Drip Strips/Rain Guards

Drip Strips / Rain Guards

Drip strips and rain guards are essential architectural hardware elements designed to protect doorways and building interiors from water ingress caused by rain, wind-driven moisture, or condensation. Installed above or along the base of external doors, these components deflect water away from the door threshold and sealing system, thereby prolonging door life and improving building envelope performance. John Barnes Group supplies premium-quality drip strips and rain guards from industry leaders Kilargo, Lorient, and Raven—brands known for durable, compliant, and design-conscious solutions.

Used extensively across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects, these weather-exclusion accessories are critical in preserving door and frame integrity, particularly in Australian climates prone to heavy rainfall, high winds, and coastal exposure. Buy Drip Strips / Rain Guards today from the John Barnes online shop!

What Are Drip Strips and Rain Guards?

Drip strips (or rain deflectors) are profiles installed above doors or along the bottom edge to direct water away from vulnerable junctions. Their angled or lipped designs prevent water from seeping into the door/frame interface, helping to protect against:

• Water damage

• Air and dust infiltration

• Corrosion of metal doors or frames

They can be surface-mounted on the door leaf, frame, or threshold and are typically used in conjunction with door seals and thresholds for comprehensive weather sealing.

Types of Drip Strips / Rain Guards

Buy Head Drip Strips online

Mounted horizontally above the door opening, these strips deflect rainwater away from the head of the door. Essential for outward-opening external doors.

Use cases:

• Exterior access doors

• Public entryways

• Exposed corridor exits

Buy Bottom Drip Strips online

Fixed to the bottom edge of the door, often integrated with or above a threshold seal. They help guide water away from the gap between door and sill.

Use cases:

• Fire exits

• Commercial swing doors

• External utility rooms

Buy Frame-Mounted Rain Guards online

These are mounted directly to the frame above the door or sidelight to act as an overhang, shielding the doorway from rain and UV exposure.

Use cases:

• Industrial facilities

• Hospitals and aged care

• Schools and institutional buildings

Buy Combination Seals with Drip Features online

Some perimeter or bottom seals come with integrated drip fins, offering dual-function protection in a single product.

Use cases:

• Multi-residential buildings

• Weather-sealed commercial entries

• New builds with energy compliance requirements

Key Features and Specifications

• Profiles: Sloped, stepped, or lipped designs for effective water deflection

• Mounting Options: Surface-mounted with screw or adhesive fixings

• Materials: Extruded aluminium with powder-coated or anodised finishes

• Lengths: Standard lengths from 300mm to 1200mm; custom cut-to-length available

• Finishes: Clear anodised, bronze anodised, black, and other custom colours

• Compatibility: Can be used in combination with threshold plates and door bottom seals

Australian Standards and Compliance

While drip strips themselves are not directly regulated, they form part of compliant door sealing assemblies that must meet broader performance and accessibility standards:

• AS2047: Protection against water penetration for external windows and doors

• AS1428.1: Ensuring drip strips do not impede accessible access when paired with threshold ramps or seals

• NCC / BCA Requirements: Water and weather-tightness of building elements

Material and Finish Options

Aluminium (Anodised or Powder-Coated)

The most common material due to its corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, and ability to be finished in multiple colours. Suitable for coastal and high-moisture environments.

PVC or Polycarbonate (Occasional Use)

Typically used in low-impact residential settings or where budget is constrained. Less durable than metal options.

Applications: Residential vs Commercial

Residential Applications

Drip strips are valuable in residential construction for managing weather ingress and improving comfort:

• Entry doors exposed to wind and rain

• Garage and side doors lacking porch cover

• Multi-residential apartments with balcony access

Select finishes like matte black or colour-matched anodised aluminium for seamless integration with door and frame colours.

Commercial Applications

In commercial and public buildings, rain guards are essential for:

• High-traffic entrances

• Fire egress doors

• Health and aged care facilities

• Retail and hospitality entries exposed to the elements

Paired with other weather seals, they help meet performance and energy efficiency benchmarks while reducing maintenance costs.

Product Selection Guidance

For Architects and Designers

• Choose profiles that complement architectural lines and colour palettes

• Ensure compatibility with door bottom seals and thresholds

• Specify finishes that blend with door/frame hardware

For Builders and Installers

• Select correct mounting height and alignment above door leaf

• Combine with threshold plates for maximum water exclusion

• Use corrosion-resistant fixings suitable for external environments

For Residential Clients

• Choose profiles that match the door’s finish and don’t detract from facade appearance

• Install with bottom seals or thresholds for complete weather resistance

• Select low-maintenance finishes for longevity

Installation Tips

• Mount drip strips with slight downward angle to encourage water runoff

• Ensure even, level installation across the door width

• Use sealant where appropriate to prevent ingress behind the profile

• Combine with door seals to avoid gaps at thresholds

Maintenance and Care

• Clean periodically with mild detergent and soft cloth

• Check fixings and sealants annually for wear or corrosion

• Repaint or recoat powder finishes as needed to maintain appearance

Order from John Barnes Group

John Barnes Group stocks a wide selection of premium drip strips and rain guards for both new projects and retrofits. Our experts can assist with:

• Product selection to suit Australian climate zones

• Integration with fire, acoustic, and smoke sealing systems

• Custom lengths, finishes, and specification advice

Contact us today to speak with a product expert: https://johnbarnesgroup.au/contact/