Stainless steel draft excluder
Stainless steel draft stopper. Corrosion-resistant brush strip for the inside of the front door
Stainless steel draft seals are mounted on the inside of your front door behind the letter plate opening. The draft seal blocks cold air and rain that would otherwise enter through the letter plate. A simple yet effective solution for energy conservation and living comfort. AISI 304 stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and suitable for 30+ years of use in a normal indoor climate. For coastal locations or front doors regularly exposed to rainwater, AISI 316 marine-grade is highly recommended for extra salt resistance. At Deurbeslag Expert, you will find 14 stainless steel draft seals from Intersteel, AXA , and Dulimex in brushed and rubber versions.
Why a draft seal behind your letter plate?
A letterbox opening of 230×35 mm is a direct passage for cold air, drafts, and even rainwater during strong external winds. Without draftproofing, the temperature in the hallway can be measurably lower than in the rest of the home during cold months, which increases energy consumption for heating. Stainless steel draftproofing with a brush or rubber strip fills the opening between mail delivery moments and effectively blocks 90+ percent of the draft flow. The energy saving effect on heating costs is approximately 2–4% in well-insulated new builds; in older homes with larger thermal differences, this can rise to 5–10%. For front doors regularly exposed to driving rain, draftproofing also prevents rainwater from entering the hallway through the letterbox opening and damaging the floor.
With a brush or rubber?
The brush flap edge consists of fine synthetic bristles that move smoothly as mail is fed through. Discreet, easy for the mail carrier, and effective against light drafts. Suitable for well-insulated new builds with aluminium front doors where drafts are not extreme. The rubber tab forms a tighter seal and blocks airflow more effectively. Highly recommended for older front doors with large temperature differences between inside and outside. The rubber may be slightly stiff for the mail carrier, but the extra seal makes it worthwhile in cold winters. Combination versions with both brush and rubber: the rubber seal blocks wind, while the brush guides the mail through smoothly. More expensive but functionally optimal. AXA often supplies this as a set with a letter plate, while Intersteel supplies it separately, allowing you to choose your own letter plate.
Dimensions and execution
External dimensions of 256×80 mm or 330×100 mm are the Dutch standard. Fits the existing letter plate recess in front doors manufactured within the last 40 years. For older front doors with a non-standard letter plate recess, measure the recess before ordering. Door recess: use the existing letter plate recess as a reference. When replacing a letter plate with draft-proofing, you do not need to create a new recess. Screw spacing depends on the model. Usually 4 or 6 drill holes at fixed center-to-center spacing. Minimum door thickness is 38 mm for proper compression of the brush or rubber against the door. With thinner doors, the draft-proofing may protrude too far on the outside. Fastening with M4 stainless steel screws for a uniform corrosion-resistant appearance.
Related categories
- Draftproofing for letterbox. All colors
- Stainless steel letter plates
- Stainless steel door hardware
- Front door sets
- Stainless steel ball bearing hinges
- Bottom strips. For the bottom of the door.
Stainless steel draft stopper in your front door
In modern new-builds with an aluminium front door in white or anthracite: stainless steel draft seals combine with other stainless steel elements (knob, letterbox, house number). In architect-designed homes with a dark steel or dark wooden front door: the stainless steel version adds a light accent and matches other silver-grey interior hardware. In classic villas with panel doors: stainless steel can be a contemporary choice for renovation where the original brass draft seal is worn. In coastal homes within 10 km of the sea: AISI 316 for extra salt resistance. In renovations of older front doors where the draft seal is worn or completely absent: new stainless steel draft seals are a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption and increase comfort.
Combine with other stainless steel fittings
- Stainless steel wall mailbox
- Stainless steel house numbers
- Stainless steel front door knobs
- Stainless steel front door hardware
Combine with other color clusters
Installation of stainless steel draftproofing
First, remove the old letter plate or draft seal by removing the screws on the inside. Check that the recess in the door fits exactly with the new draft seal. If the recess is different, you may need to slightly reshape it with a plane or chisel. Place the draft seal against the recess on the inside of the door. Align the drill holes with the markings on the door. Secure the draft seal with M4 stainless steel screws. Tighten manually to prevent misalignment. Test by sliding 5 pieces of mail through the letter plate. The brush or rubber should move smoothly and then return to the closed position. Check that there are no gaps around the draft seal. If there are gaps, seal them further with a rubber sealing strip or flat seal.
Maintenance of stainless steel draftproofing
Clean twice a year (beginning and end of the heating season) with a microfiber cloth and lukewarm water. Pay particular attention to cleaning the bristles or rubber lip of dust, cobwebs, and any trapped insects. Avoid using scouring pads, ammonia, and acetone on the stainless steel, as these will damage the surface. Bristles may wear out and lose their resilience after 5–7 years. In that case, order a replacement set from the same supplier for optimal fit to the existing stainless steel frame. For the rubber version: check the rubber once a year for hardening and cracks; replace at the first signs of degradation for effective draft sealing. Rust formation on AISI 304 in a normal indoor climate is exceptional; clean immediately at the first signs.
Why stainless steel draftproofing from Deurbeslag Expert?
Order before 8:00 PM? Then your stainless steel draft seal will be on your doormat the next working day, provided the product is in stock. Physical showroom to touch and feel the brush and rubber versions before ordering. Especially useful for experiencing the feel of the brush strip and seeing how it matches your chosen letter plate. 30-day return policy and extended warranty. Expert advice within a 1-minute call from our door specialists.
Unsure whether to choose a brush or rubber, or which size? Call or email our specialists with your front door situation and existing letter plate. We provide personalized advice.