DIY fact sheet

Block the draughts in your home

Blocking the draughts around your home will help you maintain a comfortableindoor environment. Although it may seem insignificant, reducing air leakagein your home can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.Although gaps and draughts waste energy, it is important to keep note that acompletely air-tight home is not desirable. Some ventilation is necessary toreplace used internal air that contains odours, carbon dioxide and contaminants.Note: Homes heated by unflued gas heaters require a level of fixed ventilation.When draught proofing, it is important to ensure you allow for this requirement.

What you need

Some materials used to block the leaks include:

n Caulking compound, plaster or sealants

n Clear contact adhesive or skylight diffuser

n Insulation batts or chimney diffuser

n Self-closing extractor fan ‘cap’.

How to install

Firstly, you need to identify the sources of air leakage in your home. Obvious gaps canbe found by completing a visual inspection of each room. You can also feel around forair movement or hold a lit candle around suspected air leaks and watch for a flicker.Some common sources of air leakage and how to seal them are discussed below.

Fixed wall vents (FIG 1)Fixed wall vents are found in older homes and are no longer required underbuilding regulations. You can permanently seal the internal vent by filling it withcaulking compound, plaster or sealants. A simple temporary solution is to coverthe vent using a sheet of clear contact adhesive.

Vented skylights (FIG 2)You can reduce air leaked from a vented skylight by installing a clear plastic sealor light diffuser at the base of the skylight shaft. Diffusers are also available withtinting, which can help to further reduce summer heat gain.

Exhaust fansMost exhaust fans are not sealed to the outside air. You can fit a self-closing lid overthe outlet which blows open when the fan is on and falls shut when the fan stops.

Construction joints (FIG 3)Cracks and gaps between bricks, around plumbing intrusions and along the roofline are just some examples of air-leaks that can be found in your home as a resultof it moving over time. Caulking compounds that are silicone or latex based can beused to seal cracks and gaps. Silicone sealants are weather resistant and can beused for exposed areas. When working with sealants be sure to wear gloves anda face mask. Insert the sealant tube into the gun then ensure the surface of the

crack is clean. Carefully cover the entire gap or crack with sealant.

Windows and doors

See the ‘Seal your doors and windows to reduce draughts’ fact sheet for detailed resources.Resources Green it yourself: http://greenityourself.com.au/projects/watch-now-how-draught-proof-wall-vents, NABERS resources (sealing out draughts): http://nabers.com.au/page.aspx?cid=567&site=3, http://ateamnsw.com.au/pdf/sealing_out_draughts.pdf, http://www.refitnsave.org.au/products/draught-proof/120-sw-draft-proofing

Cracks and gaps between bricks, around plumbing intrusions and along the roof line are just some examples of air-leaks that can be found in your home as a result of it moving over time.

DIY Fact SheetBlock the draughts in your home

Blocking the draughts around your home will help you maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Although it may seem insignificant, reducing air leak-age in your home can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.

Although gaps and draughts waste energy, it is important to keep note that a completely air-tight home is not desirable. Some ventilation is necessary to replace used internal air that contains odours, carbon dioxide and contaminants. Note: Homes heated by unflued gas heaters require a level of fixed ventilation. When draught proofing, it is important to ensure you allow for this requirement.

What you need> Some materials used to block the leaks include:> Caulking compound, plaster or sealants> Clear contact adhesive or skylight diffuser> Insulation batts or chimney diffuser> Self-closing extractor fan ‘cap’

How to installFirstly, you need to identify the sources of air leakage in your home. Obvious gaps can be found by completing a visual inspection of each room. You can also feel around for air movement or hold a lit candle around suspected air leaks and watch for a flicker. Some common sources of air leakage and how to seal them are discussed below.

Fixed wall vents (FIG 1)Fixed wall vents are found in older homes and are no longer required under building regulations. You can permanently seal the internal vent by filling it with caulking compound, plaster or sealants. A simple temporary solution is to cover the vent using a sheet of clear contact adhesive.

Vented skylights (FIG 3)You can reduce air leaked from a vented skylight by installing a clear plastic seal or light diffuser at the base of the skylight shaft. Diffusers are also available with tinting, which can help to further reduce summer heat gain.

Exhaust fans (FIG 4)Most exhaust fans are not sealed to the outside air. You can fit a self-closing lid over the outlet which blows open when the fan is on and falls shut when the fan stops.

Construction joints (FIG 5)Cracks and gaps between bricks, around plumbing intrusions and along the roof line are just some examples of air-leaks that can be found in your home as a result of it moving over time. Caulking compounds that are silicone or latex based can be used to seal cracks and gaps. Silicone sealants are weather resistant and can be used for exposed areas. When working with sealants be sure to wear gloves and a face mask. Insert the sealant tube into the gun then ensure the surface of the crack is clean. Carefully cover the entire gap or crack with sealant.

Windows and doorsSee the ‘Seal your doors and windows to reduce draughts’ fact sheet for detailed information.

Cracks and gaps between bricks, around plumbing intrusions and along the roof line are just some examples of air-leaks that can be found in your home as a result of it moving over time.

ResourcesGreen it yourself: http://greenityourself.com.au/projects/watch-now-how-draught-proof-wall-vents, NABERS resources (sealing out draughts): http://nabers.com.au/page.aspx?cid=567&site=3, http://ateamnsw.com.au/pdf/sealing_out_draughts.pdf, http://www.refitnsave.org.au/products/draught-proof/120-sw-draft-proofing

THE HIlls sHIRE CounCIl3 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 PO Box 7064, Baulkham Hills BC 2153

Phone 02 9843 0555Facsimile 02 9843 0409

Email council@thehills.nsw.gov.auwww.thehills.nsw.gov.au

Prepared by Steplight on behalf of The Hills Shire Council. Reproduced with the permission of The Hills Shire Council.

Figures 1-3 Area to block draughts.

Figure 3

Figure 2

Figure 1