28/07/2026

Brush strips for doors, gates and industrial sealing

How brush strips seal doors, industrial gates and sliding systems

Brush strips are a flexible and effective solution for sealing gaps around doors, industrial gates, sliding systems, windows, frames and machinery. Their flexible filaments adapt to moving components and uneven surfaces, helping to limit the passage of draughts, dust, dirt, light and insects without completely restricting movement.

Because of this combination of flexibility and durability, brush strips are used in both new products and existing installations. They can be incorporated by manufacturers as a functional component or fitted by installers and service companies during maintenance, renovation or repair work.

What is a brush strip?

A brush strip consists of closely positioned filaments held in a metal or plastic backing. Depending on the type, the strip can be mounted directly or fitted into an aluminium, steel or plastic profile.

The flexible filaments lightly touch the adjacent surface. This allows the brush to close a gap while the door, gate, panel or machine component can continue to move.

Brush strips are available in different:

  • Profile types;
  • Strip lengths;
  • Filament heights;
  • Filament thicknesses;
  • Filament materials;
  • Colours;
  • Mounting systems.

The correct configuration depends on the application, the size of the gap and the conditions in which the brush strip will be used.

Where are brush strips used?

Brush strips can be found in many industrial, commercial and technical applications.

Common examples include:

  • Industrial gates and doors;
  • Sectional doors;
  • Folding doors;
  • Sliding doors and sliding gates;
  • Garage doors;
  • Hangar doors;
  • Windows and window frames;
  • Aluminium door and façade systems;
  • Machine enclosures;
  • Conveyor systems;
  • Technical cabinets;
  • Access panels;
  • Ventilation and air-handling systems.

In these applications, the brush strip can function as a seal, guide, protective barrier, separator or light cleaning component.

Brush strips for industrial doors and gates

Industrial doors and gates often contain gaps between the moving door panel and the surrounding floor, wall or frame. These gaps may be necessary to allow the door to move, but they can also allow draughts, dust, dirt and light to enter.

A brush strip for an industrial gate can be mounted:

  • Underneath the gate;
  • Along the sides of the gate;
  • At the top of the opening;
  • Between overlapping door sections;
  • Inside a guide or aluminium profile.

The filaments can compensate for small differences in floor level or frame alignment. This makes brush strips particularly useful when a rigid rubber or plastic seal cannot follow an uneven surface effectively.

Brush strips can be used on newly manufactured gates, but they are also suitable for replacing worn seals or improving an existing installation.

Brush strips for sliding doors and moving systems

Sliding doors and sliding gates require sufficient clearance to move freely. At the same time, the open space around the moving component may create problems with dust, draughts, light or insects.

A brush strip for a sliding door provides a flexible barrier while maintaining the required freedom of movement.

It can be installed:

  • Along the vertical sides of the door;
  • At the top of the sliding system;
  • Underneath the door;
  • Between overlapping sliding panels;
  • Inside the guide system.

Because the filaments bend when the door moves, they generally create less resistance than a rigid sealing solution.

Protection against draughts, dust and dirt

Sealing brush strips can help reduce the passage of:

  • Draughts and cold air;
  • Dust and fine particles;
  • Dirt and loose material;
  • Light;
  • Insects;
  • Leaves;
  • Splashing water;
  • Noise in certain applications.

A brush strip is not always intended to create a fully airtight or watertight seal. Its main advantage is that it closes or reduces an opening while remaining flexible. The required level of sealing depends on the filament density, filament height, mounting position and the pressure between the brush and the surface.

Suitable for uneven surfaces

Floors, frames and metal structures are not always completely straight. A rigid seal may only make contact at certain points, leaving other parts of the gap open.

The flexible filaments of a brush strip can follow small irregularities in the surface. Different filaments can bend independently, allowing the strip to maintain contact over a larger part of the opening.

This is particularly useful for:

  • Industrial floors;
  • Older door and gate constructions;
  • Renovation projects;
  • Large door openings;
  • Moving machine parts;
  • Custom-made metal structures.

Brush strips for manufacturers

For manufacturers of doors, industrial gates, sliding systems, windows and technical constructions, a brush strip can become an integrated part of the final product.

Possible functions include:

  • Sealing the bottom or sides of a gate;
  • Protecting guides and moving parts;
  • Preventing dirt from entering a profile;
  • Closing a gap between two components;
  • Guiding cables, material or products;
  • Creating a visual barrier;
  • Reducing direct contact between components.

The brush strip can be selected during the product-development phase and adapted to the profile, dimensions and expected movement of the construction.

For recurring production, it is important to consider not only the brush strip itself but also consistent quality, reliable availability and efficient installation.

Brush strips for installers and service companies

Installers and service companies frequently encounter worn, damaged or missing seals during maintenance and repair work.

A replacement brush strip can offer a practical solution when:

  • The original seal is no longer available;
  • A rigid seal does not follow the floor;
  • A customer experiences draughts or dust;
  • A door or gate requires additional protection;
  • The existing opening has changed over time;
  • A custom length or profile is required.

Brush strips can often be cut to the required length and mounted on an existing door, gate or frame. This makes them suitable for both planned maintenance and one-off improvement projects.

Standard and custom-made brush strips

Some applications can be solved with a standard brush strip, while others require a customised configuration.

Important selection criteria include:

Gap size

The filament height must be sufficient to cover the opening. At the same time, the brush should not be compressed more than necessary, as excessive pressure may increase friction and wear.

Direction of movement

The brush position depends on whether the component moves vertically, horizontally, rotates or passes through the brush.

Frequency of use

A gate that opens a few times per day has different requirements from a machine component that moves continuously.

Environmental conditions

Temperature, humidity, chemicals, UV exposure and contamination can influence the choice of filament and profile material.

Mounting method

The available space determines whether the strip can be screwed, clamped, glued, slid into a profile or integrated into the construction.

Required function

A brush used to reduce draughts may require a different density and configuration from a brush used for guiding, cleaning or protecting a machine opening.

Brush strips in aluminium profiles

Brush strips mounted in aluminium profiles are widely used in doors, gates and technical constructions.

The aluminium holder provides:

  • A stable mounting base;
  • A clean and professional finish;
  • Easy positioning along the construction;
  • Additional protection for the brush backing;
  • The possibility of replacing the brush or complete profile.

Depending on the construction, the profile can be mounted horizontally, vertically or at an angle.

Choosing the correct filament height

The correct filament height is determined by the gap that needs to be covered and the desired contact with the surface.

A brush that is too short may not close the opening. A brush that is too long may bend excessively, create unnecessary resistance or wear more quickly.

When selecting the height, it is important to measure the gap at several points. Floors and frames may vary, especially in existing buildings and older installations.

For larger differences, a longer or denser brush may be required. In some cases, the mounting profile can also be positioned so that the amount of contact can be adjusted.

Improve existing doors and gates

Replacing an entire door or gate is not always necessary when the main problem is a gap or worn seal.

A suitable brush strip can help improve an existing installation by:

  • Reducing draughts;
  • Limiting dust and dirt;
  • Closing visible gaps;
  • Improving protection around moving parts;
  • Compensating for uneven floors;
  • Extending the useful life of the installation.

For service companies, this creates an additional maintenance solution that can be offered to customers during inspections and repair visits.

Looking for the right brush strip?

Nordhs supplies brush strips for doors, industrial gates, sliding systems, frames, machinery and other technical applications.

We can help assess:

  • The dimensions of the opening;
  • The required filament height;
  • The most suitable profile;
  • The mounting position;
  • The operating conditions;
  • The required length and quantity;
  • The possibilities for a standard or customised solution.

A photograph, drawing or description of the application can help us understand the situation and select a suitable brush strip.

Do you need to seal, protect or guide a moving component?

Contact KOTI-Nordhs to discuss your application, request a sample or find a suitable brush strip for your door, gate, sliding system or machine.

View our range of brush strips or contact our team for technical advice.