Design & DIY 7 easy ways to stop the drafts in your cottage By Allan Britnell Published: March 4, 2021 Updated: March 26, 2024 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by laura.h/Shutterstock Draft detector Not sure where the air is leaking in? On a windy day, light a candle or incense stick and then pass it closely in front of the likeliest areas — around window and door frames, along the baseboards, and around electrical outlets and light switches. Take note of any areas where the flame or smoke flickers. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by veryulissa/Shutterstock Caulk the gaps Caulk around window and doorframes (being careful to avoid any moving parts) and along the top and bottom of baseboards. Buy a colour that matches the shade of your trim, or opt for clear to blend in. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by FotoDuets/Shutterstock Foam sweet foam For any gaps larger than about ¼” wide, you’ll want to seal those with spray foam. One place to look is on the outside wherever your waterline, hydro, and other services penetrate the exterior wall. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Audrius Merfeldas/Shutterstock Weatherstripping Another easy DIY project is to buy weatherstripping kits which include a door sweep and peel-and-stick foam for exterior doors. You can also lay a “door snake” along the inside of the door to block the gap. You can buy these or make one yourself from an old shirt sleeve or pant leg. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Chumrit Tejasen/Shutterstock Window film kits If your windows are just single panes of glass, you can temporarily seal them for the colder months with plastic film kits that you stick in place. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by MSPhotographic/Shutterstock The light brigade Drafts can also creep in through your light switches and electrical outlets. Remove the faceplates and install fitted foam gaskets in behind. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by backpacker79/Shutterstock And, curtains Finally, on really windy days, close the curtains for an added layer of protection. View in Fullscreen Related galleries 5 CL-approved DIY tricks to simplify life at the cottage Bestselling author Bryn Turnbull’s family cottage used to be covered in frog tchotchkes. Now, it’s a Georgian Bay gem 6 winter maintenance tasks that you never want to ignore 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 easy ways to stop the drafts in your cottage The cool breezes coming off the lake can be refreshing, but you don’t want them inside the cottage when the windows are closed. Here are some tips for finding and fixing the air leaks. Related Story 9 ways to make your cottage safer in winter