Sealing Strips in Construction: Types, Materials and Manufacturing Processes

2025-08-09

Sealing strips, also known as gaskets, weatherstrips, or simply seals, play a crucial role in modern construction, particularly in window and door accessories and aluminum profile systems. These versatile components provide essential functions ranging from weatherproofing to noise reduction, making them indispensable in building envelopes. This article explores the types, materials, manufacturing processes, and applications of sealing strips in the construction industry.

1. Classification of Sealing Strips

Sealing strips can be categorized based on their application and design characteristics:

By Function

  • Weather Seals: Prevent water, air, and dust infiltration in windows and doors

  • Thermal Insulation Strips: Reduce heat transfer in aluminum profile systems

  • Acoustic Seals: Minimize noise transmission through building openings

  • Anti-vibration Gaskets: Absorb vibrations in mechanical connections

By Profile Design

  • E-shaped: Common for window and door compression seals

  • D-shaped: Used for edge sealing in aluminum profile joints

  • P-shaped: Ideal for sliding door and window tracks

  • Foam Tape: Universal sealing solution for irregular gaps

By Installation Method

  • Compression Seals: Rely on pressure between surfaces

  • Adhesive-backed: Self-stick installation for retrofit applications

  • Channel-mounted: Designed to fit specific aluminum profile grooves

2. Materials and Their Properties

The performance of sealing strips depends largely on their material composition:

Rubber-based Seals

  • EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Excellent weather resistance for exterior applications

  • Silicone: High-temperature tolerance and flexibility

  • Neoprene: Good chemical and oil resistance

Plastic-based Seals

  • PVC: Economical option with decent durability

  • TPE/TPV: Thermoplastic elastomers combining rubber-like properties with plastic processability

Composite Materials

  • Rubber-metal hybrids: For structural gaskets in curtain walls

  • Foam-core strips: Combining flexibility with compression recovery

3. Manufacturing Processes

The production of high-quality sealing strips involves specialized techniques:

  • Extrusion: Continuous process for creating uniform profiles from rubber or plastic compounds

  • Vulcanization: Curing rubber materials to achieve final properties

  • Co-extrusion: Combining multiple materials in a single profile

  • Die-cutting: Creating precise shapes for specialized gaskets

  • Molding: For complex three-dimensional sealing components

Advanced manufacturing allows for precise control over hardness (typically 40-80 Shore A), compression set, and other critical performance parameters.

4. Key Applications in Construction

Sealing strips serve vital functions across building systems:

Window and Door Systems

  • Perimeter seals for operable windows

  • Meeting stile gaskets in sliding doors

  • Threshold seals at door bottoms

Aluminum Profile Applications

  • Thermal breaks in curtain wall mullions

  • Joint seals between panel systems

  • Glazing gaskets for glass retention

Specialized Building Uses

  • Expansion joint covers

  • Roofing system seals

  • HVAC duct connections

5. Performance Considerations

When selecting sealing strips for construction projects, engineers evaluate:

  • Weather Resistance: Ability to withstand UV, ozone, and temperature extremes

  • Compression Set: Measurement of permanent deformation after compression

  • Aging Characteristics: Long-term performance under service conditions

  • Fire Ratings: Critical for certain building applications

  • Compatibility: With adjacent materials like aluminum profiles and glass

6. Industry Trends and Innovations

Recent developments in sealing technology include:

  • Smart Seals: Incorporating sensors to monitor building envelope performance

  • Sustainable Materials: Recycled rubber and bio-based compounds

  • High-performance Coatings: Reducing friction in sliding applications

  • Custom Profiles: Engineered solutions for specialized aluminum profile systems

UHIT Custom Sealing Solutions

At UHIT, we specialize in manufacturing high-performance sealing strips tailored to specific project requirements. Our capabilities include:

  • Custom compound formulation for unique environmental challenges

  • Precision extrusion of complex profiles for aluminum profile systems

  • Specialized gasket designs for window and door accessories

  • Comprehensive testing to ensure long-term performance

Whether you need standard weatherstripping or engineered solutions for challenging building applications, our technical team can develop the ideal sealing solution.

We invite architects, fenestration specialists, and construction professionals to consult with our engineers about your specific sealing requirements. Our extensive experience in building materials and commitment to quality ensures you receive sealing products that meet the highest industry standards.

For custom sealing strip inquiries, please contact our technical support team to discuss your project needs and receive tailored recommendations.


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