DRAUGHT PROOFING IN REFURBISHMENT
PROGRAMMES
Draught proofing is one of the most inexpensive and effective energy
efficiency measures for any size of building - yet
it is too often overlooked. Some 1.5 million commercial and industrial
buildings in the UK could benefit from adequate draught proofing. Draught proofing offers the quickest return, frequently paying for itself
within a year and then saving year after year.
Around 10% of the fuel bill
in large or small premises can be cut by fitting British Standard
quality draught proofing to all windows and external doors. Draughts can
cause major discomfort, particularly in older buildings,
leading to unhealthy working and living conditions, as cold, damp air is
forced in and warm air is drawn out. It also guards against ingress of rain
and snow, causing internal damage. A lower temperature is acceptable in a
draught-free atmosphere, encouraging productivity.
Draught proofing will help reduce the overall cost of
maintenance. It can be carried out within maintenance contracts on a 'prior
to paint' basis.
Only durable draught proofing should be fitted and
supplied by DPAA members, as tested by the BSI to last for ten years. A
20-year guarantee is available on BS products supplied by DPAA
manufacturers. A poor quality product may only last a year and is poor value
for money and effort.
There are many types of product available - for
factory and other external doors; internal doors to protect sensitive
computer equipment; for fire doors; and for around windows - metal, timber
or sash. Products are made in many materials and can merge with surroundings,
or make a bold statement in attractive colours to match the decor in
prestige offices or apartments.
To ensure quality of fit to maximise comfort and energy saving benefits,
employ a professional DPAA member, skilled in
fitting a wide range of durable products to the BS Code of Practice 7880.
For local members click:
Directory of Members
Local authorities and housing associations can benefit
from Energy Efficiency Commitment grants for social housing, available
through energy suppliers. When social landlords are faced with the need to
replace old and draughty windows, typically such a programme may need
financing over, say, seven years. It can however still be viable to draught
proofing existing windows and doors alongside the replacement programme.
Housing scheduled for the latter part of the contract can benefit
considerably by being draught proofed at little extra cost - as can those
windows and doors not included in the replacement programme.
STANDARDS & GUARANTEES
Only British Standard draught proofing materials should be fitted -
preferably by DPAA installers working to the BS
Code of Practice.
British Standard 7386: 1990 Revised 1995: is the Specification for
Draughtstrips for the Draught Control of Existing Doors & Windows in
Housing. This standard represents an important step forward in terms of
raising quality and performance of draught proofing products.
British Standard 7880 1997: Code of Practice for Draught Control of
Existing Doors and Windows in Housing Using Draught Strips: This Code of
Practice covers the method of fitment and contractor members are bound to
abide by this. It is important to remember that every installation is only
as good as the contractor employed. For this reason the Association offers a
list of recognised local installers. Click on
Register of Members.
DPAA manufacturers and distributors offer a 20-year
warranty on their BS 7386 products, provided they are properly installed in
line with manufacturers' instructions and industry technical guidelines, by an
approved installer (ask for terms).
TYPES OF DRAUGHT PROOFING
The wide range of draught proofing products on the market uses diverse
materials, types of strip, fixing methods and operation. Overall these fall
into two categories - compression seals and wiper seals.
Compression seals are used where the fixed and moving edges of a door or
window are butted together in the closed position. They are designed to
deform at these points and fill the gap between them. Provided these are
properly positioned, with correct clearance to operate without the need for
excessive force to compress them, compression/deflection seals are one of
the simplest, most cost effective ways to draught proof the vast majority of
windows and doors.
Wiper seals, or seals with a low coefficient of friction, must be used
for sliding sash windows and sliding doors. They can also be used on hinged
doors and windows. These surface mounted seals form an effective barrier to
air movement around perimeters, without creating excessive friction.
For factory-fitted strips - for new and replacement windows - a 'foot'
mounting is common, formed to fit into a groove, within the frame. Some
strips have a hard foot to simplify installation; others are pushed into
place using a simple hand tool.
Draught Proofing Product Register available from
Draught Proofing Advisory Association.
For draught proofing suppliers click on:
Directory of Members
Controlled Ventilation
Certain precautions can be taken to preserve essential ventilation, by
those responsible for an insulation programme. A reduction of total air
changes to a minimum of around 0.5 per hour - from the ten or more often
present in a situation without draught proofing - should provide the
necessary requirement.
Controlled ventilation by means of motorised or natural wind assisted
extractors can be installed, as these are helpful in alleviating
condensation. In large buildings, it may be practical to install heat
exchangers, which remove stale air, but utilise the existing heated air to
warm up incoming air.
In contrast, the simple method of omitting draught proofing in areas
prone to condensation, may well be sufficient. Vents serving flued
appliances must not be touched.
