Watts Worth It guide

Draught proofing that genuinely helps

UK guide to draught proofing that genuinely helps, with current official figures, a worked example, practical checks, rules and installer questions.

Illustration showing a homeowner sealing unwanted gaps around a door and window while a deliberate wall vent remains open

At a glance

Short answer

Draught proofing that genuinely helps cannot be judged from one national average; use the figures below as context and rely on a property survey, an itemised quotation and the rules that apply where you live.

What this guide covers

This page brings together draught proofing that genuinely helps, preparing you to compare written proposals without treating general guidance as a site-specific design.

For draught proofing that genuinely helps, identify the construction, existing defects and moisture risks before choosing a measure; Insulation must work with ventilation, rain protection and the way the building manages water vapour.

Current reference figures

  • 33%: For draught proofing that genuinely helps, energy Saving Trust says walls account for around 33% of heat loss in an uninsulated home. Official context (accessed 27 September 2026).
  • 270 mm: For draught proofing that genuinely helps, its loft guidance uses 270 mm as the minimum recommendation for new builds. Official context (accessed 27 September 2026).
  • £2,200: For draught proofing that genuinely helps, its September 2026 typical cavity-wall installation cost is about £2,200. Official context (accessed 27 September 2026).

For draught proofing that genuinely helps, these numbers are comparison anchors rather than promised costs, savings or performance; confirm the date, eligibility conditions and property assumptions behind every figure in a quotation.

How to compare proposals

For draught proofing that genuinely helps, ask the surveyor to show continuity at eaves, floors, openings and junctions; Small untreated gaps can undermine comfort and create cold surfaces even when the main area is insulated.

For draught proofing that genuinely helps, record the intended thermal result, ventilation changes, preparation, finishes and making good; Monitor humidity and visible defects after the work instead of judging success from appearance alone.

Worked household example

A three-bedroom semi-detached household in Leeds is assessing draught proofing that genuinely helps, so it records present energy use and asks three suppliers to quote the same scope; one quotation is set aside because access work and commissioning are omitted, a second gives a plausible headline result without its supporting calculation, and the third progresses because its survey, assumptions, exclusions, warranties and responsibilities can be checked line by line.

This draught proofing that genuinely helps example does not identify a universally best product; it demonstrates why comparable evidence should influence the decision before the equipment choice does.

UK rules and responsibilities

For draught proofing that genuinely helps, check which planning, network, consumer-protection and funding requirements apply in the relevant UK nation; confirm the council, network operator and scheme administrator before signing, and request written cancellation information for a distance or off-premises contract.

Questions to ask

  • What property evidence supports this recommendation?
  • Which calculations determine the proposed specification?
  • What work and permissions are excluded?
  • Which warranties apply, and who handles claims?
  • What commissioning evidence will I receive?
  • Which current standards govern the work?

Independent sources

Last updated .