Leading Rubber Window Seal Manufacturers

Rubber Window Seal

All windows have some form of seal to obstruct hole openings and close gaps. There is a wide assortment of materials used to seal windows, with each type designed to meet the requirements of the application and weather conditions. The most durable and reliable form of window sealant is rubber. Produced through the process of extrusion, rubber window seals can be adapted and engineered to fit any type of door, window, or opening.

What is Rubber Window Seal?

Rubber window seal is a profile that is produced by the extrusion process and can come in any dimensions, shapes, or configuration. It is manufactured using a rubber compound or elastomer that is poured into an extruder that heats the compound close to its melting point and forces it through a die in the shape of the rubber window seal.

A necessary part of the process is vulcanization; it takes place after the rubber has been pressed through the die and has exited the extruder. Vulcanization hardens the rubber window seal to ensure that it maintains its shape. The process of vulcanization can be completed using a variety of processes or procedures.

Any type of rubber can be used to produce rubber window seals, with certain types having more suitable properties and characteristics to fit the application. The most common forms of rubber are silicone, ethylene propylene (EPDM), and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

Types of Rubber Used for Rubber Window Seals

Rubber is a basic material for several applications due to its exceptional durability and ruggedness. One area where it has proven to be an invaluable material is as a tight and permanent seal for windows. Since not every form of rubber has the same characteristics and properties, only certain types are used for the manufacture of window seals.

Ethylene Propylene (EPDM) – EPDM is the ideal material for a window seal. It has excellent weathering capabilities and is resistant to the effects of wind and water. EPDM is a flexible material that can be used to seal car, home, and sliding door windows.

Silicone – Silicone is a highly resilient material that can be used in a wide range of window sealing applications. It is able to withstand temperatures ranging from a low of -55o C (-67o F) to a high of 300o C (572o F); this makes it ideal for sealing windows in manufacturing and industrial applications.

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) – TPE is a very versatile material that is flexible enough to be configured to fit any application. It is used as a sealing material due to its resistance to weathering and its ability to maintain its appearance in harsh conditions. It can be engineered and designed in a variety of colors and shapes.

Common Shapes of Rubber Window Seals

All rubber window seals have a groove or channel, so they can be inserted into the edge of the window. The most common type is claytonrite, which is manufactured with multiple sizes and shapes of channels.

Claytonrite configurations have a locking strip that is formed into the rubber that will lock the seal in place. When deciding to use claytonrite, it is necessary to measure the glass thickness, panel thickness, and the web gap. The most important factor is the web gap. If the gap is too big, it will be difficult to insert the window into the claytonrite. If it is too small, extra material will be needed to make it fit.

Another form of rubber window seal is the U channel, which is used for large windows. U channel does not provide the seal of claytonrite but is very durable and offers excellent protection. U channels are manufactured with the open end tapered for a tight and secure fit.

The Purpose of Rubber Window Seals

Windows are a necessity since they provide light and visibility. As beneficial as they may be, they are also the weakest part of a house due to the fact that they are a poor form of insulation. All windows have some form of seal to prevent heat from escaping and creatures from entering.

Rubber window seals provide a tight, secure seal to keep the cold out and the heat in. They are soft, pliable, and adaptable to any shape, size, and form of window.