Tools and materials
Draught-excluding strips of different material, thickness and width, a spatula or chisel to remove the remains of the old strips or loose paint; sandpaper is optional; a cloth to clean surfaces.

Check the condition of your windows and doors
o�Draught-excluding strips in windows and doors do just what their name says: prevent currents of cold air from coming into your house.� The draughts flow through windows or doors that are ill-fitting because of poor quality manufacturing, old materials and expansion or dampness, especially when the windows or doors are made of wood.
o Wind and water also come in through the joints between a windowpane and the frame. If the silicone, putty or strips of wood are in poor condition you should� repair them immediately.
o Don't forget to check the seam between the window frame and the wall itself. Window and water come in through there, too. You can close those gaps with special putty.
o Seams between cases housing self-rolling blinds and the wall must be in perfect condition. This is another potentially problematic place. The same applies to mailboxes attached to the front doors of some homes.
o Draft excluders deteriorate with time, so you will have to replace them every so often. With the arrival of each new season have a look at them and change the ones that are worn out.
o Check if the wood has moisture and if the frames and metal sheets are rusty. If so you must restore them first.

Kinds of draught excluders
o There are many different kinds which adapt to all kinds of structures, such as new wood, old wood, aluminum, etc.
o The most common materials are foam rubber and rubber.
o Shapes also vary. They can be flat or curved, like small tubes, to fit better in grooves and uneven spots.
o Do not forget that these devices are emergency, partial solutions to insulation problems. If the grooves are very big, over the mid-term the best solution will be to replace the window with a better one, including the frame if necessary.

How to install them
o If the frames have old draught-excluders on them, remove them. You may have to use a spatula or chisel.
o With wood-frame windows, check to see if the paint or varnish is still adhering well. If not you must remove it with a spatula, chisel or sandpaper.
o With a damp cloth clean the area where you are going to install the draught excluder. Let dry before proceeding.
o Measure and cut the new draught-excluding strip. So that the ends fit well in corners, it is best to cut at 45-degree angles. Remove the self-sticking protective cover and put the strip in place, pressing firmly along its entire length.

Where best to install draught-excluders
o Although different situations may make you change your mind, it is best to place the excluders on the frame in such a way that when you close, the edge compresses the excluders.
o On the hinge side it is best to place the draught excluder on the lateral surface; this way the edge of the window presses the excluder tight in an area where awkward fits are common.
o Don't hesitate to install excluders on the front door of your home; and use adhesive strips or tilting ones with hinges to keep cold from coming in underneath the door.

A few tips
o Although it may seem pointless, lower your blinds or close you shutters when you no longer need sunlight. This saves energy. There are insulated models that work even better.
o Avoid creating draughts within the house. If you have floorboards placed over thick wooden beams, check the joints next to the walls and at the baseboards to make sure they are properly sealed.
o Rugs also help keep the house warm.
o If you are remodeling, don't forget to install storm windows. And if you are installing a new heating system, if possible place the radiators under windows.�