WRWeatherstrip ReferenceWeatherstrip profile identification by shape & measurements
Reference guide · Compare profile shape, mounting interface and measurements · Confirm fit before ordering.
Weatherstrip Reference

Measure Bulb & Compression Weatherstrip

Use this workflow for bulb and compression families. Identify the mounting interface separately from the sealing body, then measure relaxed geometry from a consistent datum.

Original schematic measurement reference
Reference graphic — schematic, not an exact product depiction.
Original schematic measurement reference
Reference graphic — schematic, not an exact product depiction.

Family coverage

FamilySubtypeEvidenceMount/interfaceSource scope
profile recordKerf-in bulbSource-backedkerf / push-in stemSee source notes on this page
profile recordHollow / multi-hollow bulbSource-backedT-slot, kerf, adhesive, other documented baseSee source notes on this page
profile recordT-slot bulb extrusionSource-backedT-slot / slide-in baseSee source notes on this page
profile recordSurface-mounted bulb / tubeSource-backedsurface-fastenedSee source notes on this page
profile recordAdhesive-backed compression extrusionSource-backedpressure-sensitive adhesiveSee source notes on this page
profile recordKerf-in foam-clad compressionSource-backedkerf / push-in stemSee source notes on this page

Measurement fields

What to recordWhen neededUnit or choicesDefinitionQuality rule
Evidence confidenceyessource-backed, partial, unverifiedState of measurement evidence, not replacement fit.Source-backed evidence requires direct measurements/photos or authoritative dimensional source.
Observed profile familyyespile, bulb_tube, flipper_leaf_v, foam_tape, sweep_brush, hybrid, unknownObserved geometry family only.Do not force a family if ambiguous.
Observed mounting interfaceyest_slot, kerf_stem, adhesive, clip_channel, surface_fastened, integral_extrusion, unknownHow the seal is retained or mounted.Observed only.
Sample conditionyesnew, used_good, used_worn, compressed_set, torn, deformed, unknownCondition of measured sample.Worn/deformed samples lower confidence.
Measurement toolyesCaliper/ruler/gauge used.Record exact tool type; no assumed resolution.
Tool resolutionyesmmSmallest readable increment.Do not report more precision than instrument supports.
Repeat readingsyescountNumber of readings per critical dimension.Target 3 when practical.
Base/backing widthconditionalmmMaximum overall width of backing/base perpendicular to strip length.Measure relaxed; do not crush flexible base.
overall profile heightyesmmBottom of mounting/base datum to furthest relaxed sealing tip.Store separately from vendor-specific 'pile height' terminology.
bulb body widthconditionalmmMaximum relaxed body width in cross-section.Preferred for non-circular bulbs.
Bulb body heightconditionalmmRelaxed body height normal to mounting datum.Preferred for non-circular bulbs.
Bulb outer diameterconditionalmmRelaxed outside diameter only when body is approximately circular.Do not call irregular body a diameter.
kerf stem widthconditionalmmNarrow stem width that enters the kerf/groove.Measure relaxed at representative straight section.
Kerf stem depthconditionalmmDistance from underside of seal body/base to stem tip.Do not infer from groove depth.
channel throat widthconditionalmmNarrow visible opening between retaining lips.Measure channel, not the removed backing.
channel cavity widthoptionalmmInternal cavity width behind throat, if directly accessible.leave blank / unmeasured if not safely accessible.
channel depthconditionalmmDepth from opening datum to cavity/kerf floor.Direct measurement only.
Installed gap closedoptionalmmDistance between opposing contact surfaces at fully closed normal position.Measure at seal location; note operating state.
uncompressed sealing projectionconditionalmmProjection from mounting datum to relaxed sealing tip.Can equal overall height only when datum is same.
Contact motionyesnormal_compression, lateral_wipe, sliding_brush_contact, hybrid, none, unknownHow mating surface approaches/acts on seal.Observed from installation context.
Compression/contact directionyesPlain-language direction relative to mounting surface and closure motion.Example: 'door closes normal to bulb; bulb compresses toward jamb'.
Insertion directionconditionalDirection seal inserts/slides/snaps into channel.Record only if observed.
Observed material classyespile_fiber, solid_elastomer, cellular_foam, plastic_leaf, coextruded, mixed, unknownObserved material class only.Specific polymer only if marked or source-backed.
Original reported valueyesOriginal user/source value and unit before conversion.Preserve provenance and rounding.
Measurement notesyesRange, repeated readings, deformation, ambiguity, inaccessible dimensions.Mandatory when any critical field is missing/uncertain.

Protocol

  1. Stabilize sample: Remove only if safe; let flexible profile relax without stretching or intentional compression. If installed-only, document that limitation.
  2. Choose datum: Orient cross-section with mounting/base datum at bottom and active sealing element toward top/contact surface. Record orientation.
  3. Record tool/resolution: Log instrument and actual resolution before dimensions. Canonical numeric storage is mm; retain original unit text.
  4. Take repeat readings: Take 3 readings at separated, representative points when practical. Store median plus range in notes; do not average across visibly different wear zones.
  5. Measure base/interface first: Measure backing/base width/thickness or kerf stem before soft sealing element so retention geometry is not conflated with seal projection.
  6. Measure relaxed sealing geometry: Use minimum pressure. For pile, measure fiber-only height from top of backing and also overall profile height. For irregular bulbs store width and height instead of a false diameter.
  7. Measure receiving channel separately: If accessible without damage, measure throat width, cavity width and depth. Never substitute backing width for channel throat width.
  8. Capture contact mechanics: Record closure/contact motion: normal compression, lateral wipe, sliding brush contact, hybrid or unknown. Add plain-language direction.
  9. Capture material conservatively: Record observable class only. Specific polymer/material name requires marking, packaging, authoritative source or instrumented verification.
  10. Photograph evidence: Complete V01-V04 and V08; add V05-V07/V09 when applicable. Scale must be in same plane for dimensional reference.
  11. Apply uncertainty state: Source-backed only for directly measured/authoritatively sourced fields; partial when core evidence is incomplete; unverified when identity/geometry depends on guesswork.
  12. No fit decision: This standard may narrow site geometry but must not assert replacement compatibility, generation equivalence or acceptable compression without separate source-backed fit evidence.

Route-specific cautions

  • For irregular bulbs, record width and height rather than forcing a diameter.
  • For kerf or T-slot variants, measure the receiver separately when accessible.

Blank capture table

ObservationRaw value + unitNormalized valueRepeat/rangeEvidenceNotes
Mount/interface
Base/attachment geometry
Overall relaxed profile height
Sealing-body geometry
Receiver/channel geometry
Stop before fit: measurements can narrow site geometry but do not prove replacement compatibility. Keep incomplete or conflicting records partial/unverified.

Related canonical routes

    Provenance

    Primary internal evidence: Reference measurement schema/protocol, Reference evidence rules, Weatherstrip the route registry, and Reference family definitions. No source scope is upgraded by Reference.