Inputs
Example data table
| Label | Type | Coverage | Width (m) | Height (m) | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Door | Door | 3-side (no bottom) | 0.90 | 2.10 | 1 |
| Bedroom Doors | Door | 3-side (no bottom) | 0.80 | 2.00 | 2 |
| Windows | Window | 4-side (full perimeter) | 1.20 | 1.50 | 3 |
Formula used
- Full perimeter (4-side):
L = 2 × (W + H) - Door 3-side (no bottom):
L = (2 × H) + W - Other coverage patterns: top only =
W, sides only =2 × H, top+bottom =2 × W - Line total:
Line = (L + Extra) × Qty - Total with waste:
Total = Base × (1 + Waste% / 100) - Rolls needed:
Rolls = ceil(Total / RollLength)
How to use this calculator
- Select your measurement unit.
- Set waste allowance and optional extra per opening.
- Enter each opening’s width, height, quantity, and coverage.
- Set roll length to estimate how many rolls to purchase.
- Add a price per unit length to estimate material cost.
- Press Calculate to view results above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF for site records and quoting.
Field measurement standards for frames
Measure the seal line on the stop, not the door slab. Record clear width and height at three points, then use the smallest value for tighter fits. For swing doors, verify hinge-side clearance and latch-side reveal; a 2–4 mm variation can change compression. For windows, confirm whether the strip sits on sash or frame, and note mullions that interrupt runs. Photograph each opening for later verification.
Coverage selection and performance targets
Coverage choice drives both length and performance. A common door layout seals three sides, excluding the threshold, so length equals two heights plus one width. Full-perimeter sealing is used for windows and some exterior doors, especially where wind pressure and dust infiltration are high. If you seal top only, prioritize header deflection; for side-only runs, ensure continuous contact along the jamb to reduce air leakage measurably.
Waste, splice, and corner allowances
Add allowances for cuts, splices, and corners before ordering. Typical waste is 5–10% for straight runs and 10–15% when many openings share partial rolls. Use an extra-per-opening value to cover end trimming, corner overlaps, and miters; 25–50 mm per opening is common on retrofit work. For butt joints, plan one splice per roll change and keep it away from corners. Cold weather stiffens foam, increasing waste.
Roll planning and procurement control
Roll planning protects budgets and reduces downtime. Enter the supplier roll length to convert the total required length into a roll count using ceiling rounding, which prevents shortfalls. When pricing per meter or foot, multiply the waste-adjusted total by unit cost to compare brands. For large projects, split totals by floor or trade package so crews can stage material close to work faces and track consumption.
Installation checks tied to takeoff values
After installation, validate the calculated length with on-site checks. Verify continuous contact by closing the door on paper; a consistent pull force indicates even compression. Inspect corners for gaps and ensure adhesive-backed strips are pressed onto clean, dry substrates for at least 24 hours cure. For exterior openings, test with a smoke pencil or light probe to confirm the seal reduces drafts and noise during commissioning.
FAQs
1) Which dimensions should I measure for each opening?
Measure the sealing path on the frame where the strip will sit. Use the smallest width and height from multiple points. If the stop profile changes, measure each segment and enter it as a separate opening row.
2) When should I select 3-side coverage instead of 4-side?
Use 3-side for typical hinged doors with a separate threshold sweep. Use 4-side for windows, exterior doors needing a full perimeter seal, or locations with dust, wind, or moisture intrusion concerns.
3) What waste allowance is reasonable on most jobs?
For a few openings and clean cuts, 5–10% is common. For many small openings, complex corners, or first-time crews, 10–15% is safer. Increase waste if material is brittle in cold weather.
4) How do I handle double doors, paired windows, or repeating sizes?
Use quantity to multiply identical openings. For double doors, enter one leaf size with qty 2, or enter the combined frame size if you are sealing the full perimeter only once. Add separate rows for different coverage.
5) How is the cost estimate calculated?
The tool multiplies the waste-adjusted total length by your price per unit. It excludes labor, primers, fasteners, and disposal. Use it to compare product options quickly, then refine with supplier quotes and site conditions.
6) Can I enter some rows in feet and others in meters?
Keep a single unit per run to avoid conversion errors. If your takeoff mixes units, convert measurements first, or switch the unit selector and calculate separate reports for each unit set.