Exploring the Benefits of Schlegel Aquamac Draught Seals

13 November 2023

In an era of escalating living costs and skyrocketing energy prices, individuals are actively seeking ways to curtail expenses by enhancing energy efficiency within their homes. With the multitude of options available to bolster home energy efficiency, choosing the right approach can be overwhelming. However, a standout solution for draught proofing windows and doors is the Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal.

Schlegel Aquamac, a renowned name in the industry, has a rich history dating back to 1885 when it was founded as a textile company in Rochester, USA. Over the years, it transitioned to producing brush seals and sealing profiles for buildings, eventually introducing foam seals in the 1960s. In 2013, Schlegel joined the Tyman Group, a global supplier of access components and solutions for the construction sector, serving customers in over 100 countries. Today, Schlegel sells over 1 million metres of weather seal every week. That is equivalent to the length of 23 Marathons back to back!

The Basics of Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal

At its core, Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seals are high-performance draught seals also known as weather strips, meticulously designed to weatherproof timber windows and doors. Their widespread adoption in the industry speaks to their efficacy and dependability. The range boasts notable features, including exceptional compression and the ability to return to their original shape. This is thanks to the product’s open cell technology.

Parts of the seal:

• Film: Polyethylene (PE) film, with smooth or embossed surface weather and UV-resistant;

• Foam: Polyurethane (PU) foam core with high durability and superior recovery performance;

• Insert: Polypropylene (PP) or glass fibre cord prevents elongation and shrinkage of the seal.

Understanding Open Cell Technology

Open Cell Technology is a hallmark feature that incorporates a special polyurethane foam core within the Aquamac seal. This foam core comprises interconnected open cells, forming a network of tiny, interconnected pockets or voids. This unique technology contributes significantly to the exceptional qualities of the Aquamac Weather Seal.

The open cell structure of the polyurethane foam is designed for flexibility and adaptability. When the seal is compressed, when a window or door is closed, the open cells collapse under pressure and then regain their original shape upon pressure release. This characteristic enables the Aquamac seal to maintain its form and effectiveness over time. Unlike closed-cell materials that may deform permanently after compression, open-cell technology allows the seal to consistently bounce back, ensuring a secure and enduring seal, even after repeated use.

The open cell structure also enhances the seal's overall durability. It can withstand the rigours of daily use, temperature fluctuations, and ageing while still delivering dependable performance. This longevity is vital for sustaining the seal's effectiveness in preserving energy efficiency and weatherproofing doors and windows over extended periods.

Open cell technology not only ensures the seal's shape retention but also provides exceptional thermal insulation. The interconnected cells trap air and create a barrier that minimises heat transfer, enhancing the energy efficiency of doors and windows. This is especially crucial for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment.

The Benefits of Long Reach and Low Closing Force

The Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal range offers several noteworthy benefits due to its distinctive design, which includes an extended reach and minimal closing force. These characteristics are instrumental in accommodating the movement of doors and windows while ensuring effective sealing. The long reach of the Aquamac seal allows it to extend deeply into door and window frames. This design grants it the flexibility and adaptability to accommodate doors and windows that may experience slight movements or variations in their frames due to factors such as temperature fluctuations or building settling. The seal can adjust to these changes and maintain a tight seal, preventing draughts and air infiltration.

The low closing force needed to compress the Aquamac seal ensures that doors and windows can be easily closed, even with minimal effort. This feature enhances user convenience while simultaneously guaranteeing a highly effective weatherproof barrier. This means that not only is the operation smoother and user-friendly, but it also preserves the integrity of the seal's performance.

The combination of a long reach and low closing force contributes to the longevity and durability of the Aquamac seal. By minimising the stress and wear on the seal during each open and close cycle, it is better equipped to withstand repeated use over time. This design feature ensures that the seal continues to provide reliable performance in preserving energy efficiency and protecting against external elements, maintaining its effectiveness over an extended period.

This seal helps prevent heat loss in cold weather and heat gain in hot weather, contributing to reduced energy consumption and enhanced comfort within homes.

Weather Performance Throughout the Year:

Consistent weather performance is one of the Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal's key strengths. It adeptly handles diverse weather conditions throughout the year. Whether it's scorching summer heat or freezing winter chill, this seal maintains its integrity and steadfastly draught proofs your home. Schlegel's Aquamac seal stands out for its low thermal conductivity. With a thermal conductivity of just 0.04 W/(m·K) at 0ºC, it surpasses other materials by a factor of 3 to 6, making it an excellent choice for energy-efficient windows and doors. The seal's materials are chosen for their resistance to environmental factors. The weather-resistant polyethylene liner and polyurethane foam core can withstand exposure to rain, UV radiation, and atmospheric conditions without degrading or losing their sealing properties. This resilience ensures that the seal remains effective over time, regardless of the weather conditions it encounters.

Installation Tips and Best Practices

Installing the Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal correctly is essential to ensure it performs effectively in sealing doors and windows. Here are step-by-step installation tips and best practices for joiners and contractors:

Materials and Tools

• Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal

• A utility knife or scissors for cutting the seal to the desired length.

• A clean and dry surface

• A tape measure

Installation Steps

1. Measure and Cut: Start by measuring the length of the frame or sash where you intend to install the Aquamac seal. Use a tape measure to get accurate measurements. Cut the seal to the required length using a utility knife or scissors. Ensure a precise fit to avoid gaps.

2. Clean and Dry the Surface: It's crucial to work with a clean and dry surface. Remove any dirt, dust, or old weather seal remnants from the frame or sash. Cleaning the surface ensures proper adhesion.

3. Position the Seal: Carefully position the Aquamac Weather Seal along the edge of the frame or sash where you want to install it. The open cell side of the seal should face toward the door or window when it's in the closed position.

4. Press Firmly: Apply even pressure along the entire length of the seal to ensure proper adhesion or attachment. Make sure the seal is securely in place.

5. Check for Uniformity: Ensure that the seal is uniformly aligned along the frame or sash. This step is critical to maintain a consistent seal, which is essential for weatherproofing and energy efficiency.

6. Test the Door/Window: After installation, test the door or window by opening and closing it a few times. Check for any obstructions or misalignments caused by the seal. The door or window should close smoothly and securely with the seal in place.

7. Trim Excess Seal: If there's any excess seal protruding beyond the frame or sash, trim it carefully using a utility knife or scissors.

A standout choice

In summary, the Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal offers a range of key benefits and features that make it a standout choice for enhancing the sealing performance of doors and windows. Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this seal offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for enhancing energy efficiency, weatherproofing, and comfort in your buildings.

To see our range of Schlegel Aquamac Weather Seal for your own projects, we invite you to view them in our Weather Seals section.