Weather strip Industry Knowledge Extension
Guide to building door and window sealing: How to choose durable Weather Strip materials?
Choosing durable door and window sealing strips (Weather Strip) is a key step to improve the sound insulation, thermal insulation and waterproof performance of buildings. The following is a practical guide based on material characteristics, usage scenarios and installation and maintenance:
1. Common sealing strip types and applicable scenarios
EPDM rubber strips
Features: excellent weather resistance (-40℃~120℃), UV resistance, ozone resistance, soft and elastic, life span of 5-10 years.
Applicable: outdoor doors and windows (especially in extreme climate areas), such as sliding windows and casement windows.
Note: Avoid contact with oil solvents, which may cause expansion.
Silicone sealing strips
Features: high temperature resistance (-60℃~200℃), non-toxic and environmentally friendly, but the price is higher.
Applicable: high temperature environment (such as sun room), food and medical places.
Upgrade option: Foamed silicone strips (with air holes) can enhance the sound insulation effect.
TPE/TPV thermoplastic elastomer
Features: recyclable, wide hardness range, good wear resistance, but long-term compression may deform.
Applicable: Doors that are frequently opened and closed (such as entrance doors), it is recommended to choose a design with reinforcement ribs.
Foam sealing strip (PE/EVA)
Features: cheap, easy to install, but easy to age (lifespan 1-3 years).
Applicable: temporary sealing or indoor windows with limited budget.
Metal edging sealing strip (such as stainless steel + rubber)
Features: anti-mechanical damage, beautiful.
Applicable: high-end doors and windows or exterior doors of commercial buildings.
2. Key purchasing indicators
Compression rebound rate: ≥70% of the sealing strip can be restored to its original state for a long time (test method: observe the rebound after flattening for 24 hours).
Anti-aging level: Choose UL certified or GB/T 19250 standard ≥P3 level products.
Waterproof performance: EPDM and silicone have a water absorption rate of <1%, which is better than foam materials.
Adaptable gap:
1-3mm gap: choose thin self-adhesive sealing strip (thickness 2-3mm).
3-5mm gap: it is recommended to use D-type or P-type hollow sealing strip.
>5mm gap: use magnetic sealing strip + bottom windshield strip in combination.
3. Installation skills and maintenance
Pretreatment: clean the surface and apply special primer (such as 3M Primer 94), which can increase the adhesive strength of the strip by more than 50%.
Corner treatment: heat and soften with a hair dryer after 45° cutting, and then press to avoid warping.
Regular maintenance: use silicone oil to maintain the rubber strip every quarter to prevent cracking; the foam strip needs to be replaced in time after aging.
4. Pit avoidance guide
Avoid low-priced PVC materials: harden and crack in winter, and plasticizers may precipitate in summer to pollute the wall.
Use adhesive-backed sealing strips with caution: long-term use is easy to debond, and slot or nail installation is preferred.
Solutions for special needs:
Sound insulation needs: choose closed-cell foam rubber with a density of ≥0.6g/cm³ + multi-layer sealing design.
Anti-theft needs: match with metal-reinforced sealing strips (such as aluminum core TPE).
Recommended combination solutions:
Northern cold regions: EPDM double-layer sealing (outer wool strip + inner D-shaped strip).
Coastal high humidity environment: silicone sealing strip + stainless steel buckle fixing.