Door gaskets offer a reliable sealing solution for buildings and equipment. Doors can leak. Even when closed, air may pass through the perimeter, resulting in a loss of air-conditioned or heated indoor air. Door gaskets prevent problems such as this by creating an airtight seal.
An Introduction to Door Gaskets
Door gaskets are mechanical seals designed for use with doors. They typically consist of strips of flexible materials and are installed along the edges of the frame. Once installed, door gaskets seal doors so that air or contaminants can’t pass through them.
Common materials in which door gaskets are made include the following:
- Nitrile (NBR)
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
- Silicone
- Neoprene
- Viton
How Door Gaskets Work
Door gaskets work by filling the space between a door and the surrounding frame. Because they are made of flexible materials, they compress under pressure. When you close a door, the gasket will compress. This compression fills any gaps and voided space between the door and the frame.
Opening the door will relieve the compression. The gasket will expand and return to its original size. Door gaskets are designed to handle thousands upon thousands of repeated cycles — all while maintaining their sealing integrity.
Benefits of Door Gaskets
For a more energy-efficient indoor space, look no further than door gaskets. Air leaks are one of the largest sources of wasted energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), they account for up to 30% of a typical home’s energy usage. A properly fitted door gasket minimizes wasted energy by trapping air-conditioned or heated air indoors. The end result is lower utility bills for your home or workspace.
Door gaskets can help you create a quieter indoor space. Factories, warehouses and other commercial spaces are often loud. They typically have heavy machinery that, when running, resonates throughout the facility. Door gaskets can seal interior doors to suppress loud noises by several decibels.
Another benefit of door gaskets is moisture protection. Even if a door is closed, it may not be fully sealed. Moisture vapor can make its way through even the smallest gaps. A gasket will create a tight seal between the door and frame to keep moisture vapor out.
In Conclusion
Door gaskets close the small but costly gaps that allow air, noise and moisture to move freely between spaces. Whether installed in a home, warehouse or industrial setting, a properly selected gasket delivers lasting value with minimal attention.