Table of Contents
Overview
Pemko 434ARL36 is an aluminum automatic door bottom with a mill finish and sponge neoprene seal. It seals the space between a door and the floor or threshold upon closing.
Also, a plunger contacts the jamb as the door closes. That contact moves the drop bar seal downward against the floor or threshold.
The design supports hinge-side-first actuation and multiple compression points. It also uses a plunger that requires low closing force to actuate the seal.
The 36-inch automatic door bottom measures 36"L x 0.84"W x 1.31"H. Its fractional size format is 27/32"W x 36"L x 1-5/16"H.
Key takeaways
- The automatic door bottom uses an aluminum case around a movable sponge neoprene drop bar seal.
- A plunger contacts the jamb and forces the seal against the floor or threshold.
- The seal actuates from the hinge side first, allowing multiple compression points.
- The plunger requires low closing force to actuate the drop bar seal.
- Stock-length units support trimming by as much as 2".
- End plates support all mounting applications.
What the product is designed to do
The aluminum case surrounds a movable drop bar seal. As the door closes, the plunger contacts the jamb and actuates that seal.
Next, the mechanism forces the seal downward against the floor or threshold. This action seals the space beneath the closing door.
The drop bar begins moving from the hinge side first. As a result, the mechanism allows multiple compression points during actuation.
This plunger-actuated door bottom seal uses low closing force. The “L” at the end of the product number means low closing force.
The same operating context appears in this door seal guide. The mechanism focuses on the space between the door and floor or threshold.
Materials, dimensions, and technical details
The automatic door bottom uses an aluminum case with a mill finish. Inside, the movable drop bar uses a sponge neoprene seal.
Also, the measurements appear in decimal and fractional formats. Both formats identify a 36-inch length.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product type | Aluminum automatic door bottom |
| Case material | Aluminum |
| Exterior finish | Mill finish |
| Seal material | Sponge neoprene |
| Dimensions | 36"L x 0.84"W x 1.31"H |
| Fractional size | 27/32"W x 36"L x 1-5/16"H |
| Maximum stock-length trim | As much as 2" |
| Required sill clearance | Cannot exceed 1/2" for proper seal function |
Installation and placement notes
Installation may involve cutting a groove into the bottom of the door. A chisel may also support flush end-plate installation.
Also, end plates support all mounting applications. Stock-length automatic door bottoms can be trimmed by as much as 2".
The clearance between the door and sill requires close attention. That clearance cannot exceed 1/2" for the seal to function properly.
Flush placement of the end plates may require careful groove cutting. This trim-to-size automatic door bottom supports adjustment within the stated 2-inch limit.
For broader door-gap context, this door gap guide covers the same door area. The seal itself operates between the door and floor or threshold.
Performance characteristics described
The plunger requires low closing force to actuate the drop bar seal. The product number reinforces this feature through its final “L.”
Also, the seal actuates from the hinge side first. That movement allows multiple compression points as the door closes.
The mechanical action begins when the plunger contacts the jamb. It then forces the movable seal against the floor or threshold.
The sponge neoprene drop bar seal sits inside the aluminum case. Its movement follows the closing action of the door.
Pros
- The hinge-side-first action allows multiple compression points.
- The plunger requires low closing force for actuation.
- The aluminum case surrounds a movable sponge neoprene seal.
- End plates support all mounting applications.
- Stock-length units can be trimmed by as much as 2".
Cons
- Installation may involve cutting a groove into the bottom of the door.
- Flush end-plate installation may require a chisel.
- The seal may not always drop into place on the lock side.
- Clearance to the sill cannot exceed 1/2" for proper seal function.
FAQ
What does this automatic door bottom do?
It seals the space between the door and the floor or threshold upon closing. A plunger actuates the movable drop bar seal.
How does the drop bar activate?
The plunger contacts the jamb as the door closes. It then forces the drop bar against the floor or threshold.
Which side of the seal moves first?
The drop bar seal actuates from the hinge side first. This action allows multiple compression points.
What materials does it use?
It uses an aluminum case with a mill finish. The movable drop bar includes a sponge neoprene seal.
Can the 36-inch length be trimmed?
Stock-length automatic door bottoms support trimming by as much as 2". The unit uses a 36-inch length format.
What sill clearance supports proper seal function?
The clearance to the sill cannot exceed 1/2". Installation may also require a groove and flush end-plate placement.