How much does draught proofing cost? [January 2026]

How much does draught proofing cost?
 

Draught proofing is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to make your home feel warmer and more energy-efficient.

For a typical UK home, whole-house draught proofing usually costs £225 inc VAT (£150 - £300). It can be done on doors, windows, floors, chimneys, loft hatches and letterboxes, with the final price mostly depending on how many areas need sealing.

Check out the table below for a quick overview of average draught-proofing costs in London and across the rest of the UK. We’ll then break down the cost and what’s involved for each area in more detail later in this guide.

How much does it cost to draught proof doors?

Draught-proofing doors focuses on sealing gaps around external doors where cold air enters and warm air escapes. This usually includes fitting seals around the door frame and installing a brush strip or sweep along the bottom of the door.

Cost: £15 - £35 inc VAT per door in London and £10 – £25 inc VAT in the rest of the UK.

How long does it take? It should take roughly 30 - 45 minutes to draught-proof a door

Draught-proofing doors is one of the most effective improvements you can make, particularly for front and back doors. It helps reduce cold drafts in hallways and living areas and improves overall comfort.

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How much does it cost to draught proof windows?
 

Windows are a common source of draughts, especially in older properties that have single glazing. Draught-proofing windows usually involves installing weatherstrips or brush seals around the window frame to close gaps while still allowing the window to open and close properly.

Cost: Window draught-proofing typically costs £15 - £35 per window in London and £10 - £25 inc VAT elsewhere in the UK.

How long does it take? 30 - 45 minutes on average to draught-proof a window

This is a popular alternative to replacing windows and can significantly reduce heat loss from sash and older casement windows at a much lower cost.

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How much does it cost to draught proof a letterbox?
 

Letterboxes allow cold air to enter even when doors are closed. Draught-proofing usually involves fitting a brush or flap that blocks airflow.

Cost: Draught-proofing a letterbox typically costs £10 - £20 in London and £5 - £10 in the rest of the UK.

How long does it take? It should take roughly 15 minutes to draught-proof a letter box

Although small, this improvement can make a noticeable difference to hallway temperatures and is one of the cheapest draught-proofing measures available.

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How much does it cost to draught proof a chimney?
 

Unused or rarely used chimneys can be a major source of heat loss. Draught-proofing a chimney usually involves installing a removable chimney balloon or draught excluder inside the flue.

Cost: Chimney draught-proofing typically costs £20 – £40 inc VAT in London and £15 – £35 inc VAT elsewhere in the UK.

How long does it take? It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to draught-proof a chimney.

This is especially effective in living rooms and bedrooms with unused fireplaces and can significantly reduce cold drafts.

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How much does it cost to draught proof a loft hatch?
 

Loft hatches are often poorly sealed, allowing warm air to escape into the loft. Draught-proofing typically involves sealing around the edges of the hatch and sometimes adding insulation.

Cost: Draught-proofing a loft hatch usually costs £15 – £35 inc VAT in London and £10 – £25 inc VAT in the rest of the UK.

How long does it take? Around 20 - 30 minutes to draught-proof a loft hatch.

Sealing a loft hatch improves energy efficiency and works best when combined with proper loft insulation.

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How much does it cost to draught proof floorboards?
 

Gaps between floorboards are common in older homes and allow cold air to rise from below. Draught-proofing floorboards involves sealing these gaps using flexible materials that allow the wood to expand naturally.

Cost: Draught-proofing floorboards typically costs £60 – £120 inc VAT per standard room in London and £30 – £60 inc VAT per room elsewhere in the UK, depending on the size of the area.

How long it takes: Usually 1 - 2 hours for a standard room, depending on floor size and the number of gaps.

This can noticeably improve comfort in ground-floor rooms, especially those above basements or unheated spaces.

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What other factors affect the cost of draught proofing your home?
 

There will be a few other factors that will determine the final price you'll pay to draught proof your home, such as the size and age of your property, who you book with and when you end up booking.
 

1. Size and age of your property
 

It goes without saying that the bigger your home, the more it will cost to draught-proof the whole property. Older homes also tend to have more draught points, like single-glazed windows, warped doors, or gaps in floorboards - all of which can increase the overall price.

2. When you book

Timing can affect costs too. Many handymen or draught-proofing services charge extra for weekends, early mornings, late evenings, or bank holidays. Short-notice bookings can also come with a premium, so planning ahead can save you money.
 

3. Who you book with
 

Booking a sole trader for draught proofing is usually cheaper, but going through a larger tradesperson or professional company comes with extra benefits. Professional services often offer more flexible scheduling, instant online booking, a wider choice of available slots, and a dedicated customer service team to support you if anything goes wrong, which can make the higher cost worthwhile.
 

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DIY or hire a pro: what’s the best way to draught proof your home?
 

You can definitely draught proof your home yourself if you want to save some money. But it can take time, and the results might not look as neat or last as long as a professional job. See below for a summary of the pros and cons of draught-proofing yourself or booking with a professional.
 

DIY draught proofing

Pros:

• Cheaper than hiring a pro
• Easy for small gaps
• Can be done whenever suits you

Cons:

• Easier to miss hidden draughts
• Less effective on uneven or older doors/windows
• Finish may look untidy

Professional draught proofing

Pros:

• More thorough and long-lasting
• Better finish and improved energy efficiency
• Ideal for older or larger homes
• Professionals can identify hidden draughts

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Availability may vary based on location
   

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Is draught proofing worth the cost?
 

Absolutely. Draught proofing is one of the most cost-effective home improvements. It reduces heat loss, lowers energy bills, and creates a warmer, more comfortable home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught could help save you around £85 a year in energy bills, so many homeowners recoup the cost within a year! ^[1]

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Where can I get a quote for draught-proofing my home?
 

If you’re looking to hire a sole trader, local social media groups or online directories are a good place to start. Make sure to check photos of previous work and read customer reviews before booking.

However, the easiest way to find a trusted handyman is to go through a professional service like Housekeep. Just tell us what needs draught proofing, and we’ll provide an instant price. We'll send a tried and trusted handyman at a time and day that suits you.
 

Sources

1. Energy Saving Trust: Draught proofing

Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.