Ordering or installing a Pemko automatic door bottom starts with a model number such as 4131CRL36 or 411APKL30. Pemko publishes its installation sheets by model and seal, so the same number tells you which sheet to follow. Below you will find the Pemko instructions we host, where each topic sits in them, and how Pemko numbers its door bottoms and thresholds.
Pemko automatic door bottom installation instructions (PDF)
- 4131_PKL instructions (PDF, 3 pages) - 4131 surface mounted or semi-mortised, PemkoPrene insert, Rev 4 - 09.10.14
- 4301_PKL instructions (PDF, 3 pages) - 4301 surface mounted or semi-mortised, PemkoPrene insert, Rev 5 - 01.29.15
- 411_SL instructions (PDF, 2 pages) - 411ASL full mortise, sponge silicone insert, Rev 6 - 08.27.14
- 420_PKL instructions (PDF, 2 pages) - 420APKL full mortise for hollow metal doors, Rev 5 - 09.10.14
- PDB411AE instructions (PDF, 2 pages) - PDB411AE full mortise, EPDM insert, Rev. 2 - 02.12.15
Each sheet lists the model numbers and finishes it was printed for in its "Product / Available Finishes" box. Sheets for other seals, such as 4131_NBL, 4131_RL and 4131_SL, and a 4131_PKL sheet dated 03.24.17 are on Pemko's 4131 Series page.
What the installation sheets show
Page 1 has the profile drawing with dimensions, the finishes, the test and rating symbols and the tools required; all but the 420 sheet also show the parts included. The numbered steps follow, then the end plate instructions. The 420 sheet has no end plate section, and the catalog says the 420 does not come with end plates.
- Surface mounted or semi-mortised (4131, 4301): step 1 asks which application is used. Figure 1 shows the plunger against the stop (surface mounted), Figure 2 against the rabbet (semi-mortised).
- Full mortise (411, 420, PDB411AE): step 1 is the mortise in the bottom of the door; the door bottom is fitted with the door removed from the opening.
- 420 only: a drawing of the 3/8 inch hole drilled through the hinge edge of the hollow metal door.
- Cutting to length: step 3 on the 4131 and 4301 sheets, step 2 on the others. All five say to cut only from the non-plunger side, without cutting the insert, and limit how much can be cut off.
- Plunger adjustment: step 8. The printed range is 1/8 to 3/4 inch for the 4131, 4301 and 411_SL, and 1/8 to 1/2 inch for the 420. The sheets warn against over-adjusting the plunger and against using power tools to adjust it.
The 4131 and 4301 sheets state: "If a door is fire labeled or of acoustical construction, semi-mortise preparation must be done by the door manufacturer or licensed machinist only." The three full mortise sheets state: "If a door is fire labeled or of special construction, mortise preparation must be done by the door manufacturer."
Gap under the door: what the catalog says
From the Markar and Pemko catalog linked on Pemko's website (pages 136-139):
- Pemko drop seals can seal up to 3/4 inch gaps, and the 420 up to 1/2 inch, as long as the gap is consistent. Gaps that start at less than 3/4 inch and then grow cannot be closed.
- Plunger extension to drop is 1:1.
- Surface and semi-mortise models (page 138): recommended gap under the door 1/2 inch, maximum drop 3/4 inch.
- Full mortise models (page 139): recommended drop 1/2 inch, maximum 3/4 inch; for the 420, 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch.
How Pemko automatic door bottom model numbers work
The catalog's ordering page asks for profile number, finish, insert and size or length. In the catalog an underscore marks the place of the finish letter.
- 4131CRL36: profile 4131, finish C (clear anodized aluminum), RL (the model with the sponge EPDM seal, R), length 36 inches.
- 411APKL30: profile 411, finish A (mill finish aluminum), PKL (the model with the PemkoPrene seal, PK), length 30 inches.
On catalog pages 138-139 every model is printed with an L after the seal letters (4131_RL, 411_PKL, 420_VL). One letter can mean two things: an S right after the profile number is a finish (cladded stainless steel, listed for the 412), while in 411ASL the S after the finish letter is the sponge silicone seal.
| Seal letter | Insert (catalog page 12) |
|---|---|
| R | Sponge neoprene or EPDM |
| PK | PemkoPrene |
| NB | Nylon brush |
| S | SiliconSeal or sponge silicone |
| V | Eco-V |
| T | ThermoSeal |
| P | Pile |
Finish letters include A (mill finish aluminum), C (clear anodized), D (dark bronze anodized), B (mill finish extruded bronze, which the catalog also calls brass), BSP (black suede powder coat) and AK (mill finish aluminum with PemKote).
| Model | Mounting | Catalog notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4131 | Surface or semi-mortise | End plate kit K4133 |
| 4301 | Surface or semi-mortise | Kit K436 when surface mounted |
| 412 | Surface | Handed; kit K412R1 |
| 411 | Full mortise | Kit K435; K411 for 1-3/8 inch doors |
| 434 | Full mortise | Kit K435 |
| 420 | Full mortise | Hollow metal doors; no end plates |
For the handed 412, the catalog says disassembly of the mechanism is required to reverse the hand (see our door handing chart).
Pemko threshold model numbers (2005, 271 and others)
The catalog's own ordering example is a threshold: 2005 A T 36 is profile 2005, finish A (mill finish aluminum), insert T (ThermoSeal), length 36 inches, shown in the catalog as 2005_T. Thresholds listed without an insert, such as the 271 saddle, have only profile, finish and length: 271A36.
| Threshold type | Catalog pages | Example profiles |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle | 86-90 | 170, 171, 172, 271 |
| Offset saddle | 93 | 157, 158, 182 |
| Thermal break saddle | 95-97 | 252x2_FG, 255x5_FG |
| Latching panic exit saddle | 99-102 | 2001, 2005, 2006, 181 |
| Heavy duty | 110 | 1715, 2715, 2716 |
The catalog page for latching panic exit saddles says they are used with a surface applied vertical rod exit device, or as a stop and a seal at the bottom of the door, and lists 3/8 inch door clearance for the 2005_T.
Searching for a 65A threshold? 65A is not a profile number in the Pemko catalog. It is the Zero 65A rabbeted threshold with silicone insert, 1/2 inch high and 5 inches wide, from Zero International.
Pemko door bottoms and thresholds at The Builders Supply
- Gasketing, sweeps and weatherstripping, with automatic door bottoms such as the 4131CRL36, 4301CPKL36, 411ARL36 and 420APKL48
- Thresholds, for example the 271A36
- Pemko Manufacturing - Pemko products in our catalog
- All weatherstripping and thresholds
Not sure which model, seal or length fits your door? Our customer support team is available Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM Central Time, at 1-888-800-7789 or [email protected].
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