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How to weatherproof your home for winter

Window seals being applied along the edge of a window

Overview

Do away with draughts by sealing around door and window jambs with self-adhesive foam strip.

Tools and materials

Tools and materials

    Steps

    1Measure the jamb

    To determine which seal to buy, close the door or window and, from the outside, check the size of the gap between it and the jamb (the part of the frame that stops the door or window from opening). From the inside, measure the width of the jamb and around the inside. We used a 9mm-wide brown seal to match the timber jamb, with a thickness of 8mm, which will seal gaps from 5mm to 8mm. A five-metre roll was just enough to seal around a standard large front door.

    A tape measure being used to measure the length of a window, to allow for economic use of window seal

    2Clean the area

    Clean around the jamb with a warm damp cloth to remove dust and grease, then leave the surface to dry thoroughly, so that the seal adheres.

    The edge of a window being wiped clean with a rag before seals are fitted

    3Apply seal lengthways

    Position the sticky side of the seal to run it along the top of the jamb, trim the end with a utility knife, run a finger lightly along the seal, then remove the paper. Avoid stretching or pulling the seal as this will affect the stickiness.

    Backing paper being removed from a length of window seal applied to the edge of a window

    4Apply seal to sides

    Position the seal at the top corner to run it down the side of the jamb, trimming at the base with a utility knife and removing the paper. Repeat with the other side.

    Tip: Check the window or door closes properly. If it sticks to the non-adhesive side of the new seal and pulls it from the jamb, simply reposition the seal and dust along the outside with talcum powder to prevent sticking. 

    Window seals being applied along the edge of a window

    5Need more inspiration for your home?

    Check out our D.I.Y. Advice for more tips on how to improve your home.

    Photography: Natasha Dickins 

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    Health & Safety

    Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

    Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.