Drop-down seals 

Drop seals are indispensable helpers when it comes to keeping unwanted draughts and noise outside. They seal the gap between the door leaf and the floor and thus help to save heating costs and increase living comfort.

Find out here how drop-down seals on doors and front doors work, where exactly they are used, what you should look out for and what makes them so beneficial.

Why and when do you need a drop-down seal?

Drop seals are primarily used to close the gap between the door leaf and the floor. They are particularly used when the surface of the floor is flat and level. Their main function is to

• the passage of sound
• draught air and
• in special cases also smoke

to prevent. The way drop-down seals work is as simple as it is effective: when the door is closed, triggers on the rail press on an elastic material, usually rubber, which then seals the gap to the floor. Sound and draughts can thus be effectively reduced, which significantly increases living comfort.

Retrofitting is often possible. However, you should always pay attention to the technical feasibility, especially with recessed models.

Types of drop-down seals

When choosing the right drop-down seal for a door or front door, the desired priority and the type of door are particularly important.

Categorised by type of use

• Heat insulation: To save on heating costs, there are special models that serve optimal insulation.
• Soundproofing: Especially at the front door, it is often necessary to seal the door optimally, as otherwise noise and dirt can penetrate from the outside.
• Fire protection: A special feature of drop-down seals is that they can prevent smoke from passing under the door into another area in the event of a fire. This is mainly important for fire doors. Make sure that the drop-down seal is certified for fire doors.

By type of installation

• Screw-on: Screw-on drop-down seal
• Screw-on: If you don't like a screw-on model and grooving is too much work for you, this variant is a good alternative
• Insert: Certainly the most inconspicuous form, but can only be installed by a professional.

6 advantages of drop-down seals

Drop-down seals offer a variety of benefits that make them an excellent choice for improving home comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Decent: Their special design enables - in the case of recessed variants - an almost invisible integration into the door while offering a high level of functionality.
• Protection of the floor: Since the seal only lowers when the door is closed, dragging across the floor is prevented.
• Energy efficiency: They keep cold air out and warm air in, which reduces heating costs. If you want to know how to seal a door well overall, why not read our blog post Sealing a Door in 3 Steps.
• Noise protection:You reduce the sound level between different rooms.
• Smoke protection: In case of fire, they prevent smoke from moving under the door to another area.
• Versatility: They can be used for different door materials and door types.

Sinking seals can therefore not only increase your living comfort, but also contribute to the energy efficiency of your home.

Drop-down seals are available in different materials and colours

Drop seals are available in a variety of materials and colours to blend seamlessly with the design of your door and room. Here is a brief overview of the different options:

Materials of drop-down seals

• Aluminium: The most commonly used material for drop-down seals. Aluminium is extremely durable and corrosion resistant, which makes it ideal for use in areas where it is exposed to high loads. It is also lightweight and easy to handle.
• Plastic: Some drop-down seals are made of robust plastic. They are often cheaper than aluminium versions, but can be just as effective.
• Stainless steel: For a high-quality, modern look, drop-down seals can also be made of stainless steel. They are extremely resistant and durable.

Colours - drop-down seals to match the door

• Silver: This colour is the most common as it matches well with most door and floor colours
• Black: A stylish option that goes particularly well with dark doors and floors.
• White: For an understated look that goes well with light doors and floors.

Whatever material and colour options you choose, the most important thing is that the drop-down seal works effectively and blends harmoniously into your room design.