Gasketing
Gasketing is crucial when it comes to protecting the indoors from outside elements including rain, snow, heat, cold, smoke, light, and sound. Gaskets are generally placed around the tops, sides, and bottoms of door frames to create the perfect seal a door alone could not achieve.
Gasketing Types
The four main types of gasketing materials are vinyl, neoprene, silicone, and brush. Vinyl gasketing is popular for its economical features and low cost. Silicone and its sister, sponge silicone, are prevalent in hospitals due to their resistance to mold and bacteria, and ability to stay flexible in a wide range of temperatures. Neoprene can withstand the most extreme climates, temperatures, and conditions, and also compresses easily. Brush material is used best when protecting the indoors from insects, heat, and cold, but isn’t the greatest at shielding from rain and snow.
Gasketing Usage
Gasketing is most commonly used on exterior doors that lead to the outside, but can also be found on interior fire rated openings in order to protect rooms and stairways from smoke in the event of a fire. They can also be used to block sound transmission in indoor applications.
Thresholds
Gasketing products used to close the gap between the door and the floor are known as thresholds. The most commonly applied are aluminum saddle thresholds. They’re popular for commercial use due to their ability to connect irregular floor surfaces. Thresholds can also be used as carpet dividers, thermal barriers, and on interlocking and panic type doors.