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Schlegel or Deventer: Which Weather Seal Should you Buy?
04 November 2024
As energy prices continue to rise and government support measures, such as winter fuel payments for pensioners, are being reduced, maintaining an energy-efficient home has become more important than ever. Recent policy changes in the UK have left many households facing increased heating costs this winter. With budgets squeezed more and more home owners are looking for ways to improve their homes to retain heat for longer.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve a home's energy efficiency is by upgrading draught seals around windows and doors or install quality seals on new products. Weather seals are your first line of defence against draughts and leaks, making them vital in maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home.
When choosing between weather seals, understanding the type and material is essential to ensure you select the best option for durability, performance, and value. Two well-known brands in the market, Schlegel and Deventer, offer distinct solutions for different sealing needs. Schlegel produce foam-based weather seals, while Deventer specialises in TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) seals. We’ll compare the two brands and help you decide which is best for your needs.
Material Compression Performance: Deventer vs. Aquamac
When it comes to compression, Deventer Weather seals offer much lower compression levels. This feature not only enhances compatibility with hardware, making locks and handles easier to operate, but also provides a more comfortable user experience when opening and closing doors and windows. In contrast, Aquamac Weather seals require significantly higher compression to be effective, resulting in a more difficult locking and handling process. Aquamac still offers exceptional compression and the ability to return to their original shape.
Installation Ease: Deventer vs. Aquamac
Deventer Weather seal is engineered with a rigid back, which allows for quick and straightforward installation into grooves. This design eliminates the need for additional machining, saving valuable production time. In comparison, Aquamac lacks this rigid backing, making it slightly harder to insert into grooves due to tighter tolerances. However, Aquamac has the advantage in ease of cleaning, and is less likely to pick up dirt during the installation process than Deventer.
Installation Ease: Deventer vs. Aquamac
Deventer Weather seal is engineered with a rigid back, which allows for quick and straightforward installation into grooves. This design eliminates the need for additional machining, saving valuable production time. In comparison, Aquamac lacks this rigid backing, making it slightly harder to insert into grooves due to tighter tolerances. However, Aquamac has the advantage in ease of cleaning, and is less likely to pick up dirt during the installation process than Deventer.
Durability and Performance: Deventer vs. Aquamac
In terms of durability, Deventer Weather seal is constructed from high-grade TPE closed-cell foam that resists tearing, stretching, and water absorption. Conversely, Aquamac Weather seal consists of a polyurethane foam core covered by a polyethylene film, which in extreme circumstances could tear and expose the inner foam. Despite this, Aquamac can withstand the rigours of daily use and temperature fluctuations and ageing while still delivering dependable performance.
| Feature
| PU Foam Weather Seal
| TPE Weather Seal
|
| Material
| Soft, spongy, flexible foam
| Durable, rubber-like material
|
| Flexibility
| Highly flexible, compresses easily
| Flexible, but more rigid
|
| Durability
| Can be prone to wear
| High durability, resistant to wear
|
| Weather Resistance
| Moderate (good for minor drafts)
| Excellent, resistant to UV, heat, moisture
|
| Cost
| Lower
| Higher
|
Which one should you buy?
In summary, both weather seals have their unique advantages, but would we recommend one over the other? Ultimately both brands are ideal for sealing windows and doors. A popular choice for joiners that double seal their windows and doors is to use Schlegel Aquamac on the internal seal and Deventer Weather seal on the external seal. This takes advantage of the benefits of both seals. Here at SD Hardware we supply both Schegel Aquamac and Deventer and both are excellent choices.