What Are Astragals?

If you want to continue manufacturing doors that stay competitive in the market, make sure you know the ins and outs of astragals. Attached to the meeting edge of single or double doors, astragals are vertical components designed to seal off gaps that leak air, water, noise, light, and debris. They can also function to detain gases, smoke, or flames in the event of a fire. Last, astragals can increase the security of door locks and strikes.

Astragal Applications

Astragals can be applied to a variety of door types including commercial double and single doors, retail, offices, classrooms, restaurants, and industrial applications. In this section we will review double door and single door applications.

Double Doors

The most common application is a pair of doors. With double doors, an astragal is attached to the vertical meeting edge of one door leaf. The astragal can be attached to the active (entries/exits) or inactive leaf, depending on the function and application. On double egress doors, astragals can be attached to either leaf since both are active. Also note that astragals are actually required on 3-hour fire-rated pairs of doors.

Single Doors

On single doors, astragals can be mounted to the vertical lock edge of the door. The astragal overlaps the frame face for the purpose of added security. Astragals are less common on single doors, but might be applied to meet a requested specification.
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Astragal Problems

There are some common issues to consider before selecting astragals for you door products. Astragals might interfere with door functionality or hardware applications. If the active leaf on a pair of doors features self-latching locking devices, you will need a door coordinator. However, double egress applications don’t require coordinators since the doors function in opposite directions. Also, astragals shouldn’t overlap with double vertical rod applications on door pairs that swing in the same direction. Last, astragals prevent auto operators from functioning correctly on doors.

Astragal Construction

In this final section, we will briefly review astragal construction. Modern astragals tend to be made of metal (aluminum) or other materials (polypropylene) and form a T-shape. Astragals applied to exterior surfaces might be kerfed for weatherstripping.

Want More Information?

We hope this review on astragals gives you actionable knowledge as you continue to build your door products. If you would like more information on the subject, please contact us. Or if you’re ready to purchase astragals for your door application, view our astragal products.