Do not make the house too air-tight. In addition to normal fresh air requirements, an outlet for elements such as tobacco smoke; moist air from cooking, washing and breathing; fumes from gas stoves and unvented gas or kerosene heaters; and fumes from paints, cleansers and adhesives must be taken into account.

It is therefore also important in a weathertight house to periodically use some controllable means of ventilation, such as a window or an exhaust fan.

Draughts can be prevented by sensible location and design of the house, sound building construction, and weatherstripping.

Areas To Look Out For

1. Gaps around windows.

2. Gaps between windows.

3. Gaps between walls and around skirting boards.

4. Gaps between floorboards.

5. Up unused chimney.

6. Gaps around doors.

7. Gaps where pipes penetrate walls.

8. Air vents.

9. Gaps between walls and ceilings.

10. Joints between different wall materials.