Elasto Proxy supplies window channels to manufacturers. We distribute coils of rubber that you can cut yourself, or we can fabricate finished gaskets for you.
Window channels seal out the elements and hold window glass in place. They also absorb vibrations that can cause glass to rattle. Applications range from cars, trucks, and heavy equipment to machine safety windows, office buildings, and shower enclosures.
Depending on their application and style, these gaskets are sometimes called auto glass channels, glazing channels, or glass run channels. They’re also known as window run channels and window rubber.
Elasto Proxy’s Window Channel Guide starts with the basics and then explains how to select and install the products you need. Keep reading to learn more or, if you’re a manufacturer, contact us for a quote.
Window Channel Basics
Window channels are different from other types of weatherstripping. They can either slide on or slide into position and are available as one-piece or two-piece products.
Window Channels vs. Other Weatherstripping
Window channels are sometimes called weatherstrips, but they’re different from the products that are pressed against the sides of doors and windows. That’s because window channels have an opening for holding glass in place – whether it’s stationary or moves up and down. Also, window channels are made of solid rubber. Other weatherstrips are made of cellular rubber instead.
Window Channels that Slide On
Some window channels have a second opening, or groove, so that an installer can slide the gasket onto an edge. With heavy equipment, there may be a groove for the glass and a groove for a body panel.
There may also be a third groove to support attachment to another feature, such as a clip or tab. The glass needs to fit inside the rubber, but the rubber also needs to securely fasten to the heavy equipment.
Window Channels That Slide In
Windows channels that slide into a channel instead of onto an edge have a single, U-shaped opening instead of multiple grooves. Gaskets like this are designed to fit and sit inside of a channel.
Glass run channels, as they’re known, can have steel cores or stainless-steel beads for reinforcement. There are also U-channels for automotive weatherstrips that contain flocked fibers or coated linings.
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Construction
Window channels can come in one or two pieces.
- One-piece window channels are a single length of rubber.
- Two-piece window channels are a set of matched lengths that lock into place with a key or strip.
Sometimes, two-piece products are called locking gaskets or keyed gaskets.
Window Channel Selection
Consider whether you need a window channel to slide onto an edge or slide into a channel, and whether you want a one-piece or two-piece gasket with features like flocking or glazing.
Window channel materials and sizes (thickness and length) are also key specifications.
Materials
Most of the window channels that Elasto Proxy supplies are made of EPDM, TPE, or silicone.
- EPDM is cost-effective and can withstand outdoor conditions. This rubber resists water, moisture, sunlight, ozone, and a wide range of temperatures. It’s not recyclable, however.
- TPEs, or thermoplastic elastomers, are used in many of the same applications as EPDM. TPEs are more expensive, but they’re recyclable and support custom color matching
- Silicone resists higher and lower temperatures than EPDM. They’re also available in food and medical grades.
These aren’t the only window channel materials, and the automotive industry sometimes uses specialty elastomers instead of commodity rubber.
To avoid window channel failure, always consider the application environment. Use our MTAP framework as your guide.
Thicknesses
Whether your window channel slides onto an edge or slides into a channel, it’s critical to select a product that can securely hold the thickness of the glass you plan to use.
Elasto Proxy supplies standard window channels for glass edges with the following thicknesses:
- 1/8 in. (175 mm)
- 3/16 in. (4.7625 mm)
- 1/4 in. (35 mm)
- 3/8 in. (9.525 mm)
- 1/2 in. (7 mm)
You can also order custom window channels from us.
Lengths
Window channel selection also means determining the length of rubber that you need. Follow these steps:
- Measure the thickness of the glass that the gasket needs to cover.
- Measure the glass’ height and width
- Add these numbers together and then multiply the sum by two.
- Add a bit of extra length (but not too much) because rubber shrinks when it’s cold.
Window Channel Installation
Window channel installation involves a series of steps. Because of Elasto Proxy’s work with the heavy equipment industry, we’ll use an example of a slide-on gasket for a body panel.
Follow these steps.
- Slide the window channel onto the body panel
- Push the ends together
- Lubricate the groove for the glass
- Slide the glass into the window channel
- Cleanup any residue
The following sections explain.
Slide the Window Channel onto the Body Panel
Some installers use a screwdriver to expand the groove for the body panel while sliding it onto an edge. But if the screwdriver slips, the blade could scratch the paint. Consider using a gasket tool with a ball end instead. The ball tends to stay in place, and it won’t rip the gasket. You could also use a gasket tool with a hooked end or a pointed tip instead.
Push the Ends Together
As you press the window channel onto a body panel, push the gasket’s ends together so that there’s more material in the loop that forms. Pressing this loop downward forces material into the application and prevents stretching.
Lubricate the Groove for the Glass
Lubricate the groove for the glass with a mixture of soap and water or a silicone-based spray. This makes it easier to slide the window or windshield into place. To prevent this lubricant from wetting other surfaces, hold the spray bottle or can in one hand and a piece of cardboard in the other. Hold the cardboard on the other side of the area you plan to spray.
Slide the Glass into the Window Channel
Start with the body side – not the cabin or enclosure. Rest the edge of the glass in the window channel so that you don’t have to struggle with its weight. A knife-like tool with a plastic blade can help to prevent breaking the glass as you work the gasket’s lip over and around the glass. When the lip is fully over the glass, the glass will pop into place.
Clean Up Residual Lubricant
If there’s any residual lubricant on the glass, wipe the surface clean with a rag. Your window channel installation is now complete.
Elasto Proxy keeps hundreds of rubber profiles in stock, including these standard window channels
We distribute windows channels in lengths of rubber you can cut yourself. However, you can also buy finished products from us that are cut-to-size and ready-to-install. Cutting your own window rubber might seem cost-effective, but cutting takes time and mis-cuts create waste. There’s also an opportunity cost since employees who are cutting rubber can’t perform other tasks.
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