Custom sealing rubber
Rubber for timber window frames
Glazing rubber (dry glazing) and draught strip for timber frames that moves as the timber works, made to measure in EPDM or TPE.
In timber frames, the glass is held in place with a glazing bead, with glazing rubber (bead rubber) in between: ‘dry glazing’. The rubber must be supple enough to absorb the expansion and shrinkage of the timber. DG Rubber Profiles makes custom glazing and draught profiles, including for listed frames with glazing bars.
Which rubber for timber frames?
With timber, the glass is set ‘dry’: with glazing rubber between the glass and the glazing bead, without sealant. That is a fundamentally different construction from the groove in uPVC or the roll-in groove in aluminium.
EPDM and universal glass rubbers are common; TPE/SEBS as a supple alternative that can be coloured. It is important that the profile is both dimensionally stable and supple.
Dry glazing or putty/sealant?
Dry glazing with rubber is quick, clean and moves with the timber. Putty or sealant is the traditional method and sometimes mandatory for authentic or listed work. In renovations the two are often combined.
Timber works: supple rubber that moves with it
Timber expands and shrinks with moisture and temperature. The seal must absorb that movement, otherwise draughts and moisture problems develop and, in time, damage to the edge seal of the insulating glass. So choose a supple profile that can move with the timber.
Fitting tip: glazing rubber shrinks with heat: allow about 20 mm of extra length per side and measure the rebate with the window closed.
Renovation: HR++ glass in existing frames
HR++ glass is thicker and heavier than old single or double glazing. The rebate and glazing bead must be able to handle that thickness and weight (a wider or taller bead), and the glazing rubber must suit the new glass thickness and rebate depth. We tailor the profile accordingly.
Made to measure for listed timber frames
For listed frames with glazing bars, a discreet profile with the right gap size is what counts. We make custom glazing and draught profiles by extrusion. Request a quote or view our window seals.
Specifications at a glance
| Material | EPDM (standard) or TPE/SEBS |
| Type | Glazing rubber (bead rubber), draught strip/draught profile |
| Method | Dry glazing under the glazing bead |
| Point of attention | Moves as the timber works; shrinkage allowance ~20 mm/side |
| Supply | Made to measure from a gap size or sample |
Frequently asked questions
Which glazing rubber for a timber frame?
A glass rubber for dry glazing that suits the gap between the glass and the glazing bead. Measure the gap with the window closed or send us a sample.
How do I replace the glass rubber under the glazing bead?
Loosen the glazing bead, cut away the old rubber, measure the gap, press new rubber (with ~20 mm extra per side) between the glass and bead and refit the bead.
Dry glazing or putty, which is better?
Dry glazing (rubber) is quicker, neater and moves with the timber. Putty is traditional and sometimes mandatory for authentic or listed work.
What size glazing rubber do I need?
With the window closed, measure the gap between the glass and the frame or bead. If in doubt, request a sample first.
Can I fit double or HR++ glass in my old timber frame?
Often, yes, but the rebate and glazing bead must be able to handle the thickness and weight (wider bead). Otherwise, thin renovation glass is an option.
Why is my timber frame draughty despite the new glass?
If the edge seal (rubber or sealant) or the draught strip does not close properly, the draught remains and moisture can get in.
Is there rubber for my listed timber frame?
Yes. We make discreet custom glazing and draught profiles, tailored to the right gap size and appearance.
Rubber for other window frames
We supply custom sealing and glazing rubber for every type of frame:
Custom rubber for your timber frame
From dry glazing to draught strip, tailored to your rebate and the movement of the timber. Send us the gap size or a sample.
