Best Door Brush Strips for Draught Proofing: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
If you live in a period property, you are likely familiar with the dreaded winter draught. Timber doors, particularly in older Victorian terraces, are prone to warping and shifting with the seasons. A door that fits perfectly in July might have a noticeable gap by December.
Ideally, we would machine a groove into the door frame and fit a permanent carrier with a weather seal—this is standard practice for the bespoke doors I craft at DR Joinery. However, for existing doors where full refurbishment isn't in the budget, a high-quality self-adhesive brush strip is often the next best solution.
In this review, I've selected three brush strips suitable for retrofit draught proofing. I'll look at a budget roll for general sealing, a premium option with industrial adhesive that actually sticks to gloss paint, and a deep-bristle solution for those uneven floors that are so common in our area.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Self-Adhesive 'Permanent' Claims"
"Manufacturers claim you can just peel and stick these strips, and they will stay there forever."
On external timber frames, moisture and temperature fuctuations often cause standard adhesives to fail within a winter. Using panel pins or small tacks at the ends creates a true mechanical fix.
The Spec: "Soundproofing Benefits"
"Brush strips claim to offer significant noise reduction."
Whist they stop the whistling of wind (which is noisy), a brush is porous. It won't stop traffic noise like a solid rubber compression seal or a proper acoustic drop-seal will.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
AFAXINRIE Draft Excluder for Doors, Draught Excluder for Windows, 5 Meters(L) x 9 mm(W) x 9mm(T)
AFAXINRIE
This is a straightforward, no-nonsense specific option suitable for general internal gaps. The 9mm pile is dense enough to stop air flow but soft enough not to prevent the door from latching—a common issue with cheaper rubber seals.
The Good
- Excellent price per metre (£1.60/m)
- Soft pile accommodates slightly warped doors well
- Grey colour blends well with modern paint finishes
The Bad
- Adhesive is standard grade - requires very clean surface
- Pile can flatten over time in high-traffic areas
Installer Tip:
Before sticking this to a painted frame, wipe the timber down with meths or sugar soap to remove grease. Even the best glue won't stick to kitchen grime or handling marks.
Priced at £7.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTapel Brush Weather Stripping with 3M 9448 - Super Strength Sealant Thermal Insulation
Tapel
In the trade, we know that 3M adhesives are the gold standard. The primary failure point of DIY brush strips is the tape peeling off after a cold snap. This product uses 3M 9448 adhesive, which significantly increases the lifespan of the seal on external timber frames.
The Good
- Superior adhesion compared to budget brands
- UV resistant fibres won't degrade in sunlight
- Dual-layer brush design offers better thermal protection
The Bad
- More expensive upfront cost
- 5mm pile is shorter - check your gap size first
Installer Tip:
This strip has a 5mm pile, which is thinner than standard. This makes it excellent for tighter fitting external doors where a thick seal would cause 'hinge bind' or stop the lock from engaging.
Priced at £11.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon2 Pcs 100 * 5cm Door Seals And Draught Excluders, Door Brush Strip
WanderGo
Older York properties with stone flags or original floorboards are rarely level. A standard strip won't cope with a floor that drops 20mm from one side of the door to the other. This product features a massive 50mm bristle height, allowing it to sweep over uneven surfaces effectively.
The Good
- Huge 50mm reach helps with significantly uneven floors
- Robust carrier holds bristles firmly
- Silicone and brush combination seals well against cold
The Bad
- Aesthetically bulky compared to discreet strips
- Visible on the face of the door (not hidden in the rebate)
Installer Tip:
When cutting this to length, use side cutters for the plastic/rubber carrier and scissors for the brush. If you have a very uneven floor, install it slightly lower on the 'low' side of the floor so the bristles compress, ensuring a seal across the full width.
Priced at £9.89 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Brush strip vs rubber seal: which is better?
Can I paint over these draught excluders?
My door gap varies from top to bottom, what should I use?
Why does the adhesive keep failing on my external door?
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