Proper Copper Atomic Strip Draught Excluder
US$47.29
Description
Proper Copper Draught Excluder
Strip 6 Metre Roll including all Fixings
Proper copper draught excluder strip cuts down draughts in a traditional home, without spoiling its appearance. Simply installed, it stands alone in combining reliable effectiveness with the aesthetic charm of copper, a material used in buildings for thousands of years. It is suitable for use with most timber windows and doors.
Installation
Ensure that the door is correctly fitted. The gap between the door and frame should exceed 2mm. Remove paint runs, filler nails etc., from the surface to which the strip is to be fitted. Cut separate lengths for each jamb and the head. Nail in position using the indents in the strip. The strip may be sprung so that it makes contact with the door on closing using a ballpoint pen or similar shaped tool. Run the tool along the springing line, which is visible adjacent to the pin line, adjusting the pressure exerted in order to achieve the desired degree of lift.
How To Install Proper Copper Draught Excluder (Detailed Instructions)
To allay your concerns that old doors and old windows can’t be energy-efficient, I wanted to make sure we covered how to install weatherstripping on these openings.
Weatherstripping has changed a lot over the years. Today it is usually foam, vinyl, or felt peel and stick weatherstripping, but there is an old school way of weatherstripping that will last well over 100 years and be just as effective, if not more, than today’s methods.
Proper Copper Draught Excluder, while a bit more work than the peel and stick variety, provides an excellent seal to keep air, water and bugs out of your home. Proper Copper Draught Excluder is extremely effective and durable enough to last generations.
There are several types of metal weather stripping. Some are more complicated than others and require modifications to the doors or windows. Leave those to the pros. For the average homeowner, Proper Copper Draught Excluder will be just as effective and it is user-friendly to install.
Tools Needed
- Tin snips
- Hammer
- Proper Copper Draught Excluder
- Supplied Nails
Step #1 Cut to Size
Measure the door openings and using tin snips cut the weatherstripping to length. The weatherstrip needs to go in the rabbet that the door fits into when closed. There is a flat side and sprung side to spring copper . The flat side goes on the interior and the sprung side faces the exterior so that the door compacts it as it closes.
You’ll need to cut the so that it doesn’t cover and interfere with the hinges or latches.
Step #2 Nail in Place
Line up your spring copper and nail it in from the top down. Make sure you start from one end and keep the copper straight the whole length so it does not bubble or bind in places. Also, be careful not to nail the copper too close the the door jamb (see spacing in photo) or it may not be able to lay down completely when compressed.
Your nails should be no more than 2” apart. I prefer 1 1/2” between nails to make sure the installation is lasting.
Corners require the weatherstripping to meet at simple butt joints.
The nails should be flush with the surface. Run your fingers across them and if you feel any that are standing a bit proud, set them a bit more with a nail set.
Step #3 Spring the Copper
Depending on how tight the existing door is in the frame, you may need to increase the spring angle on the weatherstripping.
Use a putty knife or screwdriver to gently bend the copperto increase the tightness of the fit. Close the door and check for any gaps where you can see sunlight. If you do, open the door and bend the copper a bit more in that section until you achieve a good seal.
Spring copper is an excellent material for weatherstripping. Installed properly, it will never need replacing and is extremely flexible to fit almost any size gap around doors and windows.
Malcolm McKidd –
The original atomic strip on our kitchen door had been there for 40 + years and was past it best so it was wonderful to find a source for this product. Like a previous reviewer, I found it best to pre-punch the tack holes however try as I might I could not raise the spring by scoring the line, even with a ruler. Eventually I discovered the best way was to gently make a wide v-shape with a pair of wide nosed pliers prior to fitting on the wall. If necessary you can then when fitted ease the strip out further if required.
Simon Gee –
if you are competent enough to put up a shelf you can do this. it’s a bit expensive for what it is BUT it does work if installed properly. you will need to make sure that you have sufficient gap around the door for it to be installed as well as a tool to hit a few nails (usually called a hammer) and something to measure and cut it. once in pace you bend the unfastened edge away from the frame and then when the door closes it pushes against the newly raised bit creating a variable thickness seal…brilliant.
E Dalton –
Bought to replace similar, much aged copper draught excluder which had to be removed from an original period internal door and frame during renovation works. Much more in keeping with a Victorian/Edwardian house than foam draught excluder products.
Marc Reed –
Exactly what it is. Works better than and foam strip or brush. Adjustable to allow for different or changing gaps. I remember this from when I was a kid. It has made a significant difference to our hallway. Slight hiccup on shipment but the company where efficient, polite and apologetic, refunded my shipping so no complaints – great customer service which is rare these days.
Andrew Pybus –
Used to have a howling gale around the door now it is airtight. The copper is pre-marked for the nails and whilst it is simple to fit it does take patience. My door frame was particularly hard and the nails were too soft to penetrate the wood (not a problem with the nail). Got around this by pre-drilling each hole with a 1.5mm drill 5mm shorter than the nail.
Christopher Bennett –
I could not find a local supplier for this traditional draught excluder and this excellent company came to my rescue. My order was processed immediately and arrived a couple of days later, well before the advised delivery window. The goods are as described – a good quality product that works far better than modern, short-lived plastic or foam rubber draught excluders.
Jonah –
We have old oak doors that have shrunk and warped slightly over time – with visible daylight on one side! The copper strips work perfectly in sealing the edges and they look great (unlike a rubber or foam strip!). To fit the strips simply measure the section of the frame you want to fit it to, cut the strip to the correct length (scissors work fine for this as the copper is fairly soft) and then tack in place – as the tacks are pretty small and fiddly I used a thin 1 inch nail to punch through the copper and just into the wood, then pulled the nail out and pushed in the tack by thumb before hammering into place. Working down the strip alternating holes, then going back and doing the ones inbetween, this avoids any buckling of the strip and ensures it stays flat. The trickest part is probably “scoring” the edge and bending it, it’s very hard to keep this straight and is easier with a ruler.
Lorraine Sawday –
I have NEVER written a review before..
But this amazing strip of copper is literally amazing . The daylight you could see through my door was shocking, but this was after a removed some really old copper to paint it. I hadn’t actually heard about this product before but ordered some to replace. I am so chuffed with myself for finding it.
Nicholas Kynaston –
Great item, ideal for draught proofing with a traditional look.
Fiona D –
Ordered this after trying several other products with no success. Prompt delivery and although installation is a little time consuming it’s straightforward and reasonably easy. The product itself is visually gorgeous once in place and suits my period property beautifully. It is also hugely effective – can already tell the difference and would thoroughly recommend.