Modern door leaves are of good quality and soundproof, but this does not mean that they are completely airtight. Certain installation errors, oversights, or jamb and door frames features can lead to cracks in the bottom of the doors. Air from the street enters through them, even when they are closed, and this leads to drafts, a decrease in air temperature, and the need to solve the issue of heating intensity.
Threshold door sweeps and seals will help get rid of such troubles, providing a more airtight closing of doors and preventing the penetration of outside air. Let’s take a closer look at what types of seals are available and for which leaves they are most suitable.
Types of door seals
A typical design of a door seal consists of a material enclosed in a special metal frame. They are securely attached to the doors, eliminating drafts and cold air penetration. The choice of element usually depends on the type of door leaf, flooring, and the homeowners’ personal preferences.
Standard
This seal is characterized by the attachment of the vinyl seal to the sturdy aluminum frame. This design eliminates ½ – ¾ inch (1.2-2 cm) gaps. As a rule, it is attached to metal or wooden doors using the supplied hardware. The standard length of the sill strip is adapted to a typical doorway and is 36″ (90 cm), although a 42″ (107 cm) length can also be found if required.
The standard door sweep is ideal for flat and paneled door leaves and is excellent for tiled and wood floors.
Automatical
This door sweep is also attached to the bottom of the door with special screws. Their main feature is that such elements automatically rise when you open the door and go down, closing the gap between the curtain and the threshold when the door is closed. This solution is optimal for those who prefer beautiful doormats and want to kill two birds with one stone – to give the entrance group an aesthetic look and protect them from drafts.
Self-adhesive
Door sweeps with an adhesive strip are a godsend for homeowners who do not want to violate the integrity of the door leaf. Such elements are made of flexible plastic tape and are well fixed to both metal and wooden doors. All you need to do is remove the protective layer from the back of the seal and press it tightly against the place of fixation on the door leaf. No more hardware is required for it.
Waterproof
This type of door sweep provides the most effective protection against drafts, cold, rain, and other weather conditions. It is a foam tube inserted into two special sleeves placed under the door – if necessary, they can be cut to the required width of the doorway. The advantage of such a seal is not only a high degree of tightness but also the ability to install with tiled and wooden floors, as well as linoleum and rugs.
Using any of the types of door sweeps and bottom seals that suit you, you protect the house from heat leakage and reduce heating costs, which is especially important in regions with cold climates.
You can apply wallpapers, paints, etc. on walls and see how they look in various interiors.
Varieties of door sweeps and bottom seals
So, we figured out the main types of elements that make our doors a more reliable barrier against unwanted atmospheric phenomena, drafts, as well as dust and small debris. Now is the time to discuss the types of door sweeps based on their design features and functionality – this will allow you to make a much more accurate choice.
Door sweeps and bottoms: Conclusions
As you can see, today, you have at your disposal a wide variety of seals for doors of various types – wood and metal, exterior and interior doors. Having thoroughly studied the characteristic features and designs of the elements, you can make your home a real fortress, protected from any bad weather.
