fbpx

Types of door sweeps and bottom seals

Types of door sweeps and bottom seals

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.

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.

  • Brush. In the literal sense, they are brushes made of polyurethane or rubber with a high density of fibers. They not only close the cracks, protecting from the currents of cold air but also sweep away dust and debris from the door. The only drawback is the relatively quick wear of the brushes and the need to replace them.
  • Lamellar. They look like thick vinyl or silicone plates and, like brushes, attach to a metal frame bolted to the door. These seals are more durable than brush door sweeps and effectively remove debris away from the entrance.
  • Felt. They are strips of dense and soft material of various widths attached to the lower end of the door leaf using glue or small nails. This option is suitable not only for external but also interior doors, ensures their silent opening, and reliably blocks cold air. At the same time, the felt door sweep wears out quite quickly – but it is quite inexpensive, so replacing the seal will not entail severe costs.
  • V-shaped strips. Door sweeps of this configuration are usually made of metal or rubber, installed very quickly, and practically invisible during operation. In addition, they perfectly protect against small debris and insects from entering the house. At the same time, V strips work well only with small gaps – if the gap is too broad, they will not give a protective effect.
  • U-shaped elements. Due to the full coverage of the bottom end of the door leaf, these seals provide maximum protection against any troubles associated with draft, rain, or dust and debris getting inside. Many people do not like that such elements are too noticeable on the doors – however, the issue can be solved by painting the seal in the color of the door leaf.

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.

online interior design service
Give a new look to your room with our professional online interior design service
2024 Garage Door Trends & Design Styles
DoorsTrends
2024 Garage Door Trends & Design Styles

When considering your home’s appearance, do not forget about such a seemingly insignificant detail as the garage door. Designers claim…

Front Door Trends 2024: Colors, Materials, and Styles
DoorsTrends
Front Door Trends 2024: Colors, Materials, and Styles

The front door is a kind of business card for your home. And in this case, it is not so…

Interior Door Trends to Look Out for in 2024
DoorsIdeasTrends
Interior Door Trends to Look Out for in 2024

Choosing a perfect interior door to suit your liking and stay in fashion may seem quite challenging in the new…