Weatherstripping is the material that seals the perimeter of a door panel or frame. It blocks air, water, and debris from passing through the gaps. Every exterior commercial door needs it to hold a tight seal.
Weatherstripping comes in a few common forms:
- Compression seals press against the door when it closes.
- A sweep or brush seal runs along the bottom of the door.
- An astragal covers the seam where double doors meet.
Can a worn seal become a security risk?
A large gap at the door’s leading edge can create a security hole. Someone outside can trip the interior sensor through that gap. The REX, or request-to-exit sensor, unlocks the door for anyone leaving. A tight seal closes the gap and removes the risk.
Failing weatherstripping is one of the most common hidden energy drains. Air leaks around the door, and the HVAC system works harder. Most owners never trace the higher bills back to the door.
Many door seals adjust with screws along the nose of the door. Turning these screws moves the seal in or out. But those same screws also hold the weatherstripping in place. Once they strip or corrode, replacement gets hard on some doors.
Never remove an astragal entirely. A matching replacement is exceptionally hard to source. A technician should repair or replace it in kind.