Selection guide
7 min read
How to choose a sealing profile
A profile is a mechanical spring as well as a barrier. It has to close a gap, recover after compression, stay attached and suit the way the door, window or panel is used. Work through these five points before requesting a sample.
1. Define the environment
Start with temperature, indoor/outdoor exposure, water, dust, cleaning chemicals, UV and expected service life. If the seal touches oil, fuel or a specific chemical, say so early—EPDM is not suitable for many petroleum-based exposures.
2. Measure the real gap
Record the minimum and maximum gap through the full movement of the door, window or panel. A seal that is correct at one point can be over-compressed or lose contact elsewhere. Include corner radii and any weld or fixing interruptions.
3. Match the profile family
4. Choose the attachment method
Self-adhesive foam relies on a clean, dry, sound surface and the right tape. A metal-reinforced edge trim relies on grip range and panel thickness. Extruded profiles may need a groove, clip, adhesive or mechanical fixing. The attachment method should be decided with the profile, not after it.
5. Validate on the assembly
Test the proposed profile for fit, closing force, compression and appearance. A useful sample test includes opening and closing the assembly multiple times and checking the seal after a short dwell period. For outdoor applications, consider UV and water testing before a large order.
Selecting edge trim by grip range
Measure the finished panel thickness, including paint or coating, at several points. Choose a trim whose grip range covers the minimum and maximum thickness. Check that the steel carrier or wire insert provides enough retention for your handling and vibration conditions, and confirm the bulb or lip will not interfere with the mating part.
Installation
6 min read
Installation guide for extruded and self-adhesive seals
Most seal failures we see are installation issues rather than material failures: contaminated surfaces, too much compression, stretched profiles or corners that open up. Use this checklist as a starting point and follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions where applicable.
Before installation
- Confirm the approved sample and installation drawing are on site.
- Check the seal is clean, dry and stored away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Measure the opening and confirm the gap range is within the design assumptions.
- Dry-fit a short length before removing any adhesive backing.
Surface preparation
Remove dust, oil, release agents, moisture and loose paint from the bonding surface. Use a compatible cleaner and allow the surface to dry fully. Do not touch the adhesive face with your fingers. For low-energy or damp surfaces, ask for a specific tape recommendation.
Compression and fit
As a general starting point, many door and window seals are designed for roughly 25–35% compression, but this varies by profile, material and application. Too little compression allows leaks; too much increases closing force and accelerates compression set. Confirm the target with your sample test.
Adhesive installation
- Apply at the recommended temperature—typically above 10°C—and avoid installation in direct sun or rain.
- Press the seal firmly along its full length, not just at the ends.
- Do not stretch the profile during installation; allow it to relax naturally.
- Respect the adhesive’s initial and final bond time before testing or cleaning.
Corners, joints and ends
Miter or form corners according to the profile. Use the specified corner piece, vulcanized joint or adhesive where required. Terminate ends cleanly and seal any exposed cut faces that could absorb water. For long runs, allow for thermal expansion rather than trapping the profile under tension.
Common issues and checks
After installation
Inspect the seal along its full length, operate the assembly several times and check for gaps or excessive force. For critical applications, record the installed compression and retain a sample from the batch for future comparison.
Tell us the assembly and we will review fit, compression and attachment.
This page provides general technical guidance for sourcing and specifying rubber sealing profiles. It is not a substitute for project-specific engineering, testing or the final agreed specification. Contact us before relying on any value for a critical application.
