A Batwing® seal is Lorient’s trademarked perimeter smoke seal, designed to sit discreetly around a door frame to restrict the passage of smoke and sound between rooms. The profile resembles the wings of a bat, with flexible rubber fins that compress when the door closes. These seals are typically manufactured from robust plastic and elastomeric materials to ensure long‑lasting performance.
When would you use a Batwing® Seal?
Batwing® seals are most commonly used in retrofit situations, particularly where a fire door already contains a fire‑only intumescent seal, and smoke protection needs to be added without altering the door leaf.
Batwing® seals are also often used as an acoustic seal, as the continuous seal around the door helps to limit the transmission of sound from one room to another.
How do Batwing® Seals work?
Batwing® seals compress against the door when it closes, forming a continuous barrier around the perimeter. This helps:
- Inhibit smoke movement around the edges of a fire door
- Improve acoustic performance by reducing air gaps
- Maintain ease of operation, as the fins flex
To fully smoke‑seal an existing door without modifying the leaf, you would typically install Batwing® seals on the two vertical sides and the head of the frame, then pair them with a surface‑mounted drop‑down seal at the threshold. The same configuration can be used for acoustic upgrades.
How to fit a Batwing® Seal
Fitting a Batwing® seal is a simple process, as Lorient designs these seals with ease of installation in mind. Each seal comes with a high‑performance self‑adhesive strip; once the backing is removed, the seal can be pressed firmly into the door frame for a secure fit.
To achieve a neat, continuous line around the frame, the corners should be mitred carefully. It’s also important to check that the door maintains a clearance of around 2–4 mm, ensuring it opens and closes freely without catching or damaging the seal.
The range is available in three sizes—10 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm—and come in black, white or brown to suit different door and frame finishes
How We Can Help
If you’re planning a fire door upgrade or need guidance on selecting the right smoke and acoustic seals for your project, our expert team is here to help. We can advise on compatibility, performance requirements, and the most efficient solutions for both new installations and retrofits.
