Condensation & Mould Around Bifold Doors - How to Replace Rubber Sealing Strip Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

[Inexorabilis]

Hi folks,

I've uploaded my question to Onedrive in Video format since that can do a far better job than I could do in written format.

Here it is.

Main questions:
- Is it safe to DIY replace the rubber sealant myself on such doors?
- What kind of rubber sealant am I after? The shape is a 90 degree angle sealant with a width of about 8mm?
- Will that slow down the rate of condensation or mould growth?

Thank you very much for your time and help!

[stoneyboy]

Hi inexorabilis,
Yes replacing these seals is an easy DIY task. It won’t cure your mould problem but should stops drafts.
It’s less easy to get the right size wedge gasket, they generally come in 3, 4, 5, 6mm section. Pull out a section of the existing gasket and order a metre of a similar size and some +/- 1 mm. Select the one that is quite a tight fit near the corners. When you fit the new gaskets cut the lengths about 5mm longer than the actual length, this is because the rubber tends to shrink in time and pull away from the corners.
Regards S

[Inexorabilis]

Thank you very much for the reply and insight, and great tip about the extra 5mm! I found a gasket at my local DIY store and am going to give it a try on a more dry and sunny afternoon.

I guess the mould is related to condensation and lack of air circulation. I'm going to invest in a Dehumidifier (for another part of the house - would that reduce the condensation on the bifold doors over time if left on and nearby during cold moments?

[stoneyboy]

Hi inexorabilis,
The new gaskets should be a tight fit in the gap, if you have found synthetic ones warm them in hot water before fitting.
A dehumidifier will help with condensation but it may take weeks of running it continuously before you see any reduction in mould growth.
Regards S

[Inexorabilis]

Great stuff, you've been very helpful, thank you :)