Slip-Sliding Weatherstripping

© 2000 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2000
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 43

Installation Tip

Slip-Sliding Weatherstripping

Some door dealers have noted that PVC weatherstripping contracts in cold weather, leaving a gap at the junction point where the horizontal piece meets the vertical piece.

In summer, the opposite situation occurs, where the warm weather causes the PVC to expand, creating unsightly “foothills” or rippling on the weatherstripping. This phenomenon of contraction and expansion appears to be an inevitable feature of PVC products. If the material is dark in color, the effect is even greater.

To control the expansion or contraction, try this:

1. Fix screws in all the holes of the weatherstripping base. This should prevent the foothills in the summer.
2. Do not fully tighten the screws. This will allow the base to slide and adjust. This is why the material was supplied with long slots at the base.
3. At the space where the vertical and horizontal pieces meet, leave a space of at least 1/8 inch (3 mm). Fill the space with caulking of the same color as the weatherstripping. The caulk will absorb the expansion, or it will stretch to fill the space if the PVC contracts.

Thanks to Garaga Customer Service for this installation tip. If you have a tip, send it to Door & Access Systems, 1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2851.