The Ultimate Guide to Using Commercial Door Gaskets: When and Where to Use Them
Introduction to Commercial Door Gaskets
Commercial door gaskets play a vital role in maintaining the efficiency, safety, and functionality of various buildings. These rubber or silicone strips, installed along the edges of doors, provide a seal that prevents the ingress of drafts, noise, smoke, and other elements. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the importance of commercial door gaskets, discuss the different types available, and guide you on when and where to use them.
Understanding the Importance of Commercial Door Gaskets
Sealing for Energy Efficiency
One of the primary purposes of commercial door gaskets is to create a tight seal that helps conserve energy. By blocking drafts and preventing the escape of conditioned air, these gaskets significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce heating or cooling costs.
Ideal products include a gasket in our PemkoPrene® (PK) material or in silicone (S).
Look for applicable products with the “air infiltration” symbol in our product offering
Sealing for Acoustic Performance
Noise pollution can be a significant concern in various environments. Commercial door gaskets with sound attenuation properties help create a soundproof barrier, making them ideal for spaces such as hotels, patient rooms, schools, office buildings, or performance theaters. Selecting the appropriate set of gaskets to help with sound mitigation is especially important for LEED credits, where enhanced learning in schools is desired, or expeditious recovery in hospitals is important.
Our Acoustic Seal Set kits are ideal solutions for multiple applications. These kits are specially tested so we can advise your doors operable rating when the door’s inoperable STC rating is known.
Look for applicable products with the “sound tested” symbol in our product offering.
Life Safety
In the event of a fire, commercial door gaskets play a crucial role in preventing the spread of flames and smoke. For this reason it’s important to ensure all hardware on a door, including door gaskets, is tested for use on fire doors. Fire-rated door gaskets are designed to withstand high temperatures, providing valuable time for evacuation and minimizing fire damage.
Look for applicable products with the “fire” symbol in our product offering.
Types of Commercial Door Gaskets
Pemko Door Gaskets
Pemko is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality commercial door gaskets. Their products are designed to meet specific requirements, including energy efficiency, sound attenuation, and fire safety. Pemko gaskets offer reliable performance and durability.
Frames with Included Gaskets
Some commercial door frames come with integrated gaskets, such as sound suppression frames. These frames offer excellent sound attenuation properties, making them suitable for areas where noise reduction is essential, such as music studios or conference rooms.
When to Use Commercial Door Gaskets
Knowing when to use commercial door gaskets is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety. Here are some situations where their use is highly recommended:
Choosing the Right Commercial Door Gasket
When selecting a commercial door gasket, consider factors such as the desired level of insulation, soundproofing requirements, fire-rated properties, and the specific environmental conditions the gasket will be subject to.
Fire-Rated vs. Non-Fire-Rated Door Gaskets
Fire-rated gaskets are essential in areas where fire protection is a top priority, such as stairwells, fire exit doors, or server rooms. NFPA 80 is the standard for fire doors and other opening protectives, and is a great resource to help with what is allowed on a fire-door. Non-fire-rated gaskets can be used in other areas where fire resistance is not a primary concern. Non-fire-rated gaskets and hardware are not permissible on openings where a fire-rating is required.
Cold Weather Protection
Commercial door gaskets help prevent cold drafts from entering buildings, keeping indoor spaces warm and comfortable, especially during winter months.
Look for gasketing that uses material suitable for very low temperatures, like silicone (S) or nylon brush (NB). These gasket options are suitable for use in temperatures as cold as -76 degrees F and -40 degrees F, respectively.
Soundproofing
Whether it's hotels, schools, hospitals, or theaters, commercial door gaskets with sound attenuation properties effectively reduce noise transmission between rooms, ensuring a peaceful and productive environment.
Pemko has assembled a high-performing set of acoustic seal set kits that are designed to suite well with your acoustically rated door. If the inoperable STC-rating is known, our gasket sets can help provide the best operable rating possible for your opening.
Draft Prevention
Commercial buildings often have areas prone to drafts, such as main entrances, loading docks or warehouse doors. Installing door gaskets helps seal off these openings, preventing unwanted drafts and maintaining temperature control.
For exterior openings look for our gaskets with PemkoPrene® (PK), nylon brush (NB), EPDM (R or N), or silicone (S) inserts that deliver optimal performance over long periods of time.
Smoke Control
In buildings where smoke control is essential, such as hotels, hospitals, apartment buildings, or multi-story offices, fire- and smoke-rated door gaskets act as a barrier, limiting the spread of smoke and ensuring safe evacuation routes. As part of life safety measures, selecting the best door gasket may help save lives in the event of a fire.
Select gaskets, marked with a smoke-rating symbol, feature materials like PemkoPrene® (PK), EPDM (N), or silicone (S).
Where to Use Commercial Door Gaskets
Exterior Doors
Commercial door gaskets are commonly used on exterior doors to prevent drafts, noise, and weather elements from entering the building. They play a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency and creating a comfortable indoor environment.
Interior Doors
Interior doors can also benefit from commercial door gaskets, particularly in spaces where noise reduction, temperature control, or smoke containment is necessary. These gaskets help create a barrier, enhancing privacy and safety within the building.
How to Install and Maintain Commercial Door Gaskets
Installing commercial door gaskets typically involves measuring, cutting, and attaching the gaskets to the door frame. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions for proper installation to ensure an effective seal. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting for wear or damage, is also essential to preserve the performance of the gaskets.
Conclusion
Commercial door gaskets are essential components in achieving energy efficiency, acoustic performance, and life safety in various buildings. Understanding their importance, selecting the right type for specific applications, and properly installing and maintaining them will help optimize their functionality. By utilizing commercial door gaskets effectively, you can enhance the comfort, safety, and functionality of your commercial space.
Ready to optimize your commercial space with effective door gaskets? Connect with our team of experts.