How to Bird-Proof your Industrial Roller Door with Brush Seals

Birds inside a shed, warehouse, or industrial space can cause significant issues. They create mess, damage stock and machinery, and pose health risks due to droppings and nesting materials. If you have a large shed roller door or an industrial roller door, the best way to bird-proof your space is with Brush Seals—a simple yet highly effective solution.

A well-installed brush seal prevents birds from entering while still allowing smooth door operation. Unlike other bird-proofing methods that may block ventilation or require major structural changes, brush seals create an effective physical barrier without affecting airflow.

Why Brush Seals Work for Bird Proofing

Brush seals are effective because birds cannot fly through the dense bristles. While birds may attempt to push through small gaps in traditional door seals, they will not attempt to force their way through flexible bristles.

However, while a brush seal prevents birds from flying in directly through a gap, it is still important to address potential perching or nesting spots. If birds can sit on a ledge above the door, they may still find ways to enter or cause issues by dropping debris or nesting materials onto the door mechanism.

To fully bird-proof your roller door, you need to install the brush seal correctly and take extra steps to eliminate perching areas.

Installing a Brush Seal for Maximum Bird Protection

To create an effective barrier against birds, follow these best practices:

1. Measure the Largest Gap When the Door is Closed

The key to a successful brush seal installation is ensuring the bristles are the correct length. Check for the widest gap between the door and the lintel or frame when the door is fully closed. The bristle length should be chosen so that it just touches the door surface.

⚠️ Avoid using a bristle that is too long—if the bristles are crushed against the door, this can cause problems:

• It may interfere with automatic door mechanisms, making the door harder to open and close.
• For manually operated doors, excess pressure can make them more difficult to move.
• It can lead to premature wear on the bristles, reducing the lifespan of the seal.

2. Use a 45° Aluminium Holder

A 45-degree aluminium holder is the best option for roller doors. It should be mounted under the lintel or frame, with the bristles angled downwards toward the door. This allows the brush seal to make gentle contact with the door, providing a flexible but secure seal.

If the brush is installed too far forward, the bristles may bend excessively when the door closes, reducing effectiveness. If installed too far back, it may leave a small gap where birds can squeeze through.

3. Ensure Full Coverage—Seal the Top, Sides & Bottom

Birds are persistent and will exploit any opening they can find. To prevent this:
✅ Install a brush seal at the top of the door to block entry from above.
✅ Use side brush seals if there are gaps along the vertical edges.
✅ Consider a bottom brush seal if there is a space under the door when closed.

For doors that experience strong wind or dust issues, a denser bristle option can provide extra sealing benefits while still keeping birds out.

How to Handle a Bowed Roller Door

If your roller door has a bow or uneven gap, extra care is needed to ensure an effective seal.

Step 1: Measure the Maximum Gap

Just like a standard installation, measure the largest gap when the door is fully closed. This is the key measurement for choosing the bristle length.

Step 2: Use a “V” Shape Installation

For doors with uneven gaps, a single straight brush seal may not provide an even seal. Instead, consider installing the brush seal in two separate sections, meeting in the middle at a slight “V” shape. This allows:

• The bristles to make proper contact at the widest gap.
• A better fit at the narrower ends without excessive bristle compression.

Step 3: Adjust the Placement

Instead of mounting the brush seal at the same depth along the entire width of the door, you can position it slightly further back at the edges, where the gap is smaller. This ensures a consistent seal without unnecessary friction.

Preventing Birds from Perching Above the Door

A brush seal will stop birds from flying through, but if they perch on a ledge above the roller door, they may still find ways to enter or create mess.

To prevent this:
✔️ Close any overhead gaps with additional brush seals or metal flashing.
✔️ Use anti-bird spikes or sloped covers to stop birds from landing on ledges above the door.
✔️ Regularly inspect and clean the area to remove nesting materials or debris.

If birds have already established a nesting site, it may take some time for them to move elsewhere, but blocking access will eventually discourage them.

Why Choose Busy Bee Brush Seals?

At Busy Bee, we supply high-quality Australian-made brush seals designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, and frequent use. Whether you need a solution for farm sheds, warehouses, factories, or workshops, our brush seals offer a low-maintenance, long-lasting bird-proofing solution. Check out our range of 9mm Industrial Roller Door Brush Seals here.

Key Benefits of Busy Bee Brush Seals:

✔️ Range of options to fit your specific roller door.
✔️ Durable bristles that won’t shed or deteriorate quickly.
✔️ Easy installation with aluminium holders designed for roller doors.
✔️ Proven bird-proofing results—no more unwanted guests in your shed or warehouse!

📞 Contact us today to find the right brush seal for your roller door and keep your space clean, secure, and bird-free!