Strip Brush Installation Guide | Sizing and Step-by-Step Fitting

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Introduction: why does strip brush installation matter so much?

Does dust keep getting in through the gap under your door? Do your windows fail to close tightly and let in drafts? Is the dust protection on your industrial equipment not thorough enough?

A correctly installed strip brush solves all of these problems. But many people make the following mistakes when installing strip brushes: inaccurate measurements, the wrong material, an unsuitable fixing method. The result is a strip that either cannot be fitted or seals poorly, and may even fall off within a few months.

In fact, installing a strip brush is not difficult. As long as you measure correctly, choose the right base material and follow the steps, it is easy to do. Even a DIY beginner can do it and save the installation fee.

This article is written by the manufacturing team at YC Brushes, which has over 40 years of professional experience. It gives a complete account of the structure, specifications, measuring methods and installation steps of strip brushes. After reading it you will know: how do you measure the dimensions correctly? How do you choose between base materials? How do the installation methods differ for door gaps, windows and industrial equipment? How do you avoid the common mistakes?

Whether you are a homeowner who wants to install door and window strip brushes yourself or an engineer responsible for maintaining industrial equipment, this article will help you get it right the first time and achieve the best seal.

What is a strip brush? Structure and applications

Before installing one, first understand what a strip brush actually is.

Basic definition of a strip brush

A strip brush, also called a brush strip or dust-proof strip brush, is a strip-shaped brush in which the filament is fixed in a metal or plastic strip.

Basic structure:

1. Base: a metal or plastic strip that holds the filament
2. Filament: nylon, PP, PBT and other materials, providing the sealing or cleaning function
3. Fixing method: the filament is clamped in the channel of the base, or held with metal wire

The components of a strip brush

1. Base material

The common base materials are:

• Galvanized steel strip: economical and durable, suited to indoor use, will rust
• Stainless steel strip: rustproof, suited to outdoor or humid environments, more expensive
• Aluminum strip: lightweight, suited to applications where weight must be reduced
• Plastic strip: insulating, suited to electrical equipment, chemical resistant

2. Filament material

The common filament materials are:

• Nylon (PA): wear resistant with good elasticity, suited to a cleaning function
• PP (polypropylene): weather resistant, does not absorb water, suited to outdoor sealing
• PBT (polybutylene terephthalate): highly elastic with good recovery

Want to know the properties of the different filament materials? See the complete guide to nylon brushes, plastic brushes and synthetic filaments.

3. Dimensions

The key dimensions of a strip brush:

• Base width (W): 5mm-50mm; 10mm, 15mm and 20mm are common
• Trim length (H): 10mm-100mm, chosen according to need
• Length (L): any length can be made to order; order quantities are quoted per specification, so please email us

Applications of strip brushes

Strip brushes are used very widely:

1. Sealing doors and windows

• Door-bottom gap: keeps out dust, wind, noise and insects
• Windows: seals gaps, keeps out water
• Automatic doors: dust protection, cushioning

Material choice: nylon or PP (good weather resistance)

2. Industrial equipment

• Conveyor belts: dust protection, cleaning
• Machinery: protection, sealing
• Anti-static: specifically for the electronics industry

Material choice: according to the environment (PP for chemical environments, nylon for ordinary environments)

3. Architectural hardware

• Door-bottom strip brushes: main doors, room doors
• Insect-proof strip brushes for windows: a supplement to window screens
• Elevator doors: safety protection

Material choice: for outdoor use, a stainless steel base + PP filament (weather resistant)

Types and specifications of strip brushes

To buy a strip brush you first need to understand the types and specifications.

Classified by base material

1. Galvanized steel strip brush

Features:

• Economical in price, the most common
• Strong enough and durable
• Drawback: will rust (not a problem indoors)

Suitable for:

• Indoor doors and windows
• General industrial equipment
• Applications with a limited budget

Price: budget; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

2. Stainless steel strip brush

Features:

• Rustproof, with good weather resistance
• Suited to outdoor or humid environments
• Higher price

Suitable for:

• Outdoor doors and windows
• Seaside and high-humidity environments
• Food plants, chemical plants

Price: upper mid-range; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

3. Aluminum strip brush

Features:

• Lightweight, does not rust
• Lower strength (not suited to heavy use)
• Medium price

Suitable for:

• Applications where weight must be reduced
• Aluminum window fittings
• Light equipment

Price: mid-range; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

4. Plastic strip brush

Features:

• Insulating, chemical resistant
• Non-conductive (safe)
• Lower strength

Suitable for:

• Electrical equipment
• Chemical environments
• Anti-static requirements

Price: mid-range; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

Classified by filament material

1. Nylon strip brush

• Advantages: wear resistant, good elasticity, long service life
• Disadvantages: higher price, higher moisture absorption
• Suitable for: scenarios that need elasticity and a cleaning function

2. PP strip brush

• Advantages: weather resistant, does not absorb water, inexpensive
• Disadvantages: poorer wear resistance
• Suitable for: outdoor sealing, general dust protection

Want the detailed differences between PP and nylon? See Plastic brush vs nylon brush | 5 key differences compared.

3. PBT strip brush

• Advantages: highly elastic, good recovery, chemical resistant
• Disadvantages: the highest price
• Suitable for: frequent opening and closing, high quality requirements

Common dimensions

Base width (W):

Trim length (H):

Length (L):

• Standard lengths: 1 meter, 2 meters
• Any length can be made to order
• Ordering 5-10% extra as spare material is recommended (cutting error)

Measuring and choosing: 4 steps to the right strip brush

If the size is wrong, even the best strip brush is useless.

Let me show you the correct way to measure and choose.

Step 1: Measure the width of the mounting channel

What is the mounting channel?

The mounting channel is the groove that holds the base of the strip brush.

How to measure:

1. Use vernier calipers or a tape measure
2. Measure the inside width of the channel (not the outside)
3. Record the dimension (accurate to 0.5mm)

An important reminder:

The base width of the strip brush should be the same as the width of the mounting channel, or 0.5-1mm larger (a tight fit).

Too wide and it will not go in; too narrow and it will work loose and fall out.

Common mounting channel widths:

• Door-bottom gap: 10-15mm
• Windows: 8-12mm
• Industrial equipment: depends on the design

Step 2: Measure the gap height

What is the gap height?

It is the depth of the gap to be sealed, and it decides the trim length.

How to measure:

1. Close the door or shut the equipment
2. Measure the depth of the gap (from the mounting position to the opposite surface)
3. Add 5-10mm (the filament needs to bend to make contact)

Example:

• Height of the gap under the door: 15mm
• Recommended trim length: 20-25mm (5-10mm more)

Why add 5-10mm?

The filament has to bend in order to seal. If it only just reaches, it cannot seal.

Step 3: Measure the length needed

How to measure:

1. Measure the length to be installed
2. Add 5-10% spare material (cutting error, corners)

Example:

• Door width: 90cm
• Length to order: 90cm × 1.1 = 99cm ≈ 1 meter

Why order spare material?

• Cutting may be slightly off
• Corners need extra length
• To avoid running short

Step 4: Choose the base and filament materials

Choose according to the operating environment:

Choosing the base material:

Choosing the filament material:

Quick examples:

• Indoor door-bottom gap → galvanized steel strip + PP filament, economical
• Outdoor main door → stainless steel strip + PP filament, weather resistant and rustproof
• Industrial equipment → stainless steel strip + nylon filament, durable

Not sure how to choose? You can contact YC Brushes. We offer free selection advice.

How to work out the specification: three formulas and what to provide when ordering

The wrong trim length is the most common reason a strip brush fails: too short and it does not seal, too long and it drags on the floor and deforms. The length is decided by the purpose, and there are clear formulas:

How to measure density

Count "how many tufts there are per 10 cm": low density is 20-30 tufts, medium density 40-60 tufts and high density 70-100 tufts. Use low density for dust protection, medium density for cleaning and high density for abrasive finishing.

Three situations for measuring length

• Straight installation: measure the actual length and add 5-10 cm to spare; trimming on site is easier to deal with than running short.
• Corners or L shapes: measure in sections, order in sections and join them on site. Do not order one extra-long piece; it causes problems in both transport and installation.
• Arcs or irregular shapes: run a piece of string along the installation path, then measure the string, and be sure to specify a flexible base.

The six specifications to provide when ordering

Mounting method (U type / H type / screw / adhesive backing), filament material and stiffness, overall length, trim length (mm), filament density or arrangement, and quantity. If any one is missing there will be back-and-forth confirmation and the lead time will stretch.

For a first order we suggest asking for a 1-2 meter sample and test-fitting it before ordering in volume. Order quantities and lead times are quoted per specification. Please email us with your requirements.

Installation steps explained

Strip brushes are installed in three ways: screw fixing, self-adhesive backing and snap-in. The installation steps for each are explained in detail below.

Preparation before installation

List of essential tools:

• Vernier calipers or tape measure (measuring)
• Utility knife or scissors (cutting)
• Rubber mallet or wooden mallet (tapping)
• Screwdriver (fixing screws)
• Electric drill (when holes are needed)
• Silicone sealant or tape (auxiliary fixing)

Clean the installation position:

1. Remove dust and oil
2. Wipe the mounting channel with alcohol
3. Make sure the surface is dry

Installation method 1: Door-bottom gap

This is the most common application, and the easiest to do as DIY.

Step 1: Measure and cut

1. Measure the door width
2. Cut the strip brush (length = door width + 2-3mm)
3. Trial-fit to confirm the length

Step 2: Insert into the mounting channel

1. Line up the base of the strip brush with the mounting channel at the bottom of the door
2. Start inserting from one end
3. Push it in by hand, making sure the base goes fully into the channel

Step 3: Tap to fix

1. Tap the strip brush lightly with a rubber mallet
2. Make sure the base is held tightly in the channel
3. Check for any looseness

Step 4: Check the seal

1. Close the door and check whether the filament touches the floor
2. The filament should bend by 5-10mm (under compression)
3. Open and close the door to make sure it moves smoothly

Common problems:

• Too tight to fit → check the dimensions; you may need to reorder
• Too loose, falls out easily → use silicone sealant as auxiliary fixing
• Filament too long → it can be trimmed shorter, but it must be even

Installation method 2: Sealing windows

Installing on a window is slightly more complicated than on a door bottom.

Step 1: Confirm the installation position

Window strip brushes are usually installed at:

• The sides of the window frame
• Where the sashes meet
• The seal at the bottom of the window

Step 2: Clean and measure

1. Clean the channel of the window frame
2. Measure the length needed
3. Cut the strip brush

Step 3: Insert and fix

1. Line it up with the channel and insert
2. Tap with a rubber mallet to fix
3. At corners a 45-degree cut may be needed

Step 4: Check the seal

1. Close the window and check whether it is sealed
2. The filament should lightly touch the sash
3. Open and close the window to test how smoothly it moves

Notes:

• Window filament should not be too long (it interferes with opening and closing)
• The trim length is about 1.5 times the gap
• Corners need careful cutting

Installation method 3: Industrial equipment

Installation on industrial equipment usually requires drilling and fixing.

Step 1: Mark the position

1. Confirm the installation position
2. Mark it with a pencil
3. Confirm that it does not affect the operation of the equipment

Step 2: Drill (if needed)

1. Drill according to the screw hole positions
2. The hole diameter should be slightly smaller than the screw diameter
3. Clear away the drilling chips

Step 3: Fix the strip brush

1. Line the strip brush up with the position
2. Fix with screws (one screw every 30cm)
3. Tighten, but not too much (to avoid deformation)

Step 4: Test the function

1. Start the equipment and test
2. Check whether the filament is working normally
3. Adjust if necessary

Advice for industrial installation:

• Seek professional help (safety first)
• Confirm that the safety of the equipment is not affected
• Check the condition of the filament regularly

If you need a custom strip brush installation service for industrial equipment, you can see the full range of services at YC Brushes.

Common installation mistakes and solutions

Many people make these mistakes when installing strip brushes.

Mistake 1: Inaccurate measurement

Symptoms:

• The strip brush is too long to fit
• Too short to seal
• The base width does not match

Cause:

Not measuring with precise tools, estimating by feel.

Solution:

• Measure with vernier calipers (accurate to 0.5mm)
• Record all the dimensions
• Check once more before cutting

Prevention:

Measure twice, cut once. Better to measure more than to go by feel.

Mistake 2: The wrong material

Symptoms:

• Galvanized steel strip used outdoors → rusts within a few months
• Nylon filament used in a chemical environment → degrades quickly
• PP filament used in a high-temperature environment → softens and deforms

Cause:

Not considering the operating environment.

Solution:

• Outdoors → stainless steel base + PP filament
• Chemical environment → plastic base + PP filament
• High-temperature environment → stainless steel base + nylon 66 filament

Prevention:

Assess the environment (temperature, humidity, chemicals) before installation.

Want to know the material differences? See the plastic brush vs nylon brush comparison.

Mistake 3: Poor fixing

Symptoms:

• Falls off after a few weeks of use
• The base is loose
• The filament is crooked

Cause:

• The mounting channel is too wide and the base is not tight enough
• Not tapped in to fix it
• Poor workmanship at the corners

Solution:

• Tap with a rubber mallet to make sure it is tight
• If it is too loose, use silicone sealant as auxiliary fixing
• Reinforce the corners with screws

Prevention:

Test immediately after installation and check for looseness.

Mistake 4: Insufficient filament density

Symptoms:

• Gaps remain after installation
• Poor dust protection
• Sparse filament

Cause:

Not paying attention to filament density when buying.

Solution:

• Reorder a strip brush with a higher density
• Or install two strips side by side (to increase density)

Prevention:

Confirm the filament density when ordering (ask about the amount of tufting per meter).

Sealing needs high density; cleaning can use medium density.

Maintenance and replacement

After installation, proper maintenance extends the service life.

Routine maintenance

1. Clean regularly

• Clear dust off the filament every month
• Clean with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush
• Avoid rinsing with water (nylon absorbs water)

2. Check the fixing

• Check every quarter whether the base is loose
• Reinforce immediately if any looseness is found
• Tap it in again with a rubber mallet

3. Check the condition of the filament

• Whether a lot of filament has shed
• Whether the filament is permanently deformed
• Whether the seal has deteriorated

When to replace

When is a replacement needed?

1. The filament is more than 50% worn

   • The height is clearly shorter
   • The seal has deteriorated

2. A lot of filament has shed

   • Insufficient density
   • The seal is affected

3. The base is rusted or deformed

   • Fixing is affected
   • It may fall off

4. The seal has clearly deteriorated

   • Dust still gets in
   • Serious drafts

Replacement frequency:

How to extend the service life

1. Choose the right material

• PP filament outdoors (weather resistant)
• Nylon filament indoors (durable)

2. Install correctly

• Measure precisely
• Fix securely
• Avoid excessive bending

3. Maintain regularly

• Clean off dust
• Check for looseness
• Repair promptly

4. Avoid excessive wear

• The filament at the bottom of the door should not drag on the floor too much (a bend of 5-10mm is enough)
• Avoid pressure from heavy objects
• Reduce unnecessary friction

FAQ

How do I choose the base material of a strip brush?

Choose according to the operating environment:

Indoor doors and windows:

Choose a galvanized steel strip base

Reasons:

• Economical
• Strong enough
• Does not rust easily indoors

Price: budget; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

Outdoor doors and windows:

Choose a stainless steel strip base

Reasons:

• Rustproof, with good weather resistance
• Suited to humid environments
• Longer service life

Price: upper mid-range; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

Electrical equipment:

Choose a plastic strip base

Reasons:

• Insulating and safe
• Chemical resistant
• Non-conductive

Price: mid-range; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

Aluminum window fittings:

Choose an aluminum strip base

Reasons:

• Lightweight, matching the aluminum window
• Does not rust
• A consistent appearance

Price: mid-range; the actual selling price is as marked by each sales channel

Conclusion:

• Indoors on a limited budget → galvanized steel strip
• Outdoors or in humid environments → stainless steel strip
• Electrical or chemical environments → plastic strip
• Aluminum windows → aluminum strip

How do I choose the trim length?

Trim length = gap depth × 1.5

Reason:

The filament has to bend in order to seal. If it only just reaches, it cannot seal.

Example:

• Gap under the door: 15mm
• Recommended trim length: 15mm × 1.5 = 22.5mm ≈ 25mm

Principles for choosing:

Too short (trim length < gap depth):

• No contact, the seal fails

Just reaching (trim length = gap depth):

• Barely touches, a poor seal

Appropriate (trim length = gap depth × 1.2-1.5):

• The filament bends by 5-10mm, a good seal ✓

Too long (trim length > gap depth × 2):

• Bends too much and may interfere with opening and closing
• The filament is prone to permanent deformation

Recommendation:

When in doubt, choose a little longer; it can be trimmed.

Too short cannot be fixed, and you would have to reorder.

Can I install it myself as DIY?

Yes! DIY installation of door and window strip brushes is simple.

Scenarios suited to DIY:

1. Door-bottom strip brush

   • Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (very easy)
   • Time needed: 10-20 minutes
   • Tools: vernier calipers, utility knife, rubber mallet

2. Window strip brush

   • Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (easy)
   • Time needed: 30-60 minutes
   • Tools: vernier calipers, utility knife, rubber mallet

Scenarios not suited to DIY:

1. Industrial equipment

   • Requires drilling and fixing
   • Involves safety considerations
   • Professional help is recommended

2. Automatic doors

   • The door clearance has to be adjusted
   • Involves mechanical adjustment
   • Professional help is recommended

The keys to successful DIY:

1. Precise measurement (use vernier calipers)
2. The right material and specification
3. A clean installation position
4. Tapping it in firmly

Tutorial video:

YC Brushes provides free installation instructions. You are welcome to contact us to ask for them.

How long does a strip brush last?

It depends on the material and the operating environment.

Typical service life:

Factors that affect service life:

1. Filament material

   • Nylon: longer service life (2-3 years)
   • PP: medium service life (1-2 years)

2. Frequency of use

   • Frequent opening and closing: shorter service life
   • Infrequent opening and closing: longer service life

3. Environmental conditions

   • Outdoors in wind and sun: shorter service life
   • Indoors at a constant temperature: longer service life

4. Installation quality

   • Correct installation: normal service life
   • Poor installation: early failure

How to extend the service life:

• Clean off dust regularly
• Check the fixing
• Avoid excessive bending
• Choose the right material

What should I do if the strip brush falls off?

First check the cause, then deal with it accordingly.

Cause 1: The mounting channel is too wide

Symptom: the base is narrower than the mounting channel, so it works loose and falls out

Solution:

• Fill the gap with silicone sealant
• Or add screws for extra fixing
• Or reorder the correct size

Cause 2: Not fixed firmly

Symptom: it was not tapped in during installation, so the base is not held tightly

Solution:

• Reinstall
• Tap it in firmly with a rubber mallet
• Make sure the base goes fully into the channel

Cause 3: The base is deformed

Symptom: the base has been deformed by an external force and cannot be fixed

Solution:

• Replace with a new strip brush
• Check whether the wrong base material was chosen (insufficient strength)

Cause 4: Environmental factors

Symptom: high temperature has softened the plastic base, or a chemical environment has caused degradation

Solution:

• Change to a suitable base material
• Choose a metal base for high-temperature environments
• Choose a chemical-resistant plastic strip for chemical environments

Preventing it from falling off:

1. Measure precisely and choose the right size
2. Tap it in firmly
3. Check regularly
4. Choose the right material

If the strip often falls off, the specification may have been chosen incorrectly. Contact YC Brushes for help with a reassessment.

Conclusion: install it right the first time for the best results

Having read this far, you should know how to install a strip brush correctly.

Quick summary

The 4 installation steps:

1. Measure: mounting channel width, gap height, length needed
2. Choose: base material, filament material, dimensions
3. Install: clean, insert, tap, check
4. Maintain: clean regularly, check for looseness, replace when needed

Selection guide:

• Indoor doors and windows → galvanized steel strip + PP filament (economical)
• Outdoor doors and windows → stainless steel strip + PP filament (weather resistant)
• Industrial equipment → stainless steel strip + nylon filament (durable)
• Electrical equipment → plastic strip + PP filament (insulating)

Avoiding the common mistakes:

1. Inaccurate measurement → measure precisely with vernier calipers
2. Wrong material → assess the operating environment
3. Poor fixing → tap it in firmly
4. Insufficient density → confirm the tufting density before ordering

Professional advice

If you need:

• Custom dimensions: YC Brushes makes any length to order
• Special materials: anti-static, high-temperature resistant, food-grade certified
• Installation service: professional installation on industrial equipment
• Technical advice: free selection advice

Contact YC Brushes now. We offer:

• Free measuring advice
• Free samples
• Factory-direct pricing
• Fast delivery

Or see the full product catalog to learn about more strip brush options.

Want to learn more about brushes? Explore the related articles:

• The complete guide to nylon brushes, plastic brushes and synthetic filaments
• Plastic brush vs nylon brush | 5 key differences compared
• Soft brush recommendations: where to buy?

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References

1. ISO 9001 - Quality management system standard