Edge Trims & Seals
Our self-gripping edge trims can be used to protect edges on panels, doors and glass. All of these products are manufactured with a self-gripping spine so hold themselves in place without the need for additional adhesive. They are available in a range of sizes designed to fit different panel thicknesses.
A number of our edge trims are also supplied with a sponge sealing bulb which helps create a watertight seal when compressed. This sponge bulb can be located on either the top or side of the edge trim, depending on the angle in which the lid or door closes against the section. They are available in a large range of shapes and diameters allowing for a replacement to be chosen suitable for the size of the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seals Direct Team
Sharp edges on doors, worktop counters, cabinets, and windows should be covered to prevent injury to those who come into contact with them and to protect the surface from damage. Edge trims provide a simple solution to this problem and are available in various shapes, sizes, and styles.
If you need help selecting the right edge trim or seal for your requirements, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve created an in-depth guide to how edge strips can be used, their benefits, and the various types available to help you choose the right product for your application.
Here at Seals Direct, our team have over 50 years of experience in the industry. So, if you need help choosing the right product, call us on 01425 617 722 or email sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk.
What are edge trims and seals?
Edge trim is a versatile product used across various industries and applications to protect exposed edges and those who come into contact with them.
Made from durable, flexible, resistant, and robust materials like PVC and EPDM (a rubber compound), rubber trims effectively absorb impact and provide surface edges with a safe and neat finish. They can be fitted to the edges of various materials, including sheet metal, polycarbonate, wood, glass, and fibreglass, to create a neat and smooth finish.
Edge trims with seals provide the same level of edge protection whilst also creating a tight seal that protects from the ingress of water, air, and other foreign objects. They are commonly used on doors, windows, and hatches.
Applications of edge trims and seals
Flexible self grip edge trim is quick and easy to apply. It clips into place without the need for any adhesive. It is also low-cost and made from a flexible rubber, allowing it to bend to almost any shape. Its ease of use and versatility make it popular in various industries and applications.
In the construction industry, edge trims are used to create a safe and neat finish to the edges of worktops, doors, windows, and other openings. When installing windows and doors, edge trims with seals prevent water from leaking into the building and aid with insulation and soundproofing by creating a tight and reliable seal.
In the industrial sector, protective edge trim plays an important role in employee health and safety, covering the sharp edges of machinery, equipment, and materials like sheet metal and glass.
Weatherproof edge trims and seals are also widely used throughout the automotive and marine industries to seal doors, windows, and hatches on vehicles, boats, and other marine vessels from water ingress and harsh weather conditions.
Other common applications include furniture, playground equipment, gym equipment, health care and laboratory equipment, consumer products, and electronics and appliances.
Benefits of applying edge trims and seals
Applying edge trims and seals can offer numerous benefits, from enhanced safety to improved durability and aesthetics. Let’s find out about these benefits in more detail.
- Protect employees – One of the primary benefits of applying edge trim is to minimise the risk of injury. By covering sharp edges, these trims help to protect employees from suffering cuts or abrasions. This is particularly important in industries where employees are regularly required to use vehicles, machinery, or equipment.
- Surface protection – Rubber trim strips serve a dual purpose. They don’t just protect people from injury; they also protect the surfaces to which they’re applied. By providing shock absorption, rubber trims can significantly reduce damage from bumps and knocks, thereby increasing durability and extending the longevity of the surface. This then helps to minimise expenses related to repairs and replacements.
- Compliance with health and safety laws – Employers are legally obligated to provide emloyees with a safe work environment that is free from hazards. Applying rubber edge trim to potentially hazardous surfaces can help businesses comply with relevant health and safety laws.
- Neat finish – Beyond functionality, applying edge trim can also significantly improve the aesthetic appeal of a surface or product by creating a clean, smooth, and finished look.
- Noise reduction – In settings where noise control is important, applying rubber trim seals around doors and windows is an effective way to help reduce noise to create a quieter and more comfortable environment. This can particularly benefit residential buildings, workplaces, and automotive applications.
- Insulation – As well as sealing gaps, rubber trim seals also play a role in providing insulation. When used on windows, doors, and hatches, these rubber seals also prevent air ingress, helping to maintain the desired temperature and reduce energy costs.
Types of edge trim and their functions
When selecting an edge trim, there are various factors that you should consider to ensure you choose the right product. These include the trim’s intended function, the shape and size of the panel it is being fitted to, the material it is being fitted to, whether it needs to create a seal, and the environmental conditions it needs to withstand.
Let’s learn more about the different types of edge trim available to buy here at Seals Direct.
- Standard edge trim – This type of trim comes in various heights and lengths to fit different panel thicknesses. It’s the most common form of edge trim and is designed to provide a neat, durable finish, protect surface edges, and prevent injury.
- Edge trim with seal – Edge trims seal strips are the ideal choice for the edges of doors, windows, cabinets, and hatches that require a tight seal to prevent entry of water, air, or dust. The seal is created using a sponge sealing bulb, which can compress to fill gaps and ensure a secure fit. Different types of edge sealing strips are available, including those for top seals, side seals, and lip seals.
- Trims with steel-reinforced spines – Most edge trims feature steel-reinforced spines to provide additional strength and durability. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications where the strip needs to withstand significant wear and tear.
- Trims with plastic-reinforced spines – In some applications, a trim with a plastic-reinforced spine may be a more appropriate choice. This type of edge trim is non-conductive and resistant to rust, making it suitable for environments where electrical insulation or corrosion resistance is beneficial. Plastic-reinforced trims are also lighter and more flexible than steel-reinforced trims.
Each type of edge trim is available in various sizes, allowing you to select a trim that will fit your surface perfectly.
If you require help selecting the right type of protective edge trim for your requirements, don’t hesitate to contact our team for advice.
How to choose the right edge trim or seal
Now we know the different types of edge trim available, let’s find out how to choose the right one.
First, you need to measure up the panel or material to which it will be applied. Accurately measuring the thickness of the panel that the edge trim will be clipped over is crucial. The trim must fit snugly over the panel to keep it securely in place. If the trim is too loose, it could move around and fail to provide adequate protection. If it’s too tight, it may not fit at all, or could damage the material it is being fitted to.
Next, you should consider where the trim is being applied and whether it needs to create a seal. If you need a sealing trim, you’ll need to measure the gap being sealed. A general rule of thumb is to select a trim with a sponge sealing bulb that is 30% larger than the gap. This is because compressing the bulb by about 30% helps to create a secure, watertight seal. Selecting the appropriate size is crucial to ensuring that the seal functions correctly.
Finally, you should consider the environment where the edge trim or seal will be used to identify the most suitable trim type and material. Factors like exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and moisture can significantly influence which type of trim is most suitable. If aesthetics are important, standard edge trims are available in various colours, allowing you to choose a colour that complements the material or environment in which it is to be used.
Installation guide for edge trims and seals
Installing self-gripping edge trim is a quick and simple task. All you need to do for your basic edge trim is carefully measure and cut your trim to size. Ensure the surface it is being applied to is clean, dry, and free of debris, and then tap the trim strip into place using your hand or a soft-faced hammer. Most edge trim strips feature a self-gripping metal spine, keeping the trim securely in place without any adhesive. Because no adhesive is applied, these strips can be carefully removed and reused multiple times.
When installing an edge sealing strip, the sponge sealing bulb that creates the seal should be compressed by about 30%. This makes it extremely important that you carefully measure the thickness of the panel it is to be fitted to and select a product with a sponge sealing bulb that is 30% larger than the width of the gap. This helps to create a secure, watertight seal.
For more detailed instructions, check out the technical help area of our website, where we provide in-depth installation guides for key products.
Are edge trims reusable?
Yes, most edge trim protectors feature a self-gripping spine that allows them to be securely affixed without needing adhesive. This allows them to be carefully removed and reused multiple times.
Are edge trims available in different colours?
Our standard edge trims are available in various colours, allowing you to choose a style and colour to complement the aesthetics of where it is being applied.
Can edge trims be applied to unconventional shapes?
Yes, edge trim is made from flexible materials like PVC and EPDM, allowing it to bend to fit a variety of shapes.
How long does edge protector trim typically last?
The lifespan of edging strips depends on the material, environmental exposure, frequency of use, and maintenance. However, high-quality trims can last several years, even in demanding conditions.
Can edge trims be used indoors and outdoors?
Yes, edge strips are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. For outdoor use, it’s advisable to choose trims made from weatherproof materials that are resistant to UV radiation.
How does self grip edge trim contribute to safety in the workplace?
Edge strips can be used to cover sharp edges on machinery, equipment, and furniture to help prevent injuries like cuts and abrasions. This is particularly important in the industrial and construction sectors.
Do you take custom edge trim orders for very specific requirements?
Yes, here at Seals Direct, we can provide a custom edge trim solution if we do not stock a product suitable for your application. Contact our team if you think this is something you require.
Contact and support for edge trim and seals
Got a burning question that we haven’t answered within this guide?
Call our team on 01425 617 722 to discuss your requirements and receive help and advice on the most appropriate product for your needs. If we don’t have a suitable product in our range, we can also design and develop bespoke seals to customers’ precise requirements.