M-D weatherstripping, window insulation and flooring tools help homeowners and remodelers seal drafts and lay floorcoverings. Door seals address gaps at the door, window film helps reduce escaping heat, and trowels spread adhesive across the floor and into tight corners. Start with the job you’re doing.
M-D Building Products is a family-owned manufacturer that has operated since 1920. Its origins trace to L.A. Macklanburg making weatherstripping to stop dust and dirt blowing under his door. Its product range includes weatherstripping, window insulation, trim and installation tools.
Door seals and thresholds
Find the leak before choosing the seal. Close the door and check the bottom, sides and top separately. A bottom sweep works along the threshold; air coming around the frame calls for weatherstripping at that gap.
Attachment depends on the seal you choose. The vinyl CINCH U-shape under-door seal slides onto the door bottom. The aluminum-and-vinyl CINCH sweep uses self-adhesive attachment, while the heavy-duty aluminum-and-vinyl sweep screws on. For a slide-on seal, measure the door thickness and clearance over the threshold, then match those measurements to the seal’s fit requirements.
Flex-O-Matic is an aluminum-and-vinyl screw-on sweep. Too much pressure against the threshold makes a door drag. Set the sweep to contact the threshold while letting the door move freely, then check the contact along its whole width before tightening the screws.
M-D also offers aluminum commercial flat-profile thresholds. Its CINCH floor trim addresses floor transitions. Look at the height of both finished floors and the exposed edges before choosing a transition profile.
Window film and replacement tape
M-D window insulation tape holds clear shrink film to the window frame, and Shrink & Seal film uses a hair dryer to shrink it tight. Get the taped perimeter secure before shrinking the film. That perimeter closes the air path.
The clear replacement tape is double-sided and cuts to length with scissors. Measure the frame perimeter to work out how much tape the job takes. Plan application for temperatures above 40°F, and let the application surface dry before applying the tape.
Flooring adhesive and edge work
M-D’s Premium V Notch Trowel applies adhesive during floorcovering installation. The notch controls how much adhesive stays on the floor. Match the trowel to the flooring and adhesive instructions.
The margin trowel spreads mortar or adhesive in corners, along edges and around obstacles. A narrow blade helps in those confined spots. It also scrapes, shapes and cleans up excess material. Clean the edges while the material is workable.
Selected specifications
| Product | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Flex-O-Matic door sweep | 36 inches long; aluminum and vinyl; screw-on attachment; white, silver or bronze |
| Commercial flat-profile threshold | Aluminum; 36-inch and 72-inch lengths |
| Window insulation replacement tape | Clear, double-sided; 54 feet long by 1/2 inch wide |
| Replacement tape application | Above 40°F on a dry surface |
| Margin trowel | Stainless-steel blade riveted to a TPR handle |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install an M-D door seal?
Check the attachment method before starting, because slide-on, self-adhesive and screw-on seals install differently. For a screw-on bottom sweep, set the sealing edge against the threshold without making the door drag, then secure it according to its instructions. Check that the door still latches without extra pressure on the handle.
What is an M-D top and sides door seal used for?
Weatherstripping around the top and sides closes gaps between the door and its frame. With the door closed, check where you can feel a draft before deciding which seal needs attention. A bottom sweep won’t fix a leak around the frame.
How does an M-D CINCH door sweep attach?
The aluminum-and-vinyl sweep uses self-adhesive attachment, while the vinyl U-shape under-door seal slides onto the door bottom. Check which version you’re choosing before planning the installation. For the slide-on version, measure your door thickness and compare it with the product’s fit requirements.
What is M-D vinyl wall base used for?
It finishes the joint where the wall meets the floor and helps protect the lower wall from scuffs during cleaning. The base is 4 inches high and comes in 48-inch, 60-foot and 120-foot lengths. Measure the wall runs you’re covering so you can plan the lengths and joints before cutting.
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