Lip Seals, or leaf seals, are used to protect the edges on panels, doors and glass. They contain a metal reinforced self-gripping spin that allows the section to hold itself onto the edge of the panel without the need for mechanical fixings or adhesive. These products are available in a small range of sizes to suit different panel thicknesses and sealing gaps.
This guide from Seals Direct explains the two different types of lip seals and provides a detailed explanation of what measurements you need to take to identify the best replacement section.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Lip Seal
There are two types of self-gripping lip seals;
1 – Edge Trims with
Top Lip Seal
2 – Edge Trims with Side Lip Seal
Both of these products are manufactured with either a sponge rubber or solid rubber lip that aims to create a seal when compressed. These lips are located on either the side or top of a self-gripping edge trim and should be chosen based on the angle in which the lid or door closes against the section.
Not the product you are looking for? Take a look at our technical guide for identifying and replacing edge trims, top seals and side seals.
Step 2: Measure the Panel Thickness
Once you have identified the type of lip seal that will be suitable for your application, measure the panel thickness. This is the edge that the profile will clip over.
You will need to do this with either a digital caliper or Vernier caliper to allow you to get a precise measurement of the thickness of the panel. This will help you ensure that you purchase a replacement section that is large enough to clip over the edge of your panel but is not too loose. We provide these measurements in millimetres.
There is no fixed rule and the thickness of your panel edge will be dependent on your specific application. However, most sheet metal is around 1.6mm thick and Perspex or glass tends to have a thickness of between 3mm and 6mm thick.
Step 3a: Edge Trim with Top Lip Seal
Your existing section may have lip seal located on the top of the edge trim. This is the part that creates the seal when the door or lid is closed. You will need to measure the length of the existing sealing lip to identify a replacement product that adequately seals your door or enclosure.
Once you know the size, you can use this measurement along with the panel thickness to purchase a replacement section.
We recommend compressing the sealing lip by approximately 30%. This will create a good watertight seal and reduce the chance of compression set. You can calculate this by measuring the size of the gap between the two panel edges. If you do not have access to a digital caliper or Vernier caliper, place a piece of blutac on one edge and close the door. Open the door and measure the squashed blutac. This will give you the size of the gap you need to seal.
View our range of Edge Trims with Lip Seals.
Step 3b: Edge Trim with Side Lip Seal
Your existing section may have lip seal located on the side of the edge trim. This is the part that creates the seal when the door or lid is closed. You will need to measure the length of the existing sealing lip to identify a replacement product that adequately seals your door or enclosure.
Once you know the size, you can use this measurement along with the panel thickness to purchase a replacement section.
We recommend compressing the sealing lip by approximately 30%. This will create a good watertight seal and reduce the chance of compression set. You can calculate this by measuring the size of the gap between the two panel edges. If you do not have access to a digital caliper or Vernier caliper, place a piece of blutac on one edge and close the door. Open the door and measure the squashed blutac. This will give you the size of the gap you need to seal.
View of range of Edge Trims with Lip Seals.
Replace your Lip Seal with Seals Direct
If you’re looking for lip seals or any other edge trims, the technical team at Seals Direct can help you find a suitable replacement product for your application. We are a leading supplier of rubber seals and trims, with an inventory of over 760 stocked products.
Contact our technical team by email at sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk or via phone on 01425 617722 for help and advice with selecting the best product for your application.