Sealing gaps around skirting boards and window frames with decorator's caulk, a DIY job costing as little as £3, can stop draughts, make homes feel warmer and save around £55 a year on heating bills for an average UK home.
Simple DIY fix for draughts
Applying a strip of decorator's caulk to skirting boards and window frames seals unsightly gaps and creates a smooth, paint-ready finish. The project takes just minutes to complete and requires only a handful of affordable tools, some costing as little as £3.
On Instagram, Georgina Bisby (@Georginabisby_diy) said: "Your annual reminder that a tube of decorators' caulk costs just a few pounds. If you've got draughts coming through small gaps around your skirting boards or where your window frames meet the walls, sealing them can help stop warm air escaping and cold air getting in."
What you need and how to apply
She added: "It's a quick, cheap DIY job that can make your home feel more comfortable in winter. And, if those gaps were letting draughts through, it could help cut your heating costs too."
People wanting to try this will need a tube of decorator's caulk, which is affordable from retailers such as B&Q, Wickes and other DIY stores. Unless the caulk is to be left as-is, an acrylic-based product is recommended as it is more suitable for painting. A caulking gun is also needed to dispense the caulk.
There are options that squeeze straight from the tube, but these are meant for smaller touch-up jobs and are often tough to push out compared with versions that slot into a dedicated gun, which also costs just a few pounds.
Potential savings on heating bills
A damp cloth or pack of decorator's wipes should be kept to hand to ensure a smooth finish and catch any mistakes before they set. For an average UK home, savings of around £55 every year on heating bills can be expected.
The Energy Saving Trust adds: "Draught-free homes are comfortable at lower temperatures, so you may be able to turn down your thermostat, saving even more on your energy bills."
