What is a door draft snake?

A door draft snake, also known as a draft stopper, is a simple device used to block drafts from underneath doors. It serves as an inexpensive and easy way to better insulate rooms and keep internal temperatures more consistent. Door draft snakes have long been a popular solution for minimizing energy loss and increasing comfort in homes and offices.

What is a Draft?

A draft is the unwanted flow of exterior air into a building through cracks, gaps, or openings. Drafts occur when there is a pressure difference on either side of a barrier, like a wall or door. The higher pressure air pushes through the openings into the lower pressure area. This influx of exterior air can create uncomfortable sensations of coldness. It also disrupts the climate control efforts in the interior space.

Some main causes of drafts in buildings include:

• Poorly sealed windows and doors
• Gaps beneath doors
• Cracks in foundations
• Openings around pipes, vents, electrical outlets, etc
• Attic hatches
• Fireplace dampers

Drafts are most noticeable around doors and windows. Even small gaps around these barriers allow substantial air infiltration. Drafts can make rooms feel drafty and chilly. They also force HVAC systems to work harder to maintain desired temperatures. Minimizing drafts is an important part of improving energy efficiency and comfort in buildings.

Why Block Drafts?

There are several key reasons why blocking drafts is beneficial:

Increased Comfort

Drafts create unpleasant sensations of cold due to the movement of air. Sealing gaps limits air movement, which helps maintain more consistent, comfortable temperatures.

Energy Savings

When cold outside air infiltrates a warm interior, it forces HVAC systems to work harder to compensate. Heating and cooling efficiencies drop significantly. Blocking drafts lessens air exchange rates, allowing HVAC systems to operate more efficiently.

Lower Energy Bills

Reduced HVAC runtimes directly translate into lower utility bills. Minimizing drafts is one of the most cost-effective ways to cut home heating and cooling costs.

Less Dust and Pollutants

Drafts allow more dust, pollen, and other allergy-causing particles into a home. Improving air sealing reduces the influx of these pollutants.

Less Noise

Just as drafts allow air movement, they also allow sound transmission from outside. Blocking drafts can noticeably reduce external noise pollution.

Moisture Control

Infiltrating outdoor air introduces higher levels of humidity indoors. This can encourage mold growth and other moisture issues. Controlling air leakage helps balance indoor humidity.

Pest Deterrent

Gaps in the building envelope provide entry points for pests. Sealing openings helps deter mice, insects, and other unwelcome household visitors.

What is a Door Draft Snake?

A door draft snake is a simple draft blocking device made from fabric and filled with a heavy material. It is designed to sit at the base of doors to seal the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor. Typical designs are long tubes that weigh down and conform to the space beneath a door.

The heavy filling inside a draft snake keeps it in place while also acting as an insulator. When positioned properly, there is outward pressure against the sides helping to fill any small gaps at the door’s edges. This creates an air seal that blocks drafts and helps control energy loss.

Door draft snakes are most commonly made using the following materials:

Fabric Exterior

The outer sleeve of a draft snake is typically made from durable fabrics. Common choices include canvas, denim, corduroy, and twill. These fabrics are flexible enough to conform to the door gap. They are also breathable, allowing the fill material to compress and expand slightly. The fabric covers of draft snakes may be sewn into a tubular shape or feature a removable zippered cover.

Filling

Popular fill options for draft snakes include:

• Rice – Cheap and readily available. Conforms to shape well.
• Beans – Similar benefits as rice. Widely available.
• Polyester Fiber Fill – Makes a soft, lightweight draft snake.
• Beads – Glass or plastic beads can conform to the space.
• Sand – Inexpensive and has good weight. Requires thick fabric to prevent leaks.
• Fabric Scraps – Old socks, rags, etc can be repurposed as fill.

The fill material adds weight to keep the draft snake in position. It also acts as a flexible insulator to slow air movement. Heavier fills made from sand, rice, or beads block drafts better than lightweight poly fill.

Advantages of Door Draft Snakes

Using a basic draft snake beneath doors offers some useful benefits:

Convenience

Draft snakes are quick and easy to install. Simply position one in front of each exterior door to immediately seal the gap, no tools required. They can be easily picked up and moved as needed.

Compatibility

The flexible fabric construction allows draft snakes to conform to a range of door configurations. They are effective for blocking straight gaps, rounded gaps, jambs, thresholds, and more. Almost any door can be sealed with a properly sized draft snake.

Affordability

Making your own draft snake is an extremely cheap DIY project. The fabric and fill materials are widely available and very affordable. Even pre-made draft snakes are fairly inexpensive, with many models costing $10-$30.

Portability

These devices are lightweight, compact, and have no parts to install. Draft snakes can be carried from room to room with ease. People in apartments or dorms often move them between spaces as needed.

Variety

A major advantage of draft snakes is the vast array of fabric choices available. Homemade versions can use leftover fabric scraps or old clothing. For a decorator touch, the outer sleeve can match room colors or designs.

Durability

With proper fabric and construction, draft snakes are durable devices that will last for years. They have no mechanical parts and require very little maintenance. Periodically shaking or airing them out helps maintain performance.

Disadvantages of Door Draft Snakes

While very useful, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider with draft snakes:

Limited Strength

Draft snakes can seal small gaps but may not block very large openings. Supplementing with caulk or weatherstripping may be needed in some cases.

Displacement

Lightweight draft snakes could shift out of place if doors are opened forcefully or there is foot traffic nearby. Heavier fill may be required for high traffic areas.

Compression

Over an extended period, some fill materials can compress. Rice and poly fill draft snakes may need occasional fluffing to maintain a snug fit.

Pest Concerns

Food fill like rice can attract mice or insects if proper precautions aren’t taken. Durable sealed fabric should prevent most problems.

Appearance

For some homeowners, a fabric sausage on the floor may look unsightly. Decorative fabric choices can help draft snakes blend into a room’s aesthetics.

Tripping Hazard

Positioning is important, as draft snakes can pose a tripping threat in high foot traffic areas. Keeping them tight to doorways reduces this risk.

How to Make a Draft Snake

Crafting a homemade door draft snake is an easy, fulfilling DIY project using basic sewing skills and inexpensive supplies. Follow these steps:

Choose Fabric

Almost any fabric can work, but medium weight cottons and upholstery fabrics hold shape well. For length, measure the width of your door and add 8-12 inches. Account for any shrinking if prewashing fabric.

Cut Fabric

Cut a rectangle of fabric double the desired width and about 2 inches longer than the measured length. This allows for 1 inch seam allowances.

Select Filling

Choose an appropriate fill material and measure out enough to densely fill the tube. Rice, dry beans, and beads work very well.

Form the Tube

With fabric wrong sides together, fold it in half lengthwise and sew the long edge using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Fill the Snake

Turn the tube right side out. Hand stitch the open short end closed or use a removable stitch. Fill the tube fully with your chosen material.

Stitch Closed

Make sure the snake is densely filled. Hand sew the opening completely closed using a whip stitch. Knot securely.

Place at Doors

Position your new draft snake with the stitches facing down. The weight of the fill will flatten it to conform beneath doors. Enjoy the draft elimination!

With some creativity, you can make draft snakes any shape or size needed. Round and “S” shaped versions can seal uniquely shaped doorways. Mini draft snakes are great for blocking window gaps. Make a set of different sizes to block drafts anywhere!

Purchasing Door Draft Snakes

While homemade versions are extremely affordable, you can also buy premade door draft snakes. Some benefits of purchasing draft snakes include:

No Sewing Required

Skip the work of measuring, cutting, and stitching the fabric yourself. Just order a pre-made draft snake in the perfect size.

Quality Materials

Manufactured models may use higher quality, more durable outer materials that resist staining, fading, and damage.

Fill Material Options

You can select specialized fill blends made to balance weight, compression resistance, and flexibility.

Shape Versatility

Find draft snakes designed specifically for unusual door configurations like rounded jambs or sliding doors. Unique shapes provide better seals.

Aesthetic Choices

Choose colors and patterns that seamlessly match your home’s style. Manufacturers offer much larger fabric selection than DIY projects.

Safety Additives

Some companies add pest deterrents to fills or use child/pet safe closing mechanisms on removable covers.

When purchasing, be sure to measure your door gap width and length to find a draft snake that will properly fit and block air. Prices typically range from about $10 for basic models up to $50 or more for larger snakes made with premium fabrics and fills. Even higher end options are very affordable draft sealing solutions.

Proper Installation

Getting the most benefit from a door draft snake depends on proper positioning:

Door Thresholds

For doors with raised thresholds, centralize the draft snake on the threshold. This evenly seals the gaps on both door sides.

Door Bottoms

For door bottoms without thresholds, position the draft snake on the floor surface right against the door’s edge.

Cutoff Excess Length

If your draft snake is longer than needed, center it and partially loop the excess length out of the way. Avoid tripping hazards.

Snug to Door

Make sure the draft snake sits flush against the door bottom with no gaps. The door should slightly compress the material when closed.

Check Frequently

Readjust the draft snake as needed if it shifts out of place from use. Check it monthly to maintain a tight seal.

Proper installation is quick and easy. For immediate draft blocking, simply position door draft snakes at problem locations. No tools or mechanical skills required!

Maintenance

To keep door draft snakes working optimally:

Fluff Regularly

If using a loose fill like polyester fiber or rice, fluff the snake monthly to avoid compression.

Shake Annually

Shake the draft snake to redistribute and re-densify the fill material inside the fabric casing.

Wash Occasionally

If soiled, gently wash removable fabric covers in cold water and mild detergent. Air dry fully before reinserting fill.

Check for Damage

Inspect the fabric for tears or leaks and re-stitch as needed. Fill any low spots for consistent density.

Freshen Stale Smells

Rice filled draft snakes can absorb surrounding odors. Freshen by airing out in sunlight or adding scented oils.

With occasional minor upkeep, a quality door draft snake will last for many years before needing replacement. Proper use and maintenance ensures optimal energy savings.

Alternative Draft Stopping Options

In addition to draft snakes, other effective draft blocking products include:

Window Seal Kits

Adhesive foam or rubber strips seal air gaps around windows when compressed by closing them.

Automatic Door Bottoms

These drop down gasket seals automatically close the gap beneath doors when latched.

Outlet Insulators

Inexpensive foam pads insert behind outlet covers to block drafts through receptacles.

Door Sweeps

Attached sweeps made of brush fibers or vinyl have a tighter seal than removable snakes.

Caulk & Foam Sealant

Permanently sealing cracks and gaps with caulk and expanding foam is very effective.

Plastic Film

Temporary plastic sheet kits adhere to frames as disposable window insulation during cold months.

Automatic Thresholds

Electronic thresholds drop down when doors close to seal the gap. Retract when doors open.

For best results, use a combination of sealing tactics to cover all potential air leakage sites. Permanent caulking paired with removable draft stoppers make an optimal defense against infiltration.

Conclusion

Installing door draft snakes is one of the simplest DIY home weatherization projects. At very little cost, these humble fabric tubes can seal annoying drafts from poorly fitted doors. Draft snakes are an extremely affordable solution for boosting energy efficiency in any home or apartment. Just position them properly at the base of doors to immediately block costly air leaks.