A draughty house can make Australian homes feel colder in winter, hotter in summer, and harder to keep comfortable year-round. The good news is that many draughts are easy to track down and fix with basic DIY, while more stubborn leaks may need a licensed tradesperson.
If you want to improve comfort and reduce wasted heating or cooling, start by finding where air is getting in and out of the home. In many cases, the problem is less about one big gap and more about several small leaks around doors, windows, ceiling fittings, vents, floorboards, and wall penetrations.
How To Find A Draught
Begin on a windy day or when the temperature difference between inside and outside is noticeable. Turn off fans and air conditioning so you can better feel moving air. Walk slowly through the house and pay attention to common leak points.
- Doors and windows: Feel around the edges, especially the bottom corners and latch side.
- Ceiling manholes and downlights: These are frequent sources of air leakage in many homes.
- Skirting boards and floor edges: Gaps here can be noticeable in older timber homes.
- Under sinks and behind cupboards: Service holes and pipe entries can let air through.
- Fireplaces and chimneys: An unused fireplace can act like a chimney for indoor air.
- Wall vents and exhaust openings: Some are necessary, but damaged or poorly sealed ones can leak more than they should.
A simple candle, incense stick, or tissue test can help reveal movement of air. Move it slowly near suspect gaps and watch for flickering, smoke movement, or the tissue being pulled. Be careful with open flame around curtains, timber, or insulation.
If you have access to the roof space or subfloor, inspect for daylight where there should not be any, damaged insulation, gaps around penetrations, or openings where pipes and cables pass through framing. In some homes, draughts are caused by poor sealing rather than missing insulation.
Common Places Draughts Come From
Australian homes vary widely, from older weatherboard cottages to brick veneer, apartment units, and new builds to the National Construction Code. Each type has its own usual leak points. The table below shows common sources and practical fixes.
| Area | What To Look For | Typical Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Doors | Light visible under the door, rattling, cold air at the frame | Door seals, draught excluder, door sweep |
| Windows | Gaps in sashes, worn seals, cracked sealant | Replace weather seals, re-caulk, adjust fittings |
| Ceiling penetrations | Downlights, fans, manhole edges | Gap sealing and appropriate covers or sealing systems |
| Floorboards | Noticeable air movement from below | Seal gaps, underfloor insulation where suitable |
| Service penetrations | Openings around pipes, cables, and vents | Use suitable sealant or foam where appropriate |
Homes in coastal, alpine, or very hot inland parts of Australia can feel draughts differently depending on the season. A gap that seems minor in summer can become obvious in winter when the pressure difference and wind increase.
How To Fix A Draught Safely
Start with the simplest fixes first. Many jobs are suitable for confident DIYers using products from Bunnings or Mitre 10, such as weather seals, door snakes, caulks, gap fillers, and adhesive draft strips.
- Fit door seals: Add or replace seals around the frame and a door sweep along the bottom.
- Seal window gaps: Re-caulk cracked joints with a suitable interior or exterior sealant.
- Use a draught stopper: A door snake or weighted draft stopper can help at external doors.
- Close obvious gaps: Seal around skirting board gaps, pipe penetrations, and gaps near cabinetry.
- Improve access covers: Seal manhole edges and ensure covers sit properly.
Choose products suited to the surface and location. For example, exterior gaps need weather-resistant sealants, while interior cosmetic fixes may be handled with paintable gap filler or sealant from brands such as Selleys, Dulux, Taubmans, or British Paints-compatible prep products. If you are painting after sealing, allow products to cure properly and follow label instructions.
Do not block necessary ventilation points, such as gas appliance ventilation or wet area exhaust requirements. A home should be draught-resistant where appropriate, not sealed so tightly that it becomes unsafe or unhealthy.
When To Call A Licensed Tradesperson
Some draught repairs are simple, but others should be handled by a licensed professional. In Australia, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Gas appliance issues, including any work on gas heaters, flues, or gas lines, must be done by a licensed gasfitter. Plumbing-related sealing around drains or fixtures may also require a licensed plumber, depending on the job and state rules.
Call a qualified professional if the draught appears to involve:
- downlights, ceiling wiring, or switches
- gas wall heaters, cooktops, or hot water systems
- persistent moisture, mould, or water entry
- structural gaps, cracked framing, or moving building elements
- roof, subfloor, or facade access that is unsafe
If you are unsure, check with your state or territory Fair Trading or building regulator about licensing requirements, and choose a licensed trade who understands the National Construction Code and safe building practices. For higher-risk work, Safe Work Australia guidance is also a useful reference for hazards and controls.
Make The Home More Comfortable Long Term
Once the obvious draughts are sealed, consider whether your home would benefit from broader improvements. Quality insulation, well-fitted window coverings, ceiling hatch seals, and properly installed building components from trusted Australian manufacturers such as CSR Gyprock, James Hardie, or BlueScope Colorbond products can all support a more comfortable home envelope when used appropriately.
It is also worth reviewing any renovation or maintenance work that may have created new gaps over time. Even a well-kept house can develop draughts as seals age, hardware loosens, or building movement occurs. A regular seasonal check before winter and again before summer is a practical habit for Australian households.
For homeowners who want to compare options and decide which fixes are worth doing first, it often helps to start with the cheapest, easiest sealing jobs before moving to larger upgrades. If your home still feels uncomfortable after the basics are addressed, a building professional can assess where air leakage is coming from and recommend the right next step.
For help beyond DIY, you can also look to Trade Directory NZ.
Ready to get it sorted? Find qualified local trade professionals on Aussie Trade Directory and connect with the right help for your home.