Table of Contents
Overview
Pemko 434ARL36 is an aluminum automatic door bottom with a mill finish and a sponge neoprene seal designed to seal the space between the door and the floor or threshold upon closing. It uses a plunger that contacts the jamb as the door is closing to actuate a movable drop bar seal down against the floor or threshold. This automatic door bottom is presented in a 36-inch length format with stated product dimensions of 36"L x 0.84"W x 1.31"H.
The listing describes a hinge-side-first actuation approach with multiple compression points. It also states that the plunger requires low closing force to actuate the drop bar seal, and that the “L” at the end of product numbers stands for low closing force.
Key takeaways
- This automatic door bottom uses a plunger that contacts the jamb to actuate a drop bar seal down against the floor or threshold.
- The drop bar seal actuates from the hinge side first, allowing multiple compression points.
- The plunger requires low closing force, and the “L” in the product number stands for low closing force.
- End plates are provided for all mounting applications.
- Stock length automatic door bottoms can be trimmed as much as 2" and are provided net length.
What the product is designed to do
The product description states that these automatic door bottoms consist of an aluminum case which surrounds a movable drop bar seal. The drop bar seal is actuated by a plunger which contacts the jamb as the door is closing, forcing the drop bar seal down against the floor or threshold.
When the plunger contacts the jamb, the drop bar seal actuates from the hinge side first allowing multiple compression points. For readers reviewing the configuration and dimensions, the listing for this mill finish door bottom presents the same mechanism and seal format.
Materials, dimensions, and technical details
The product information lists the material as aluminum and the exterior finish as mill finish. The product name text specifies sponge neoprene, and the dimensions are presented both in decimal and fractional formats.
| Specification | Stated detail |
|---|---|
| Product type | Aluminum Automatic Door Bottom |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Exterior finish | Mill Finish |
| Seal | Sponge Neoprene |
| Product dimensions | 36"L x 0.84"W x 1.31"H |
| Listed size format | 27/32"W x 36"L x 1-5/16"H |
| Color | Multicolor |
Installation and placement notes
The listing states that end plates are provided for all mounting applications. It also states that all automatic door bottoms are provided net length and that stock length automatic door bottoms can be trimmed as much as 2".
In a top review, installation is described as involving cutting out a groove in the bottom of the door and using a chisel for a flush install of the end plates. That same review describes that the clearance to the sill cannot exceed 1/2" for the seal to function properly. The product page for this sponge neoprene automatic door bottom reflects the mounting and trim guidance stated in the listing.
Performance characteristics described in the listing
The “About this item” section states that when the plunger contacts the jamb, the drop bar seal actuates from the hinge side first allowing multiple compression points. It also states that the plunger requires low closing force to actuate the drop bar seal.
The product description focuses on the mechanical action: a movable drop bar seal inside an aluminum case that is forced down against the floor or threshold when the plunger contacts the jamb during door closing. Additional product fields, including dimensions and finish, are visible on the product listing page.
Review patterns buyers commonly mention
A top review describes the product as a quality built piece of hardware and notes that installation requires cutting a groove in the bottom of the door and chiseling for a flush install of the end plates. The same review describes that the seal does not always drop into place on the lock side and that clearance to the sill cannot exceed 1/2" for the seal to function properly.
Pros
- The drop bar seal actuates from the hinge side first allowing multiple compression points.
- The plunger requires low closing force to actuate the drop bar seal.
- End plates are provided for all mounting applications.
- Stock length automatic door bottoms can be trimmed as much as 2".
Cons
- Installation may require cutting a groove in the bottom of the door and chiseling for a flush install of the end plates.
- A review describes that the seal does not always drop into place on the lock side.
- A review describes that clearance to the sill cannot exceed 1/2" for the seal to function properly.
FAQ
What is this automatic door bottom designed to do?
It is designed to seal the space between the door and the floor or threshold upon closing by using a plunger-actuated drop bar seal.
How does the seal activate?
The drop bar seal is actuated by a plunger which contacts the jamb as the door is closing, forcing the drop bar seal down against the floor or threshold, and it actuates from the hinge side first allowing multiple compression points.
Can it be trimmed to size?
The listing states that stock length automatic door bottoms can be trimmed as much as 2" and that units are provided net length.
What materials and finish are listed?
The product information lists aluminum as the material, mill finish as the exterior finish, and sponge neoprene as part of the product name text.
What size is specified?
The listing specifies product dimensions of 36"L x 0.84"W x 1.31"H and also presents a size format of 27/32"W x 36"L x 1-5/16"H.