It is important to always keep warm in any room, especially during cold seasons. Therefore, it is advisable to insulate not only windows, but also doors, through which cold, wind and dust penetrate into the room no less, if not more. For this purpose, a variety of door seals are produced that take care of maximum preservation heat in a house, apartment, office, public institution.
Purpose
Door seals are designed to eliminate cracks and gaps that allow cold air and winds to enter the room. It is impossible to live without them in a private house with doors opening directly onto the street. The door structure (especially if it is wooden or made of a similar material) tends to dry out or, conversely, absorbs a large amount of moisture during rains and dampness. Deformation of door frames creates conditions when the door cannot fit tightly to the jamb. It needs to either be replaced, which, of course, is not always possible, or use a saving inexpensive option in the form of a good seal, which will extend the life of the door and help retain heat in a living or working space.
In addition, there is another function of the seal - shock absorption, which is not directly related to the heat-saving function, but provides a softer contact of the door with the jamb, preventing loud impacts and unnecessary squeaking.
Requirements
Of course, in order to perform its main function, the seal must be good quality.
Therefore, it must have the following properties:
- durable materials of manufacture - the service life of the sealing tape depends on them. If the tape is not of very good quality, it will quickly begin to lag behind the door and will simply be unusable;
- good insulation must adhere tightly to the surrounding surfaces. This provides an obstacle to the penetration of cold air, winds and street dust into the room;
- resistance to constant mechanical stress - also required quality, because when opening and closing doors, as well as exposure to any external factors materials Bad quality will be subject to rapid wear;
- the material should not only be durable, but also bend well, not tear when trying to close door gaps and cracks with it, and be as soft as possible in order to minimize the sound of the door hitting its frame.
Kinds
All types of door seals are produced in the form of a tape, which has different lengths, widths, thicknesses and colors depending on the size of the cracks and gaps, as well as the color of a particular door in order to maintain aesthetics. The types of seal profiles may be different. A profile is a form of insulation that can have a cavity inside the material, the task of which is to eliminate gaps and seal cracks different sizes and forms. When compressed, good insulation does not suffer any damage. High-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane have this property. Profile shapes can be in the form of letters of the English alphabet: P, V, C, E, O and other configurations.
Sealing tape made from foam rubber is the most popular and inexpensive type. A self-adhesive film is attached to the foam rubber; its thickness may vary. Methods for attaching foam tape vary depending on the material from which the door frame is made. If it is wooden, the foam rubber is fixed on it with wallpaper nails, and if entrance structure metal, you can use strong glue that is suitable for working with metal. Among the disadvantages of foam rubber tape, it should be noted that it is not wear-resistant and does not last long. Also, foam rubber, due to its porosity (especially when it comes to large-width tapes), tends to allow cold air to pass through, so it is best to use it as insulation not for entrance, but interior doors.
Tubular seal It is a thick, dense tourniquet, inside of which there is a rather large cavity. It is thanks to the strength of the material in combination with the internal cavity that the door adheres to the jamb without cracks and unnecessary gaps. The tubular seal is made of rubber, which has a porous structure, which provides heat conservation and sound insulation. It is often self-adhesive, which makes it easy to install. Of course, any “self-adhesive” will simply fall off over time, but usually it lasts from one to several seasons, and then it can just as easily be replaced with another. Most often, rubber is used for doors facing the street.
Groove seals are made specifically for plastic doors of various designs and are a product made of softer rubber than a thick tubular seal. Installation of such a product is more than simple: you just need to carefully insert it into the door grooves. The groove method ensures minimal impact of external factors on the seal itself and lasts much longer, withstanding bad weather and sudden temperature changes. This type of insulation can only be used for plastic doors. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for other door designs. By the way, an interesting fact that all owners of plastic doors should take into account is that each manufacturing company, in addition to selling and installing doors, also produces seals, which can be immediately purchased as an additional and useful accessory.
Glass seal It is also a separate type of seal, designed specifically for glass door elements of different sizes. Their profile has an individual cross-section, and the material used is flexible and soft silicone. It is enough to simply moisten such material in water, and then immediately install it in the desired place on the door. This type of silicone is distinguished by the fact that after soaking, after a certain amount of time, it firmly sticks to glass surfaces and does not “come off”, unlike simple seals on a self-adhesive base.
Magnetic seals are produced in the form of a frame that follows the door contours with millimeter precision. They are used for metal doors and are recommended by experts as the highest quality and most durable. Each of them has two components: an insert with a magnet and a soft material. Such a seal is not cheap, and certain rules must be followed when installing it, but wear resistance and high quality can contribute to its purchase.
Magnetic products have a high degree of tightness and shock absorption, so the door will not make noise when opening and closing, and the attraction of the door to the jamb will ensure the complete absence of cracks and gaps. The only downside may be that due to magnetic attraction, you will sometimes have to apply additional physical force to open the door. A special place among seals is occupied by the threshold one, the purpose of which is not only to insulate the bottom of the doors, but also increased load, which the dense rubber or caoutchouc from which it is made can withstand. When purchasing such an idea, you need to pay Special attention on the quality of rubber.
Contour seal good for its ease of use: it is attached to the door along its perimeter. If there is a special groove, you can insert it there, or you can simply lay it along the edge if there is no gap or groove. Contour insulation is often made of rubber and foam rubber. For rooms with a high fire hazard, a thermally expanding type of insulation is often used. Visually, it looks like the most ordinary one, but with a sharp increase in temperature during fire and smoke, it tends to immediately expand and foam. This prevents air from entering the room and the flame can go out faster.
Also, a triple, or three-circuit type of seal, providing additional sound and noise insulation effect. The seal, consisting of three layers (or contours), can be used in both apartments and offices to optimally maintain comfort and safety. Additional hard ribs make door leaf is significantly thicker and increases its weight, so it is important to ensure that the door frame and its fittings are as strong as possible. This type of insulation is perhaps the best at retaining heat when used for entrance doors.
Liquid insulation option used for metal entrance doors and requires certain conditions of use. It is available in metal cans and is applied to the required areas by spraying. Essentially, it is liquid foam rubber, which, when applied under gas pressure, quickly hardens, providing good thermal insulation properties. His peculiarity is that he does not like places with increased level humidity. Also, when spraying, a certain skill is required in order to apply it as accurately as possible so that the door does not acquire unnecessary cosmetic defects.
Liquid insulation are made from neutralized chemical compounds and are absolutely safe for the human body and animals.
Pile or fleecy types insulation materials have been known to many people since childhood, mainly because their main representative to this day is felt. On modern stage There are also synthetic analogues of fleecy insulation, but since felt is made from pure wool, despite its certain features (in particular, it is not so easy to attach it to doors), this is still its undeniable advantage. There are different types of felt that have a specific designation, but any option is suitable for doors, the main thing is to cut the material correctly, having made the necessary measurements before doing so.
Synthetic pile materials are often popular thin pile tape on an adhesive basis. Its task is to prevent dust from entering the room. It is rarely used as a door seal, but it is often used for installation on sliding wardrobe doors.
There is also the most expensive, but at the same time reliable TEP seal, in the production of which thermoplastic elastomers are used. These materials are highly wear-resistant, and therefore manufacturers claim that they can last from 15 to 20 years without replacement. High-tech flexible plastic can withstand extremely low temperatures and provides excellent thermal insulation even in temperatures below 50 degrees. Except high cost, such a seal is characterized by a certain complexity during its installation, but if all conditions are met, its price will justify itself very quickly.
Dimensions
Seals come in different sizes: thin, thick, wide. Dimensions are selected based on the size of the gap or gap. When the gap width is 1-4 mm, a rectangular profile is used, and the material can be PVC, foam rubber or polyethylene. For smaller gaps - up to 3 mm, a C-profile sealant, as well as K or E, is suitable. P- and V-profile products cover holes from 3 to 5 mm. Seals with wide cavities inside O and D are intended primarily for entrance doors and are installed in the gaps between the door and the jamb, the dimensions of which can be up to 7 mm.
These products are usually produced in large rolls. The footage may vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of sealing material. When purchasing, you should be guided by the fact that for one entrance door you need to purchase from 5 to 6 meters of insulation. A little less may be spent on interior doors, but it is better to always take it with a small reserve: it will never be superfluous in the household, and if suddenly any part of the sealing tape wears out, it can always be replaced.
If you need to seal the gap between the door leaf and the jamb, the size of the gap can be removed very simply: you need to insert a piece of plasticine wrapped in plastic film. You will get an impression that will help you correctly determine the required width of the seal.
Materials
Foam seal is one of the most popular and simplest. It has a self-adhesive backing that makes it easy to attach to the door. The thickness and texture of the tape may vary. Foam rubber is nailed to wooden door structures with wallpaper nails, and if the front door is made of metal, you can fix the foam rubber with a special glue designed for working with metal. The advantage of foam rubber has always been its low cost and availability for everyone, but it is known that its service life ends very quickly: often foam rubber insulation is barely enough for one season, and in particularly unfavorable weather conditions it can wear out much earlier. Of course, you can always buy it with a reserve, but these features should be kept in mind when purchasing.
Rubber insulation is rightly called universal, because it is used to eliminate gaps in both interior and entrance doors. You can work with it to insulate doors made of wood, chipboard and any metal. It comes in two types: either adhesive-based or designed for installation in a door profile specially prepared for it. As you know, there are door models that are produced with inserts designed to install a future seal.
The undoubted advantage of rubber seals is their wide range: they are produced in the form of bundles of various diameters or tubular products with a cavity inside. Along with its low cost, rubber has excellent sealing properties. When purchasing, it is very important to pay attention to its expiration date, since rubber loses its elasticity over time.
Silicone is similar to rubber, but it is softer, more flexible, and quickly breaks and wears out due to constant mechanical stress. In addition, after a while it acquires unnecessary stickiness, which is also an inconvenience. However, it also has its obvious advantages: silicone is very light and aesthetically pleasing appearance, and in addition, it is considered an environmentally friendly material. Therefore, it is most often used to insulate doors in children's rooms. preschool institutions, schools, hospitals and clinics, and ease of use always ensures that there are no serious technical problems if it needs to be replaced.
The felt seal is certainly familiar to everyone. Along with foam rubber, it is the most popular and well-known material that was widely used in Soviet times. Felt is no less popular in use today, and even against the backdrop of modern high-tech materials, it still has its obvious advantages. Now felt is easy to install and affordable when you compare its cost with TEP seals.
The main advantage of felt is its high wear resistance during operation. This natural and durable material can withstand harsh conditions. weather and not wear out over a long period of time, especially if the installation was carried out correctly and conscientiously. Due to the fact that real felt is still made from pure wool, it internal structure does not deteriorate over time, unlike synthetic species seals, and it can serve for years without losing its original qualities. Felt is very dense, it perfectly absorbs sounds, retains heat excellently and, contrary to popular belief, is a fireproof material precisely because of the density of its structure.
Previously, felt was very widely used to insulate any doors and even windows. However, it has several features due to which many consumers still prefer more modern types of materials. Since it is still produced from natural wool, following centuries-old traditions using complex technologies, its price is often quite high. In addition, the process of installing felt on a door is not easy, and the craftsman should have certain skills in order to do everything as correctly and accurately as possible. First of all, you will need to cut the felt strips yourself from sheet material, while other types of seals are already sold in ready-made form and are mortise, which do not require special preparation.
Colors
At the present stage, you can choose not only a window or door, but also insulation for it to suit every taste and color. The color range of seals made of silicone, PVC and rubber is not limited: the white seal is ideal for plastic doors of the same color, and the black rubber material will become a reliable protector from the cold and extraneous sounds if you attach it to the front door. Classic black and white colors have their own specific scope of application: it is clear that black seals are better suited for massive doors made of iron or any other metal, and white ones can hide cosmetic defects and gaps in interior doors.
For people of color metal-plastic doors Multi-colored seals are provided, which, as already mentioned, can always be purchased from the same manufacturers that produce doors. Transparent silicone types are suitable for those door installers who want the material used to be as invisible as possible on the surface and at the same time perform its main functions.
Manufacturers
The leading manufacturer of expensive but reliable seals is Gasket LLC is a Russian company specializing specifically in thermoplastic elastomers. The assortment includes not only ready-made seals: at the customer’s request, we can take measurements and provide the product of any non-standard sizes, taking into account the features of a particular door design.
Volzhsky RTI plant Since Soviet times, it has been producing rubber products based on organosilicon. Now this plant produces rubber door insulation of various sizes and profiles, intended for wide consumption. The quality of rubber is high, such materials last a long time, and their price is very reasonable.
LLC PKF "Kazpolymer"- an enterprise located in Kazan and engaged in the production of all ranges of PVC and plastic seals. The range includes insulation for both entrance and interior doors, as well as materials that can be used to eliminate cracks not only in doors, but also in furniture, both new and old.
Firm "Bars-profile" from St. Petersburg has long been engaged in the production of various seals from wear-resistant PVC materials for doors of any type. The company primarily specializes in European-style insulation for both doors and windows, producing products of virtually any color and profile, already prepared in advance for different types of doors. This company operates in full compliance with quality requirements according to GOST.
Kazan company "Polinor" specializes in paint and varnish materials and products for construction, however, it is the company that produces high-quality liquid sealant for metal entrance doors with the same name. It is environmentally friendly and easy to use: in order to apply it correctly in the right place, you just need to carefully read the instructions.
Which to choose?
Before purchasing, it doesn’t hurt to test the seal yourself to determine its quality. To do this, you just need to lightly press on it. If the quality is good, then the material returns to its previous shape after a few seconds, and if it is bad, it will remain in a “compressed” position or straighten out, but with traces of obvious deformation. It is not recommended to purchase such a seal, and you should not look at the fact that it can be cheap: it will wear out very quickly or break upon contact with the door structure, unable to withstand constant mechanical stress.
For the entrance door, as a rule, dense rubber seals are used, having both a tubular and rectangular shape, depending on the size of the cracks and the “age” of the door. If we are talking about a metal solid structure of a door frame, it can be insulated liquid material, carefully spraying it from the bottle. Magnetic insulation is ideal for steel and iron doors - they will ensure maximum tight closure, but will make the already weighty structure somewhat heavier. Magnetic insulation, as well as TEP options, will serve for a long time when attached to movable pendulum structures.
External and street doors can be insulated with felt, of course, by inviting an experienced craftsman to do this and taking into account all the necessary costs associated with the material and the work process itself. Also, magnetic insulation (if we are talking about external metal doors) will be an excellent and less energy-consuming option. It should be borne in mind that felt can be used to insulate door vestibules; its dimensions, due to the specifics of the material, can be “adjusted” as work progresses.
IN log house special care should be taken about fire safety, so for any wooden door(made of oak or other wood material), a good alternative would be to use thermally expanding insulation, which in case of a fire hazard will prevent oxygen from entering the room, which can prevent the rapid spread of flames.
As for interior doors in general (including sliding and compartment doors), in this case you can use seals of a more aesthetic appearance, made of soft silicone or plastic of the appropriate color. Since we are talking about moving structures, it would be better, in addition to the adhesive base available for the seals, to additionally secure it with wood glue or chipboard, depending on the material from which the door is made.
By the way, to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt in sliding cassette-type door structures, a fluffy tape on a self-adhesive basis, which is not very popular among door seals, is ideal, which is used to eliminate small cracks in wardrobes, chests of drawers and other furniture.
For a balcony door, narrow rubber insulation with an adhesive base is usually used, and if you still want to save money, you can also use foam rubber. If balcony door It is part of a double-glazed window; it will be easy to install any plastic seal on it. If the balcony door is old, wooden, with many cracks and gaps, wide strips of felt can be secured around the perimeter of the door, following the size of the gaps, and small gaps can be eliminated using specially cut felt gaskets.
The functions of the door block include not only protection from unwanted guests entering the house, but also protection from cold or hot air, foreign odors and noise. There are always gaps where the leaf adjoins the door frame, and seals are used to stop the movement of air through the cracks. Not so long ago, our parents and grandfathers used various auxiliary materials for this - rags, felt, moss and even straw. Today, technological progress has replaced these artisanal methods with more effective and durable ones.
Purpose of door seals
It’s quite easy to understand why seals are installed on doors. Suffice it to remember the refrigerator that is in every home. What would happen if there was no rubber strip on the door? The answer is obvious - this is equivalent to the fact that the door would remain open, and the effect of cooling the products would have to wait a very long time. The cold air inside was constantly mixed with warm air, causing the refrigerator to become an air conditioner that lowers the temperature in the kitchen. To localize the cooling zone, it is necessary to stop the air circulation. This task is performed by the rubber seal.
Similar processes occur with entrance and interior doors. The door leaf is adjacent to the frame with a technological gap of 3–4 mm, otherwise the door simply will not open. Through it, air can freely penetrate both in one and the other direction. If for internal doorways this does not play a special role, then through the entrance doors all year round a stream of either cold or hot, sultry air will move. In winter, cold drafts will begin to blow inside the hallway, and freezing will intensify. In the summer, hot air from the street will appear in the house, and at the same time dust and noise.
Experts estimate that between 25 and 30% of heat is lost through an unsealed front door during the cold season. The solution to all problems is an elastic seal that seals the cracks inside the door block and allows you to control air movement.
Air chambers inside the seal increase its thermal insulation properties
Types of door seals
For ease of selection, seals are classified according to the following criteria:
- according to the material of manufacture (there are rubber, plastic, silicone, foam rubber and polyurethane);
- according to the intended purpose (for entrance doors or interior doors);
- according to the installation method (fixation with glue or in a special groove).
Rubber
Rubber seals are time-tested and are most often used for entrance doors. Specially vulcanized rubber withstands not only moisture, but also a wide range of temperature changes (from -60 to +90 o C). Possible installation options:
Silicone
An analogue of a rubber seal, adapted for interior doors. It is characterized by softness in operation and lower price, since its resistance to mechanical stress is lower. Used for lightweight doors made of wood and its derivatives - fiberboard, plywood, chipboard, etc.
Silicone seals are installed mainly on interior doors
Foam seals
Foam rubber is the most inexpensive and short-lived type of door seal. Service life is a year, at most two. With intensive use, the material quickly deforms (shrinks and breaks), so the sealing has to be renewed almost every season. Foam rubber is more suitable for insulating blind window frames. However, the low price allows you to change the seal as often as you like. The disadvantage is the ability of the porous material to absorb moisture with all the ensuing consequences - freezing and deformation of the junction of the doors and the frame.
The foam seal is available in the form of a twisted rope of various widths
Polyurethane
Polyurethane seals are used in sliding doors (compartment, book, sliding, etc.). Their purpose is to minimize gaps, as well as soften impacts. The design feature is that inside the elastic body there is a polyurethane foam filler. The seals have a long service life and are designed for 15–20 years of service (more than 300,000 opening cycles). They are also used for plastic windows and doors, as they can withstand exposure to UV radiation. The main disadvantage is the high price.
Polyurethane seals are used in structures exposed to solar radiation
Brush
A relatively new product that arose with the development of sliding doors. The junction of the canvas to the frame is not always so smooth that the rubber seal can be properly installed. In these cases, a brush design with bristles made of flexible nylon is used, which allows you to close gaps with an irregular configuration. Such seals are successfully used for revolving and sliding doors (not only interior and entrance doors, but also automobile ones). They are especially often installed on thresholds - where dust accumulates the most. As the blade moves, the brushes “shove out” debris and clean the guide track from contamination. Manufacturers claim (and not without reason) that such a seal is effective in combating dust and freezing. Although its sound permeability is, of course, much higher than that of rubber.
The brush seal is easy to install and slows down air movement at the bottom of the doorway
Magnetic
Magnetic seals are used primarily on metal entry doors where the seal is critical to keeping the home warm. The design of the seal includes a rubber casing and a magnet built into it around the entire perimeter. The force of gravity forces the leaf to press tightly against the door frame, thanks to which the smallest cracks are leveled. In each case, it is important to choose the right magnetic seal: weak attraction will not work effectively enough, and excessive attraction will create difficulties when opening the door. You can take the force of opening a refrigerator door as an example - this is the force with which the magnet should hold the door closed.
The magnetic strip mounted inside the seal has an unlimited service life
Sealing a room using a magnetic seal has received the highest ratings from experts. Air from outside, as well as noise and fine dust, practically does not penetrate into the room. Service life - from 15 years and above (depending on the quality of the rubber band). During operation, it is necessary to ensure that small metal objects do not fall between the door leaf and the door jamb; steel shavings with sharp edges are especially dangerous. The outer rubber gasket must be washed and cleaned of adhering debris at least once a month (the magnet attracts not only metal, but also small electrostatically charged objects).
The bulk of household door seals are unified for self-installation. The only exception is magnetic gaskets; their installation is best left to specialists. Fastening is carried out using glue or a special groove machined into the door block. For household use, self-adhesive tapes are widely used, the surface of which is covered with a moisture-resistant adhesive with a protective film.
When selecting a ready-made factory seal, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- tape thickness;
- width of the gasket;
- method of fastening.
I would like to add on my own behalf. There is an old old-fashioned method, which is still relevant today. To determine the thickness of the seal, wrap a piece of soft plasticine (or raw rubber) in plastic bag and jam it against the door in several (at least four) places. It is possible that in the area of the loops the compression will be stronger, and near door handle- less. Based on the imprint on the plasticine, the maximum and minimum size of the compaction is determined, and then the average value is found. For example, at the hinges the plasticine shrank to 3 mm, and in the opposite corner - to 4 mm. This means that you need to install a tape with a thickness of at least 3.5 mm.
It is believed that in normal operation the gasket compresses by no more than 50% of its thickness.
As for the width of the tape, everything is simple here. It should not exceed the width of the supporting part of the door jamb - when the door is closed it should not be visible from the outside.
The fixation method is determined as a result of a visual inspection of the door block. If there is no recess in the frame or canvas for installing the seal, it means that the fastening is carried out with glue. If a thin groove (from 3 to 5 mm) is chosen along the entire perimeter, the door is designed for a groove seal.
The compression of the seal should not exceed half its thickness
Installing and replacing seals on various types of doors
Tool needed for self-installation, is simple and can be found in every home:
- pencil or marker;
- tape measure and ruler;
- sharp knife;
- brush with long (2–3 cm) bristles.
To install the brush seals, you will additionally need a hacksaw.
The glue used is waterproof, preferably rubber. Acetone solvents and sandpaper are used to degrease and clean the edge of the door.
When working with solvents, it is necessary to protect the respiratory system from toxic fumes with a respirator.
If the old seal is being replaced, it is necessary to remove the used tape from the doors and carefully treat the surface with fine sandpaper. Before directly gluing the tape, the end of the frame (or canvas) is washed and degreased. Small tubercles are ground off, and small depressions are puttied (pre-filled with glue and dried).
Depending on the type of gasket, there are certain installation nuances. After familiarizing yourself with them, everyone will be able to install thermal insulating tape on their door themselves.
Sealing metal doors
Since a metal door has a smooth surface, self-adhesive or simply adhesive seals are most often used. The sequence of actions is as follows:
The main mistake when working with silicone and rubber products is excessive tape tension. You cannot tighten the gasket during installation; it must be laid in a loose, “relaxed” state.
Video: how to properly glue a seal to an iron entrance door
Installation of seals in wooden doors
The seal is mounted on a wooden base in two ways - with glue (we discussed it above) and in a groove. The second method is considered more reliable. The procedure for installing the seal in this case is as follows:
When preparing a wooden door for sealing, the material should not be overly moistened. The glue will come off very quickly from damp wood. If moisture does get on the canvas or frame, you must wait until the wood is completely dry and only then glue the seal. To speed up drying, use a hair dryer.
Installing a seal in a plastic door
Plastic doors are equipped with seals at the manufacturing stage. IN living conditions Most often it is important to replace a used part. The door design includes a special molding (groove) for installing the seal on the adhesive. Therefore, to replace you need:
Installation of brush seals in sliding doors
Sliding doors are most often equipped with brush seals. Sometimes they are also called antithresholds. Due to design features, the installation of brushes differs from the installation of rubber and silicone gaskets. They are mounted at the bottom of the door or (less often) at the side end.
The installation diagram is very simple. If the door has a flat and smooth surface, the brushes are glued to Double-sided tape. If there are doubts about the strength of the adhesive layer, the fixation can be further strengthened with screws. The work steps for installing a brush seal are as follows:
Some models of brushes are attached using brush holders - special metal or plastic profiles. Most often they are used on doors with large dimensions - in garages, warehouses, etc. In this case, a mounting profile is first installed, and then the brushes themselves are attached to it.
Video: installing a brush seal on a door
The level of protection of the house from street noise and cold is affected not only by the quality of the entrance doors, but also by the material that helps them fit tightly to the frame. The absence of cracks creates a good seal, preventing drafts from spreading: in this case, sounds and smells from the outside will not be able to penetrate inside the house.
The classification of materials for door seals is carried out according to some basic characteristics. We are talking primarily about the size, material of manufacture and types of doors for which this seal was developed.
For example, wooden and iron doors are decorated with different types of tapes, although they are very similar in appearance. To choose the right equipment for your door, it is important to navigate this classification.
Helpful information:
Sealing strips by door type
For each individual variety, its own seal was developed.
Input
Most often, entrance doors are finished with a dense material in the shape of a tube, inside of which there is a void. The significant thickness and bubble nature of the material create a reliable fit of the door to the frame. How to choose reliable and warm doors to your home.
Of particular interest is the internal structure of these rubber bands for insulating doors. Thanks to the presence of internal pores, a multiple increase in the insulating effect is achieved. Most often, the entrance door seal has a self-adhesive base, which makes its installation very quick.
On the other hand, over time, the glue loses its characteristics, and the strips begin to lag around the perimeter. You can.
Interior
The seal for interior doors is not assigned the function of protecting the room from outside cold, as in the previous case.
This allows you to make it more aesthetically pleasing by using more elastic and soft silicone instead of dense rubber. The installation method for these products may differ, which will be discussed below.
If you decide to change the doors during the renovation process, be sure to read.
Plastic
This group of materials is characterized by high speed of installation and dismantling. On plastic doors Typically, grooves are applied along the line of contact with the box, so the seals are given a special shape that follows the configuration of these grooves. Due to the presence of walls on the sides of the fixation point, the sealing strip receives additional protection from external aggressive influences. The seal for plastic doors is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes, so it can be used both outdoors and on interior doors without much difference. It is important to keep in mind that this rubber seal was designed specifically for plastic doors with grooves, so it is not recommended to seal other types of doors with it. Besides, different manufacturers They complete their plastic doors with an individual seal: this should also be clarified when selecting a suitable material.
Glass
When making a seal for glass doors Silicone is used, equipped with a special profiled notch. When installing the strip, you must first wet the area where it will be placed: this will make the connection as strong as possible. Since the design of glass doors can be very different, therefore, a different seal is developed for each of them.
What is door insulation made of?
In order to choose the most suitable door seals for your home, you should also be aware of the materials used to make them.
Rubber
Most often, entrance doors are equipped with a rubber seal. Moreover, the manufacturing material is not simple rubber, but its modified varieties that can withstand the most extreme operating conditions, including severe frost and heat. In addition to the draft.
Silicone
The performance characteristics of silicone products are slightly lower than those of rubber ones. This is explained by the fact that it is not possible to provide silicone with additional resistance to aggressive external influences even by introducing appropriate additives into its composition. For this reason, silicone liners are mainly produced for wooden interior doors that are used in comfortable conditions.
Foam rubber
It is the material used to manufacture the cheapest door insulation, which fails within one year. The reason for this may be temperature fluctuations, dirt and moisture, which provoke crumbling and disintegration of the foam rubber. The material gradually loses its original volume, which affects the functionality of products made from it.
Magnet
An innovative development, which is mainly used to complete expensive metal doors. The average person is familiar with magnetic seals from household refrigerators And freezers, in which permanent magnets along the perimeter of the doors they are attracted by poles of attraction. Most often, metal doors are equipped with three-circuit magnetic seals. The location of the two circuits is the door leaf itself, while the third is mounted on the door frame. The main disadvantage of such products is the rather high pressing density, which a child or an elderly person will not always be able to cope with. If the action of the magnets is weakened, then proper tightness and sound insulation will not be ensured.
Advantages of a magnetic door seal
The soft filler is made of thermoplastic elastomer, which has the following advantages:
- Significant service life.
- Stable tolerance of sudden temperature fluctuations (from -65 to +95 degrees).
- Possibility of recycling after loss of performance.
Felt
Usually they are formed with a felt seal. Such tapes cannot provide special protection from noise and cold. They are used exclusively to prevent dust from entering the cabinet or room.
Basic methods for installing door seals
When starting to install a door seal, the first step is to find out what type of product you are dealing with. This will allow you to choose the most the best way how to glue the seal. The most common types of rubber seals are grooved and self-adhesive.
Groove seals
The installation of this material is very simple, which is why it is most often used when repairing doors yourself. The most difficult part of installing the door seal into the groove is finishing the corner areas. Beginners are advised to use careful trimming of the material. More experienced users achieve continuous installation, without joining areas. The latter option is more advantageous, since the level of door sealing in this case is much higher. However, to implement it you will need to show some skill. Door seals at the bottom are equipped with a special edge on which there is a brush: this structure of the material facilitates fairly quick installation into the groove cavity.
While laying both rubber and silicone seals, it is important to avoid even minimal tension on the tape. Otherwise, unacceptable stress will form inside the sealing layer, which will affect its performance. No matter how high-quality the silicone or rubber is, they will gradually stretch, losing their original volume and elasticity. Experienced craftsmen, when laying the seal in the groove, try to slightly compress it, which significantly extends the service life of the door insulation. Trimming of excess parts is carried out upon completion of installation. It is more convenient if only one edge of the rubber or silicone tape: in this case, the remaining section is longer and can be used to insulate another door.
Self-adhesive seal
Laying such material is also not particularly difficult, although a few useful tips should be taken into account. In order for the self-adhesive rubber seal to stick to the seat efficiently and for a long time, it should be pre-prepared. This procedure includes several steps. Firstly, all dirt must be removed from the surface of the door: this is done not only along a narrow installation area, but by some expansion to the sides. For these purposes, soapy water or detergent is usually used.
Preparation will require special care wooden surface. You should not moisten it too much - just wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth. If the seat has roughness, protrusions and irregularities, they must be eliminated. In this case, the operating technology also depends on the surface material. For example, wood can be lightly sanded and puttied; For metal or plastic surfaces, gentle sanding will be sufficient. Individual protrusions can be carefully removed with a chisel or sandpaper. After the sealing area has been cleaned and washed, it should be completely dry. Sometimes, if the work is carried out in a confined space, or when it is necessary to speed up the process, a regular hairdryer is used for drying.
Before gluing the seal to the door, it must be degreased. When choosing a degreasing agent, it is important to consider the surface material. Most often, this procedure is carried out with white spirit, acetone or regular alcohol. However, it should be understood that all of these products are toxic and explosive, and you should work with them very carefully. It is better if it is possible to ventilate the premises well after application.
Helpful advice: in cases where the seal is installed where people are present at the time, it is better to use a special low-toxic emulsion or an aqueous alkaline solution for degreasing.
As for the actual installation of the self-adhesive seal, this procedure is not particularly difficult. All you need to do is remove the bottom part of the material from the protective film and carefully lay it along the edge of the door. It is more convenient to remove the entire film not at once, but in 10-15 cm segments, immediately installing the freed area on the seat. At the same time, it must be pressed tightly against the surface of the door, achieving high-quality adhesion. A similar algorithm of actions is maintained throughout the entire procedure. It is more convenient to start work from the top, and when you reach the bottom edge of the door leaf, cut the rubber tape using a sharp knife or scissors.
The main reason for the appearance of drafts and unpleasant odors in the area of the front door there is a worn or poor-quality seal. Even if the door is insulated, heat loss inevitably increases over time. One fine day you will notice that extraneous noises have begun to penetrate into the apartment, and closing the metal door makes a lot of noise. The reason is the same.
The problem can be resolved by installing an additional seal. But you need a special one - for metal doors. Installation is quite easy to do yourself - instructions are included with certified products. With its help, you can solve another problem - insulating an iron door. But first of all, you need to decide what material is needed in this or that case.
Purpose of the seal
The very name of this element of door fittings contains the meaning of its use. The main functions of the seal include:
- Protection from outside air (humid, hot or cold), foreign odors, dirt and dust.
- Sound insulation – reducing the level of extraneous noise and audibility of what is happening in the apartment.
- Thermal insulation – minimizing heat loss.
- Sealing the door frame by ensuring the tightness of the mating of its components.
In accordance with the above objectives, the seal must meet the following requirements:
- Ensuring complete tightness of the room, preventing the entry of extraneous noise, odors, moisture, etc.
- Ensuring reliable, smooth and silent closing of the front door.
- Eliminates the occurrence of gaps under conditions of sudden temperature changes.
- Providing additional fire safety – preventing the spread of smoke and fire.
Types of seals for metal doors
The seal for iron doors, depending on the material of manufacture, is classified as follows:
- Rubber. It is characterized by low cost, long service life and resistance to adverse influences. Especially products made of acid-resistant rubber.
- Silicone. It is highly environmentally friendly.
There are also polyurethane, plastic and foam rubber, which do not have high abrasion resistance, so they are used to seal interior doors. Despite the ease of installation (they have self-adhesive film) And low cost, they are not advisable to use on metal doors.
The main type of seal used for metal structures– rubber.
According to the method of fastening, the seal for iron doors is divided into the following types:
- Magnetic.
- With additional clamping mechanism.
- Self-adhesive.
Magnetic seals for metal doors have recently appeared on the market and are used mainly by manufacturers of door structures. This is an analogue of the seals used in refrigerators. It has a magnetic insert in a thermoplastic elastomer tube that is resistant to aging and temperature fluctuations (from -65 to +90 degrees).
Mounted on the door itself and the frame to ensure normal attraction. The difficulty of use is that the optimal force of attraction is difficult to select. If it is too large, the door will be difficult for a child to use, and if it is small, the required seal will not be provided.
With an additional clamping mechanism, it is distinguished by the need to attach a strip that holds the insulation in a given position and place. In addition, the bar allows you to maintain its shape for a long time.
Rules for choosing a seal for a metal door
First, the shape, type and quantity of sealant required is determined. It is sold in the form of rolls (average tape length is 6 m), so one for standard door enough.
The shape and thickness of the tape is determined by the gaps in the metal door. To measure them correctly, plasticine is used. It is wrapped in polyethylene and inserted into the gap between the canvas and the frame with the door closed. Then the plasticine is removed, and its compressed part is measured with a ruler.
If the gap is between 1 and 3 mm, use foam rubber, polyethylene foam or polyvinyl chloride sealant with rectangular shape. Rubber compressor used for gaps of 3 mm or more. At the same time, its shape varies depending on the thickness of the gap:
- C-shaped, K-shaped or E-shaped profiles are used when minimum clearances(3 mm).
- P-shaped or V-shaped is used for gaps up to 5 mm.
- O-shaped and D-shaped - with the largest gaps (from 5 to 7 mm).
When purchasing a seal, follow the following rules:
- When choosing a self-adhesive tape, be sure to check the shelf life of the glue. The adhesive part should be covered with small particles of fiberglass.
- All information about the material, technical features and shelf life is studied.
- Hermetic properties are checked. Lightly press on it. If it quickly returns to shape, then the material is of good quality. The material should be of medium hardness. This one lasts a long time and does not interfere with closing.
The color is selected to match the color of the door, but it is worth remembering that the best color is black.
Installation on a metal door
As a rule, a factory iron door is equipped with a seal. If it is not there, installation is done by hand. Installation is carried out in compliance with the following rules:
- The tape is applied to a thoroughly cleaned and degreased surface. Cleaning is done with sandpaper, after which the surface is wiped with acetone or alcohol.
- To ensure more reliable sealing, several layers are used (usually two or three). The first (and second) are placed on the canvas from the inside, the second - on the box, and the third - on the outside of the canvas. The external one should be more resistant to ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes and moisture.
- Rubber is placed on silicone glue. The tape is spread in a thick layer and pressed to the surface. Before installation on a painted surface, at least twenty days must pass from the moment of painting.
In the video you can see the door sealing process:
High-quality metal doors have special grooves into which a rubber seal is inserted.
Installation of self-adhesive seal
The procedure couldn't be easier. The surface is cleaned and degreased. Gradually removed protective film, and the tape is pressed against the surface. This is done along the entire perimeter of the canvas. During the process, tension on the end adjusts the evenness of the tape. Then everything is smoothed out with the palm of your hand.
If the tape comes off, apply assembly adhesive or sealant.
Particular attention is paid to laying in corners - these are where it is most difficult to achieve even distribution of the tape. She winces and moves away. After the seal is completely glued, its remains are cut off with scissors or a painting knife.
The seal for wooden entrance doors is designed to solve the issue of thermal insulation of residential premises. There are several types of materials designed to seal gaps formed during operation of the entrance group.
All seals are produced in the form of tapes with different profiles and widths. The following materials are used to make these products:
- rubber;
- ethylene propylene rubber;
- polyvinide chloride (PVC);
- foam;
- silicone
All elastic seals for wooden entrance doors are called contour seals, which indicates the peculiarities of their installation: along the contour of the door leaf or frame. The most common options are foam-based and PVC tapes. The first ones have a self-adhesive base, are fragile and short-lived. Their main advantage is their low price.
Self-adhesive foam tapes are suitable for filling small gaps formed between the wooden door leaf and the frame. In order to prevent cold air from entering the living room, it is important to choose the correct thickness of the tape.
Rubber bands have D-shape and are designed to eliminate wider gaps: 8-12 mm. Manufacturers of these sealing tapes offer these materials in two color solutions: black and white. For insulation of the entrance group residential premises, garage and workshop, any will do.
Tapes made of ethylene propylene rubber are the most durable of all of these, as they are reinforced with fiberglass threads. The profile of these self-adhesive materials can be different: D-, E-, P-, V-shaped, as well as rectangular. Any of these types of tapes are designed to eliminate gaps 1-7 mm wide. Among the advantages are high frost resistance and a wide operating temperature range: from -50°C to +50°C.
Fireproof
Fire-resistant thermal insulation materials are used in the construction and glazing of wooden entrance doors and expansion joints. These tapes have a self-adhesive base and are capable of expanding under the influence of high temperatures in a plane direction (only in height) or in three directions at once: in both directions and in height. The purpose of such materials is to localize the fire in the room in which it occurred.
The most popular are two types of fireproof seals: Palusol and ROKU-strip. The processes of foaming and expansion of these tapes begin at temperatures from 100°C. There are three ways to seal a wooden door:
- along the perimeter of the door frame in places of contact with the door leaf;
- in the grooves of the front door or frame;
- along the contour of a wooden or metal entrance door.
Threshold
A threshold door seal can reliably close the gaps through which cold air enters. Distinctive feature These products are that they are made from more durable materials:
- rubber;
- thermoplastic elastomer;
- ethylpropylene rubber.
All these materials do not lose their properties for a long time. Threshold seals are installed in a gap specially made for this purpose in the end part of the wooden door leaf. First insert a plastic or metallic profile, then a strip of thermoplastic elastomer or rubber.
There is a button on the side of the profile, which when in contact with the door frame thermal insulation material falls out of the gap cavity and reliably covers the space between the floor and the bottom of the door leaf. There should be no gaps between the floor and the rubber gasket. When opened, the seal rises and fits into the groove intended for it.
Specifics of using seals
All heat and sound insulation materials designed to eliminate cracks in door blocks are easily glued to a wooden base and just as easily removed. This ease of installation and dismantling of the sealing circuit allows you to independently insulate the room without resorting to the help of specialists. Thanks to detailed instructions for installing threshold profiles in the lower part of the wooden entrance door leaf, any owner can cope with this task.
Tubular-type materials made of rubber, silicone or rubber are attached to the base with moisture- and frost-resistant sealant or glue. Criteria for selecting seals for the entrance group:
- E-shaped profile (marked “C” or “K”) - to eliminate gaps up to 3 mm;
- P-shaped (marked “V”) - for bridging gaps, 3-5 mm wide;
- D-shaped profile (marked “O”) - to eliminate wide gaps, with a width of 5 mm.
How to seal a wooden door
The material sealing the wooden entrance door must be resilient and elastic. If it does not have a self-adhesive backing, silicone sealant will be required for installation, glue gun or liquid nails. In addition to them, you will need the following materials and tools:
- scissors or stationery knife;
- White Spirit;
- clean dry rags.
Operating procedure
- Cutting ribbons.
- Degreasing the base.
- Sticker tapes.
Installation and sealing
To install the seal correctly, it is necessary to accurately measure the length of the tapes that will cover the ends of the wooden door leaf. This can be done in two ways:
- attaching the tape to the end and cutting it in the right place;
- using a tape measure, having previously measured the length of the end and measured a similar distance on the tape.
If the gaps are wide, more than 5 mm, the sealing materials do not need to be cut into pieces, but immediately glued to the base. It must be free of dust, dirt, fats and oils. For this purpose, use white spirit and clean, dry rags. Self-adhesive seals are attached by pressing them against wooden canvas and gradually, as you progress, removing the protective layer. Before installing materials without an adhesive base, a fixing compound is applied in the right places: silicone sealant or glue. The same way The interior door leaf is insulated.
Door frame installation
If the wooden door leaf has a textured surface, it is more convenient to insulate it from the side of the frame. In this case, the door can be removed from its hinges by first marking the sticker locations with a pencil thermal insulation tapes. Before starting installation work, all sides of the wooden door frame are cleaned and degreased with white spirit. After that, sealing materials are glued in a convenient way.
The most important thing when insulating a wooden door is to choose the right thickness of the tape. In this case, you can count on high-quality sound and heat insulation.