Door Draught Excluders: Check These 4 Things Before You Buy
A draught excluder, also called a door seal or draught stopper, closes the gap under a door so less cold air, dust and noise get through. It only helps if it fits the gap and the door still opens and closes properly. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Download the original checklist image
1. Gap height
Close the door and measure the gap between its bottom edge and the floor at both ends and in the middle, because the floor may not be level. Compare the smallest and largest figures with the seal's gap range. A seal that is too thin leaves a draught, and one that is too thick can make the door hard to close. Note any threshold strip across the doorway.
2. Door width
Measure across the bottom of the door itself, not the frame around it. Many seals come in one length that you cut down, so check that the length is enough before you cut, and check which length the listed price is for. A loose draught snake that lies against the door should cover its full width.
3. Floor sweep
Open the door fully and look at the floor it passes over. A rug, door mat or thick carpet can catch a seal fixed to the bottom of the door, and the gap is smaller where the floor is higher. Measure the gap over that part of the floor as well, and check that the door can still open all the way.
4. Door face
A self-adhesive seal needs a clean, dry and smooth strip along the bottom of the door, so look for mouldings, grooves or flaking paint there. A seal that slides onto the bottom of the door has to suit the door's thickness, so measure it. On a fire door, ask the building manager before fitting anything that could stop it closing by itself.
Before you order
Keep the smallest and largest gap under the door, the width and thickness of the door, what it passes over and the finish along its bottom edge next to the seal's gap range, length, size and fitting method. After fitting, open and close the door a few times and check that it closes fully and does not drag. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Self-adhesive door bottom seal, 1 m or 2 m. Seller-listed: Images: 5 cm high, 1 m long; "Suitable for door bottom height 0-2.5 CM". Self-adhesive; 1 m or 2 m options. Listing text: TPE rubber; one image says high density silicone. (checked 2026-09-26). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Slide-on U-shaped door bottom seal, 93 cm, trim to fit. Seller-listed: Size 93 x 10.5 cm; images: 3 cm high, 4.5 cm across the bottom. PVC. Listing: "No need for adhesive-based. Simply insert the door draft stopper into the bottom of your door, then trim to desired length". Door thickness range not listed. (checked 2026-09-26). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gap height | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Door width | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Floor sweep | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Door face | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA LJUNGSNÄRJA draft stopper, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-26.