Draught proof your windows

Top tips for... fitting weatherstripping

n Fitting weatherstripping and draught excluders to your windows and doors can save you around 25 annually on your heating bills, a saving of almost 200 million a year if everyone in the UK did it, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

n Weatherstripping is tape that seals the gaps between the moving parts of a window or door. As well as helping to prevent draughts, it acts as a barrier against dust, insects and noise. Also, it is a lot cheaper and easier to fit than double or secondary glazing. Weatherstripping comes in different shapes and materials - choose one with adhesive backing to make fitting it relatively quick and simple.

n To apply weatherstripping to sash windows, first remove any flaking paint, then clean the window frames thoroughly and allow to dry. You'll need weatherstripping along the top and bottom sashes (both sides), the bottom of the bottom sash, the top of the top sash and the outer meeting rail (the point where the top of the bottom sash meets the bottom of the top sash). Follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the weatherstripping to the frames and consult a good DIY book or website for the order in which to fit it.

n If your windows are more modern, they may have a slot designed for weatherstripping - known as a kerf. The weatherstripping needed for this has a tubular edge on one side and a lip on the other to provide a tight seal.

n To replace tubular weatherstripping, start by prising it from the tubular edge. Ensuring that the surface is clean and dry and that no remnants of the old tape remain, press the new weatherstripping firmly into the slot and trim to fit exactly. Now your windows are a bit better prepared for what the elements will throw at them in the months ahead.

DIY news bulletin

n October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to do its bit to help, The Little Greene Paint Company will be making a donation to breast cancer charities from every can of paint it sells.

Specially labelled cans will be sold on its website and by UK stockists, with 15p from each can sold during the month donated to charity. Customers will be able to vote for the charities they want to benefit on Little Greene's website and at the end of the month the money raised will be shared out according to the voting.

On the website, there'll also be information about the work of the breast cancer charities that have joined forces with Little Greene to raise awareness and funds. The charity landing page will be live from October 1 until the end of November at www.thelittlegreene.com/charity.

n DIY chain B&Q is brimming with new products this autumn, including 12 new additions to its Cooke & Lewis kitchen range. The first Cooke & Lewis range of sinks and taps is being introduced, as well as bespoke granite worktops which will be laser measured and then precision cut to the exact length and shape required. There's also a new Cooke & Lewis free-standing bath (1,500, including legs) - the exterior of which can be painted by DIYers to match, or contrast with, their bathroom.

Also look out for more than 350 new additions to B&Q's lighting range, all of which are compatible with energy saving or eco halogen light bulbs; a new carpet underlay, made of 100% recycled clothing; and New England paints: A range of 24 colours inspired by the stunning scenery and unique beach-house style of New England. They'll be available exclusively at B&Q from November and will cost 16.98 for 2.5ltr. See the new products as they arrive at www.diy.com.