards are easy to clean, making them a practical and economical choice.

Double-Sided Door Draft Guards

Double-sided door draft guards offer superior protection against drafts. They're machine-washable, making it easy to maintain. Their material is durable, holding up well even with constant use. This double-sided door draft guard is easy to install and has been effective in blocking drafts, making it a popular choice among users.

How to Choose the Best Door Draft Guard

When shopping for a door draft stopper, measure your door’s width to ensure a proper fit. Consider the bulkiness of the stopper based on your room's space. For easy installation, choose door draft stoppers that are simple to set up. Also, ensure they work well on most surfaces for smooth door operation. Check product descriptions, FAQs, and customer reviews for these details.

Consider the Size and Design of Your Door

When considering the size and design of your door, the length of a door draft guard is essential to ensure it adequately blocks out the cold. Most doorways average around 36-inches wide, hence most door draft guards are 36-inches. For specialty sized doors like sliding glass doors or French doors, you'll need something nearly twice as long, around 71- to 72-inches long. Door draft guards come in different designs. A weighted draft stopper is portable and ideal for temporary use. A door seal adheres to the bottom of your door’s threshold for a more permanent solution. Under-door draft stoppers block out drafts more permanently without requiring you to move it each time you open the door.

Evaluate the Material and Durability

When choosing an under-door draft stopper, material and durability are key considerations. Draft stoppers are typically made of nylon, cotton, or polyester, with different fillings like foam bars or synthetic fillers. Some are lightweight, while others are heavy-duty. The weight of the draft stopper is crucial for its efficiency. A weighted draft stopper works better against chilly winds, dust, and insects. Also, ensure the draft stopper is durable enough to withstand wear and tear. Some door draft stoppers have a separate base material that helps prevent excessive wear and tear.

Check the Ease of Installation and Removal

Some door draft stoppers are designed for easy installation and removal. They can be installed in four simple steps: measure the door width and gap, insert the foam tubes, cut the foam if needed, fold and close the cover, and finally, slide it under the door. This ensures a correct fit and effective insulation. Unlike adhesive and loop draft stoppers, these products stay put and will not damage doors, making them a user-friendly and hassle-free solution to door drafts.

Review the Effectiveness and Customer Reviews

Some door draft stoppers are top choices, compatible with 30” to 36” wide doors and effectively blocking air, sound, and light. Others, made of non-toxic silicone, are resistant to temperature changes and easy to install. Some packs include two stoppers, versatile for both indoor and outdoor doors. Some door draft stoppers are machine washable and easy to remove, while others use a three-layer design for increased strength and noise reduction.

How to Install a Door Draft Guard

Installing a door draft guard is a simple process. First, choose a sturdy material to sew into the cylinder casing, ensuring it measures a few inches longer than the width of the door. Next, select the filling — batting, fleece, rice, or even cedar chips for a fresh, natural scent. Stuff the tube and stitch the ends closed. Remember not to overfill the tube. If it’s too stiff, it won’t fit snugly against the door. Your door draft guard is now ready to do its job!

Maintaining Your Door Draft Guard

Maintaining your door draft guard is crucial for its effectiveness and longevity. Regular cleaning is necessary as they accumulate dirt from floors and the outdoors. The cleaning method depends on the type of guard. Hard guards can be wiped with a surface cleaner, while fabric ones can be spot-cleaned or machine-washed if the cover is removable. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning. In high-traffic areas, consider cleaning the guards every time you clean your floors. Remember, a clean door draft guard not only keeps your house warm but also prevents dirt from entering.

Conclusion

Choosing the right door draft guard can significantly improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Whether you opt for a fabric, slide-on, or double-sided door draft guard, it's crucial to consider factors like size, design, material, durability, and ease of installation. Customer reviews can also provide valuable insights into a product's effectiveness. Once installed, regular maintenance of your door draft guard is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. With the right door draft guard, you can say goodbye to drafty doors and enjoy a warm, cozy home, no matter how cold it gets outside.