How to Measure and Replace Storefront Door Weather Stripping

Hey guys, this is Gary with Door Closers USA. In today’s video, we’re going to go overhow to measure and replace weather stripping on a commercial glass storefront door.

Depending on your door configuration, the type of weather stripping used can vary.Even though many storefront doors look similar, differences in hinges, door prep,and frame style mean weather stripping is not always interchangeable.

Common Weather Stripping on Storefront Double Doors

On storefront double doors, the most common weather stripping is thecenter seal between the two doors.This is usually the first place you’ll notice drafts, daylight, or air infiltration.

In this example, the door uses a pile-style weather stripping installed into ametal channel between the doors.

You may also notice adjustment screws along the channel. These screws do not hold theweather stripping in place—they are used to adjust the seal in or out.

• Backing the screws out increases pressure and tightens the seal
• Tightening the screws pulls the seal in and creates more clearance

You Do NOT Need to Replace the Metal Channel

A common misconception is that the entire aluminum extrusion must be replaced.In most cases, only the pile weather stripping itself needs replacement.

The weather stripping slides into the channel and is retained by small indentations(peening) in the metal.

How the Weather Stripping Is Retained

During installation, the weather stripping is slid into the channel.If left loose, it would eventually slide out and drag.

To prevent this, installers will:

• Peen (dent) the metal channel slightly with a screwdriver
• This indentation holds the weather stripping in place

You can usually feel where the channel has been peened by running your finger along it.

Removing the Existing Weather Stripping

To remove the old weather stripping:

1. Locate the peened section of the channel
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently open the channel back up
3. Slide the weather stripping out of the slot

Often, weather stripping is only peened at the top or bottom.If it’s not retained evenly, it may hang down, get slammed in the door,and eventually break.

How to Measure Storefront Weather Stripping

If you do not know your door make or model, measuring the existing weather strippingis the best way to ensure you get the correct replacement.

1. Measure the Backing Width

This is the width of the plastic base that slides into the channel.

In this example, the backing width measures 1/8 in.

2. Measure the Pile Height

Pile height is the length of the mohair (the fuzzy portion).

In this example, the pile height measures 5/8 in.

The pile height should be long enough to seal the gap between the doors.

Understanding Door Gaps

A 5/8 in pile height will seal a fairly large gap.If your door gap is larger than that, it’s often a sign of:

• Worn or failing pivot hinges
• A sagging door
• Improper door installation

Keep in mind that even after installation, you can fine-tune the seal usingthe adjustment screws in the metal channel.

Different Weather Stripping Profiles

Not all storefront doors use the same profile.Some use a straight backing, while others use a T-style backing.

Regardless of profile, the measuring process is the same:

• Measure the backing width
• Measure the pile height

Once you have those two measurements, we can match the correct weather stripping for you.

Weather Stripping on Single Doors and Frame Stops

Single storefront doors often use weather stripping installed behind the frame stop.

To replace this style:

• The frame stop must be removed
• The weather stripping slides out of the channel
• The same backing width and pile height measurements apply

Why Weather Stripping Matters

• Prevents drafts and daylight
• Improves energy efficiency
• Helps with sound and dust control
• Reduces wear caused by door slamming

Properly sized weather stripping can dramatically improve door performance.

Final Notes

If you know your door make and model—such as Vista Wall, Tubelite, or similar—we canidentify the correct weather stripping without measuring.

If not, simply pull a piece out, measure the backing width and pile height,and contact us. We’ll match the correct replacement.

All storefront door weather stripping is available at DoorClosersUSA.com.

Thanks for watching. If you have questions, call or email us, and we’ll be happy to help.

Watch the Video

Prefer to follow along visually? Watch the full video below to see how to measure andreplace storefront door weather stripping step-by-step.