Wondering “How long does rubber last?” In industrial environments, this information is essential for maintaining safety, performance, and cost efficiency. Rubber components—from gaskets and seals to hoses and vibration dampeners—are exposed to heat, chemicals, friction, and environmental stress that can shorten their lifespan. By following best practices for care and maintenance, you can significantly extend the life of your rubber products.
At Manufacturer’s Rubber & Supply, we provide high-quality rubber solutions across New England and beyond, ensuring your equipment stays reliable even under the harshest conditions.
1. Choose the Right Material
The lifespan of rubber starts with selecting the appropriate material for your application. Different materials are engineered to handle specific challenges:
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Silicone Rubber – Ideal for extreme heat or cold.
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EPDM – Resistant to ozone, UV, and weathering.
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Nitrile (Buna-N) – Excellent for oils, fuels, and mechanical stress.
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Viton® – Chemical- and heat-resistant for industrial and aerospace applications.
Choosing the correct formulation prevents premature cracking, hardening, or deformation. Learn more about our selection of rubber products.
2. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to UV and Ozone
Even durable materials can degrade over time if constantly exposed to sunlight or ozone. Whenever possible:
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Store spare rubber parts in cool, shaded areas.
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Use protective covers for outdoor equipment.
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Consider UV-resistant materials like EPDM for outdoor applications.
3. Maintain Proper Storage Conditions
Rubber can lose flexibility if stored incorrectly. Best practices include:
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Keep parts away from heat sources above their recommended limits.
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Avoid stacking heavy materials on top of stored rubber components.
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Store in sealed containers to prevent moisture and dust contamination.
4. Clean and Inspect Regularly
Routine cleaning prevents buildup of oils, chemicals, and debris that can accelerate wear. Use mild detergents and rinse thoroughly, avoiding harsh solvents unless the material is compatible.
Regular inspection allows you to:
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Spot cracks, brittleness, or surface irregularities early.
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Replace worn components before failure occurs.
Check out our rubber gaskets and seals for high-performance options that are easy to maintain.
5. Avoid Overstretching or Overcompression
Rubber components are designed to function within specific mechanical tolerances. Overstretching O-rings, gaskets, or vibration mounts can reduce elasticity and lead to premature failure.
6. Control Environmental Factors
Temperature extremes, humidity, and chemical exposure all impact rubber lifespan. Whenever possible:
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Use temperature-appropriate rubber materials.
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Limit contact with aggressive chemicals unless the rubber is resistant.
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Monitor operational conditions and adjust maintenance schedules accordingly.
7. Replace Worn or Aged Components
Even with the best maintenance, industrial rubber has a finite lifespan. Plan for periodic replacement of parts to avoid unexpected failures that can disrupt operations or damage machinery.
Extend the Life of Your Rubber Products
At Manufacturer’s Rubber & Supply, we help businesses throughout New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, select and maintain products designed to last. Whether you need gaskets, seals, or molded parts, our team provides guidance on material selection, storage, and maintenance for optimal durability.
Contact us today to discuss your project and ensure your components perform reliably for years to come.
