Weatherstripping is a key part of any door system, but it is easy to overlook just how much work it does to keep your business free from debris, pests, and water. Inadequate seals around your doors lead to drafts, moisture intrusion, and higher energy costs. Commercial door weatherstripping maintenance and repair is extremely important for your business as it provides protection against weather and pests, while also improving your door’s efficiency and lifespan.

Types of Weatherstripping

There are a few different varieties of weatherstripping. The most common ones that are used in commercial and industrial settings are:

• Clip-on: these weatherstripping seals the leaks around your commercial door. It is available as a single vinyl weather seal that attaches to the door’s guide on the non-coil side.
• Brush: brush weatherstripping is a brush that’s mounted to either the side or the bottom of the door. It’s more flexible than a vinyl strip, which allows for a complete door seal. It’s also more durable and sustainable, offering better resistance to wear and tear.
• Header seal: header seals include a six-inch brush and a large aluminum retainer. These attach directly to the top of the door or header, extending up to five inches to the door curtain. That makes an effective barrier against intruding environmental elements.
• Top draft stop: This weatherstripping type prevents unwanted airflow from intruding into your building through the metal door. It is mounted to the door’s curtain, providing a seal between the door and the header.
• Door astragal: Made of silicon or PVC, door astragal closes the gap between pairs of doors. It can also be used on a single door. It attaches to the bottom of the door and creates a seal by contacting the floor. 

The Importance of Properly Functional Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is one of the smallest elements of a commercial door, and yet it is one of the most important. Whether it’s keeping water out or keeping air in, it plays an important role in your business.

Keep Water from Leaking In

The most important function of weatherstripping is to keep the weather outside where it belongs. Moisture and puddles of water can be disastrous for any business, leading to mold, water damage, corrosion, and slipping hazards. Keeping your weatherstripping in good condition through maintenance or replacement prevents water from leaking in and pooling up. 

Improve Your Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest challenges facing small businesses today is the energy costs, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. Quality, well-maintained weatherstripping to seal the gaps around your doors eliminates leaks, helping you to maintain a more controlled interior temperature and greatly improving your energy efficiency. You may see a reduction in your energy bills by as much as 10%. 

Protect Yourself Against Pests

Pests are never welcome in any indoor environment. They can pose issues for anyone in the building, and their presence detracts from the professional environment you work hard to maintain. Pests, which include bugs and spiders, are opportunistic; they’ll find their way into your building wherever they can. Properly maintained weatherstripping seals gaps where they could otherwise easily enter, keeping your interior clean and pest-free. 

Improve Your Door’s Lifespan

Your doors are constantly exposed to wear and tear from a variety of different sources, such as weather, constant use from employees or customers, or collisions with equipment. High-quality weatherstripping that’s kept in good condition through maintenance or replacement goes a long way to reducing the amount of damage that your doors are subjected to by reducing corrosion caused by moisture or damage from pests. Ultimately, replacing your weatherstripping means you’ll save money on maintenance and replacement costs. 

Weatherstripping Maintenance

Ensuring your weatherstripping stays effective doesn’t take much effort. There are three main tasks that can be done to ensure longevity:

• Keep it clean: using a soft cloth and mild detergent mixed with warm water to gently wipe the weatherstripping down removes dirt and debris that may compromise its performance and longevity. After cleaning it, make sure to wipe it dry with a clean towel.
• Inspect it for damage: make sure you regularly inspect your weatherstripping for signs of wear and tear. Seasonal weather and UV rays can affect the performance of your seals. Look for cracks, gaps, or frayed edges and address any damage promptly to avoid further degradation.
• Lubricate it regularly: cold winters and hot summers can cause your weatherstripping to become dry and brittle, which makes it more prone to cracking and splitting. To help maintain its integrity, you can apply a thin layer of lubricant to it. Silicon lubricants are the most common variety used. 

Call Creative Door Services Today to Solve Weatherstripping Problems

If you’re noticing signs that your weatherstripping is deteriorating, your first action should be to call the pros at Creative Door Services. We can perform the repair and maintenance tasks necessary to keep your weatherstripping fresh and effective. If any weatherstripping is no longer doing its job, we can remove it and replace it with brand new strips to ensure you get the full coverage you need. 

We are the experts in everything related to commercial doors, which includes the weatherstripping. You can count on our experienced team for maintenance, repair, and replacement of your commercial weatherstripping. We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba to provide comprehensive service for your commercial door seals. Contact your nearest location to request a quote.