Weatherstrip Reference
Measure Pile Weatherstrip
Use this workflow for pile/brush profiles. Backing geometry, fibre height and any barrier fin are separate observations; a visual match without those measurements is not a fit decision.
Family coverage
| Family | Subtype | Evidence | Mount/interface | Source scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
profile record | Woven pile | Source-backed | woven backing / carrier | See source notes on this page |
profile record | Extruded-base pile | Source-backed | rigid extruded base / carrier | See source notes on this page |
profile record | Single-fin pile | Source-backed | woven or extruded base / carrier | See source notes on this page |
profile record | Multi-fin pile | Source-backed | carrier / backing | See source notes on this page |
profile record | Kerf-mounted pile | Source-backed | kerf / push-in backing | See source notes on this page |
profile record | Adhesive-backed pile | Source-backed | pressure-sensitive adhesive | See source notes on this page |
Measurement fields
| What to record | When needed | Unit or choices | Definition | Quality rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence confidence | yes | source-backed, partial, unverified | State of measurement evidence, not replacement fit. | Source-backed evidence requires direct measurements/photos or authoritative dimensional source. |
| Observed profile family | yes | pile, bulb_tube, flipper_leaf_v, foam_tape, sweep_brush, hybrid, unknown | Observed geometry family only. | Do not force a family if ambiguous. |
| Observed mounting interface | yes | t_slot, kerf_stem, adhesive, clip_channel, surface_fastened, integral_extrusion, unknown | How the seal is retained or mounted. | Observed only. |
| Sample condition | yes | new, used_good, used_worn, compressed_set, torn, deformed, unknown | Condition of measured sample. | Worn/deformed samples lower confidence. |
| Measurement tool | yes | Caliper/ruler/gauge used. | Record exact tool type; no assumed resolution. | |
| Tool resolution | yes | mm | Smallest readable increment. | Do not report more precision than instrument supports. |
| Repeat readings | yes | count | Number of readings per critical dimension. | Target 3 when practical. |
| Base/backing width | conditional | mm | Maximum overall width of backing/base perpendicular to strip length. | Measure relaxed; do not crush flexible base. |
| Base/backing thickness | conditional | mm | Thickness of base/backing. | If nonuniform, record min/max notes. |
| overall profile height | yes | mm | Bottom of mounting/base datum to furthest relaxed sealing tip. | Store separately from vendor-specific 'pile height' terminology. |
| pile fiber height | conditional | mm | Top of backing to relaxed pile-fiber tips, excluding backing and excluding fin. | Required for pile when physically measurable. |
| Fin height above pile | conditional | mm | Fin projection above relaxed pile fibers. | Use 0 only when confirmed absent; otherwise blank/leave blank / unmeasured. |
| Observed pile density | optional | low, medium, high, very_high, unknown | Visual/authoritative descriptor if available. | Do not estimate if not evident. |
| channel throat width | conditional | mm | Narrow visible opening between retaining lips. | Measure channel, not the removed backing. |
| channel cavity width | optional | mm | Internal cavity width behind throat, if directly accessible. | leave blank / unmeasured if not safely accessible. |
| channel depth | conditional | mm | Depth from opening datum to cavity/kerf floor. | Direct measurement only. |
| Contact motion | yes | normal_compression, lateral_wipe, sliding_brush_contact, hybrid, none, unknown | How mating surface approaches/acts on seal. | Observed from installation context. |
| Compression/contact direction | yes | Plain-language direction relative to mounting surface and closure motion. | Example: 'door closes normal to bulb; bulb compresses toward jamb'. | |
| Insertion direction | conditional | Direction seal inserts/slides/snaps into channel. | Record only if observed. | |
| Observed material class | yes | pile_fiber, solid_elastomer, cellular_foam, plastic_leaf, coextruded, mixed, unknown | Observed material class only. | Specific polymer only if marked or source-backed. |
| Original reported value | yes | Original user/source value and unit before conversion. | Preserve provenance and rounding. | |
| Measurement notes | yes | Range, repeated readings, deformation, ambiguity, inaccessible dimensions. | Mandatory when any critical field is missing/uncertain. |
Protocol
- Stabilize sample: Remove only if safe; let flexible profile relax without stretching or intentional compression. If installed-only, document that limitation.
- Choose datum: Orient cross-section with mounting/base datum at bottom and active sealing element toward top/contact surface. Record orientation.
- Record tool/resolution: Log instrument and actual resolution before dimensions. Canonical numeric storage is mm; retain original unit text.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Measure receiving channel separately: If accessible without damage, measure throat width, cavity width and depth. Never substitute backing width for channel throat width.
- Capture contact mechanics: Record closure/contact motion: normal compression, lateral wipe, sliding brush contact, hybrid or unknown. Add plain-language direction.
- Capture material conservatively: Record observable class only. Specific polymer/material name requires marking, packaging, authoritative source or instrumented verification.
- Photograph evidence: Complete V01-V04 and V08; add V05-V07/V09 when applicable. Scale must be in same plane for dimensional reference.
- 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.
- 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
- Record fin count and position in measurement_notes; Reference has a numeric fin-height field but no dedicated fin-count field.
- Do not use bristle appearance to infer backing width or carrier fit.
Blank capture table
| Observation | Raw value + unit | Normalized value | Repeat/range | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
- Source — Maryland Energy Administration, Weatherstripping
https://energy.maryland.gov/residential/pages/technicalassistance/weatherstripping.aspx
Supports: Generic tension/V-strip, felt, pile, foam tape, reinforced foam, tubular gasket and door-seal terminology; application distinctions. · accessed 2026-10-07 - Source — Schlegel, Weatherseal products: Q-LON, pile & extruded seals
https://www.schlegel.com/products/
Supports: Compression foam gasket, brush pile, fin-pile, extruded-seal technologies; kerf/surface/carrier fitment distinctions. · accessed 2026-10-07 - Source — Schlegel, Brush pile seals for windows, doors & shutters
https://www.schlegel.com/products/brush-pile-seals/
Supports: Woven vs extruded pile, optional fins, adhesive backing, sliding window/door applications. · accessed 2026-10-07 - Source — Ultrafab, Pile Weatherstripping and Weatherseals for Windows & Doors
https://www.ultrafab.com/pile-weatherseals/
Supports: Pile, fin-pile, kerf-mounted pile and adhesive-backed pile categories. · accessed 2026-10-07