All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(152 products available)
As winter approaches, the challenge of keeping our homes warm and cozy becomes a priority. One of the most effective yet often overlooked solutions is the use of draft stoppers. These simple devices, filled with materials like batting, rice, or beans, are placed under doors and around windows to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Not only do they improve insulation and regulate room temperature, but they also serve as excellent soundproofing tools and can block out fumes and odors. This article will guide you through understanding draft stoppers, their types, how to choose the right one, and even how to make your own. Let's dive in and explore how to stay warm this winter with the ultimate guide to draft stoppers.
A draft stopper, also known as a draft blocker, is a snakelike, cloth tube filled with materials like batting, rice, or beans. It is placed across cracks under doors and around windows, acting like fabric weatherstripping. It prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping, serving as an excellent soundproofing tool and can also block out fumes and odors. This simple and quick solution improves insulation and regulates room temperature, providing a barrier where breezy gaps need to be sealed.
Draft stoppers are essential for improving insulation and regulating room temperature. They provide a barrier along the lower edge of doors, underneath windows, and across the front of fireplaces — anywhere breezy gaps need to be sealed. They prevent cold air from blowing inside, as well as keeping warm air from escaping. Additionally, they serve as an outstanding soundproofing tool and can shut out fumes and odors. Because draft stoppers keep air from flowing freely in and out of your home, they can save you big bucks on your energy bills.
Draft stoppers come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs. Some are top overall choices, while others are budget-friendly options. For exterior doors, consider a sturdy, weather-resistant model. There are also great under-door options. If you prefer fabric, there are many good picks available. Some draft stoppers use Velcro for easy adjustment, and others are magnetic. For extra-long doors, there are ideal options. Some offer a low-profile design, and others are perfect for soundproofing.
When shopping for a door draft stopper, measure your door’s width first to ensure the stopper fits your door. Consider the bulkiness of the stopper based on your room's space. A bulky stopper works for spacious rooms, while a slimmer one is ideal for saving space. Check the product description and FAQs to understand these aspects. Also, consider the ease of installation and how well the stopper works on different surfaces. You don't want a stopper that complicates the door's operation or ruins the door during installation.
A draft stopper, also known as a draft snake, is typically a tube of fabric filled with materials such as rice or beans. The choice of material is crucial as it determines the effectiveness of the draft stopper. Fabric is preferred for its flexibility and ease of use, while the filling material like rice or beans provides the necessary weight to keep the draft stopper in place. The material should be durable and able to withstand regular use. It's also important to consider the ease of cleaning the material.
Some door draft stoppers offer an adjustable size, covering gaps up to 1.5". This flexibility ensures a perfect fit for various door sizes, effectively blocking drafts. The product moves with the door, eliminating the need for repositioning when opening and closing the door. Its design and size make it suitable for front doors, back doors, bedroom doors, kitchen doors, bathroom doors, garage doors, and most types of windows. Remember, the right fit is crucial for a draft stopper to function effectively.
Installing a draft stopper is a simple process that anyone can undertake. First, measure the window seal or door against which you want to place the stopper to get the desired length. Cut and fold the material in half, sew a seam around two of the openings, and leave an opening for filling. Turn the material right-side out and begin filling it, preferably with rice. Once filled, tuck the ends of the opening in neatly and hand stitch it to secure the filler. For added security, stitch it tightly with your sewing machine. This DIY solution is an easy and effective way to stop drafts.
Installing a draft stopper is a simple process. First, choose a sturdy material to sew into the cylinder casing, ensuring it measures a few inches longer than the width of the door or window. Next, select the filling — batting, fleece, rice, or even cedar chips for a fresh, natural scent. Stuff the tube and stitch the ends closed. Your draft stopper is ready to do its job! Remember, don't overfill the tube. If it's too stiff, it won't fit snugly against the door or window.
Maintaining your draft stopper is crucial for its longevity and effectiveness. Regular cleaning is necessary as they collect dirt from your floors and outside. The cleaning frequency depends on the traffic of the area; high-traffic areas may require cleaning every time you clean your floors. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning. Hard stoppers can be cleaned with a stiff brush and your preferred cleaner, while fabric ones can be spot-cleaned or machine-washed if the cover is removable. Remember, a clean draft stopper not only keeps your house warm but also prevents dirt from entering.
A DIY door draft stopper is a simple and cost-effective solution to prevent cold drafts. It's an easy sewing project that requires basic materials like fabric, thread, a sewing machine, measuring tape, and rice. The process is straightforward and can be completed in about 15 minutes. These draft stoppers are particularly useful for old, drafty houses, rental properties, or homes with open floor plans. They can be conveniently stored when not in use and are an excellent addition to your winter home maintenance routine.
Creating DIY draft stoppers requires a variety of materials, depending on the design. Common materials include thick fabric like fleece, sand, plastic bags, patchwork fabric, crushed walnut shells, rice, cat litter, cotton fabric, old denim, cotton batting, dry beans or lentils, wood grain fabric, lace trim, doilies, pom poms, faux fur rugs, mismatched socks, quilt batting, popcorn, dried beans, pool noodles, pillowcases, fabric scraps, crochet yarn, upcycled plastic bags, and long socks or tights. The choice of materials depends on the desired look and weight of the draft stopper.
Creating a DIY Door Draft Stopper is a simple task, even for beginners. It requires minimal materials: fabric, thread, a sewing machine, measuring tape, and rice. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs between $0-$10. The draft stopper can be stored conveniently when not in use, such as hanging in a laundry room. These DIY draft stoppers are effective in keeping the cold air out and the warm air in, making them a fantastic frugal winter sewing project.
Draft stoppers are an essential tool for maintaining a warm and comfortable home during the winter months. They come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs, and the right choice depends on your door's width, the room's space, and the stopper's material and size. With easy installation and maintenance, these devices can effectively block drafts and save you significant amounts on your energy bills. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, creating a DIY draft stopper is a simple and cost-effective solution. Remember, the right fit is crucial for a draft stopper to function effectively. So, as winter approaches, consider investing in or creating your own draft stopper to keep your home cozy and warm.