Drafts can accelerate heat loss, increasing your home's cooling costs. The application of door and window coverings in Rubber Strips will add value at a minimal cost. These strips seal gaps neatly, ensuring warm air does not escape while preventing cold air from seeping inside.

Gaining Understanding of Rubber Strips and Their Uses

Rubber strips have a degree of material advantage as they are manufactured with neoprene, silicone, and EPDM. Thus, different options are available for rubber strips of assorted materials.

For outer applications, neoprene rubber strips are most appropriate as they can withstand extreme weather.

A rubber adhesive strip that peels off is easy to install and works great for outer applications.

Rubber plastics used for the toes and window frames performs sealing and acts as cushioning at the same time.

In addition, the application of the rubber strip aids in sound and dustproofing and prevents the entry of insects.

Guidelines to Follow When Fitting Rubber Strips

Selection of the Right Rubber Strip

Adhesive rubber strips can be used on doors and windows with moderate exposure. For high exposure, frame rubbers or garage door rubbers tend to outperform, utilizing neoprene rubber strips. 

Drafty Areas Identification

Commonly used draft entry points include air vents, window seals and even under doors. The check kit is useful, but I can do the measurements by hand with a candle or smoke pencil if airflow is present. Measuring your rectangular gap is easy, just take a tape measure and record both length and width. If you are using self-adhesive rubber edging strips, do not forget about borders and corners as they will need to be calculated.

Select The Right Strip

Pick the correct type of rubber strip. Garage doors are fitted with neoprene rubber strips while window seals are fitted with adhesive rubber strips. Check online, as many suppliers of rubber strips in the UK have guides with recommendations and size charts for ease of purchase.

Prepare the Surface

Clean the surface thoroughly by removing dust, grease, or any debris with damp cloth or alcohol wipes. This step ensures all edges and corners are clean for adhesion, especially adhesive Rubber Strips UK.

Cut the Rubber Strip

Now, cut the rubber strip to the length needed using scissors or a utility knife. You'll always need to cut stiff parts with rubber edging strips clean, so they won't fray or have fitment issues.

Apply the Strip

If it’s the case of adhesive rubber strips, the backing board should be peeled off slowly to apply the strip tightly. Use a roller or your palm to apply pressure and make sure there is a strong bond.

Non-adhesive rubber strips may be fixed using nails, screws, or clamps according to the product instructions.

You must press throughout the entire length to ensure there are no gaps with air. Focus on the corners as well as on parts where there is an overlap.

Testing the Seal

Close the window or the door and look to see if there are any air gaps or drafts that still circulate. Change them if required. Alternatively, a smoke test can be used to check the sealed, airtight box.

Maintenance

While rubber strips are tough and durable, they do need to be inspected for damage every so often. They should be replaced if there are cracks or areas where the texture is flaking or the rubber is getting old and worn out.

Further Advice

When sourcing rubbers in the UK, buy from reputable brands or local providers who understand the climate needs of the region.

Choose wider strips of neoprene rubber for more demanding uses, such as garage or warehouse doors.

Add double sealing for those who reside in extremely hot or cold regions.

Press Down Firmly So That the Seal Is Tight

Identifying Gaps

After installation, you must observe the entire length of the rubber strip to check for any gaps or spaces. To test for a gap, you may use a flashlight in a dark room to see if light is coming through the sealed area.

Test the Seal

Close the window or door and check if there is any cold air coming in. If there is a draft, then the rubber strip needs adjusting, or an extra layer of rubber strip will need to be applied.

Rubber Strip Care

Always perform regular maintenance on the rubber strips for signs of wear, such as cracks and peeling.

Clean your rubber strips to avoid dirt collection, which will weaken the seal and the rubber strip.

Every few years the seal must be replaced, especially if under intense weather conditions.