Expert: Stuart Mawle - 11/10/2008

Question
Hi there. I have built a set of oak patio doors and have purchased axminsters aquamac 21 weather seal and related cutter to weather proof the frame. I dont seem to have enough timber on the door stop part of the rebate(15mm) to fit the "compression seal" as advised by axminster.I have seen another option is to place the seal in the inside of the rebate face. This then makes it a wiping seal according to the instructions but I have no idea what the difference is between the two. This is my first such project so any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks, Neil

Answer
What happens with the Aquamac 21 is most joinery firms will run a 3mm groove into the corner of the rebate. You do need to have a wider rebate to allow for this which is Door thickness plus aquamac 21 when compress. They don't set this seal into the '15mm' rebate part. Personally, I don't like this, preferring aquamac 63 set in to door stop rebate as shown on axminster website. My old company that I trained with use to use aquamac 63 but just did the 3mm groove for strip leaving the square section showing. This is fine providing you have chamfer edge around the door. The advantage of having a compression seal is that once shut then a complete seal is formed where as other method means that you may have problems if the door shrinks or seal loses its elasticity to form the seal. On some frames I have notice the use of a compression seal and a wipe seal. I hope this helps you. Stuart