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Homes should 'feel warmer' after doing cheap DIY job 'from £3'
Key Points
Homes should 'feel warmer' after doing cheap DIY job 'from £3' The simple task requires very little skill and could quickly make a difference People could cut their energy bills by tackling one of the spots around their homes where heat escapes. A simple DIY fix costs just a few pounds but could mean paying less for your energy bills in the long run - and a warmer home. Applying a strip of decorator's caulk to skirting boards and window frames seals unsightly gaps and creates a smooth,...
Homes should 'feel warmer' after doing cheap DIY job 'from £3'
The simple task requires very little skill and could quickly make a difference
People could cut their energy bills by tackling one of the spots around their homes where heat escapes. A simple DIY fix costs just a few pounds but could mean paying less for your energy bills in the long run - and a warmer home.
Applying a strip of decorator's caulk to skirting boards and window frames seals unsightly gaps and creates a smooth, paint-ready finish. This project takes just minutes to do and requires just a handful of affordable tools - some costing as little as £3.
On Instagram, Georgina Bisby (@Georginabisby_diy) said: "Your annual reminder that a tube of decorators' caulk costs just a few pounds. If you've got draughts coming through small gaps around your skirting boards or where your window frames meet the walls, sealing them can help stop warm air escaping and cold air getting in.
"It's a quick, cheap DIY job that can make your home feel more comfortable in winter. And, if those gaps were letting draughts through, it could help cut your heating costs too."
People wanting to try this out will need to pick up a tube of decorator's caulk. As mentioned in the clip, tubes of the material are quite affordable from retailers such as B&Q, Wickes, and other DIY retailers.
Unless people are going to leave the caulk as-is, opt for an acrylic-based product, as it will be more suitable for painting. To dispense the caulk, a caulking gun will also be needed.
There are options available that squeeze straight from the tube, but these are meant for smaller 'touch-up' jobs and are often quite tough to push out compared to the versions that slot into a dedicated gun, which also costs just a few pounds from similar shops.
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People should have a damp cloth or pack of decorator’s wipes to hand. This will ensure a smooth finish and help catch any mistakes before they set in stone.
For an average UK home, you can expect to save around £55 every year on your heating bills. The Energy Saving Trust adds: "Draught-free homes are comfortable at lower temperatures, so you may be able to turn down your thermostat, saving even more on your energy bills."