UK Industry Leader
Of cellular solutions
Global Accreditation
IATF16949 & ISO14001
Experience of
Over 50 years
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UK Industry Leader
Of cellular solutions
Global Accreditation
IATF16949 & ISO14001
Experience of
Over 50 years
EPDM foam strips might not grab headlines, but they quietly power some of the most demanding environments on earth.
Behind every tightly sealed door, insulated HVAC system, and weatherproof enclosure, there’s a good chance you’ll find a strip of EPDM doing its job, flawlessly, silently, and for years on end.
From high-speed trains and offshore wind turbines to commercial buildings and precision electronics, these deceptively simple strips are engineered to resist water, weather, heat, vibration, and time itself.
So what gives EPDM foam strips their edge? Why have they become the gold standard across industries where failure isn’t an option?
At their core, EPDM foam strips are closed-cell elastomeric products manufactured from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber.
The “closed-cell” structure means the tiny pockets of gas within the foam are sealed off from one another, giving the strip a spongy, compressible texture while remaining highly water- and air-resistant.
These foam strips are typically manufactured in rolls or sheets and then converted into strips of various widths and thicknesses, often with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing for ease of application.
They are used in thousands of products and assemblies, anywhere a durable, flexible, long-lasting seal is required.
EPDM is renowned for its extraordinary resistance to environmental stressors. Unlike other rubbers, EPDM can operate continuously in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C (and intermittently up to +150°C). It resists degradation from UV rays, ozone, oxidation, and harsh weather better than neoprene or nitrile rubber—making it a top choice for outdoor sealing.
In foam form, EPDM becomes even more versatile. The foam structure provides excellent compression recovery, meaning the strip springs back to shape even after being compressed for long periods. This “memory” is crucial in applications where consistent pressure is applied, like in doors, hatches, HVAC panels, or electronic enclosures.
Here are the top-performing properties:
Weather resistance (UV, ozone, rain, salt, snow)
Waterproof sealing (closed-cell foam does not absorb water)
Temperature stability (up to +120°C)
Compression and rebound resilience
Noise and vibration damping
Chemical resistance (many acids and alkalis)
Flame retardancy (with certain formulations)
The reason EPDM foam strips are so ubiquitous is their adaptability. Let’s explore how they’re used across a wide variety of sectors:
Door and window seals: Keeping dust, wind, and water out while eliminating vibration.
Engine bay insulation: Withstanding heat and exposure to oils and coolants.
Cabin soundproofing: Reducing NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) for a smoother ride.
Curtain wall and cladding gaskets: Preventing air or water ingress in high-rise buildings.
Window and door weather seals: Enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing drafts.
Expansion joints: Accommodating movement in concrete or structural panels.
Air duct seals: Preventing energy loss and improving system efficiency.
Vibration isolation pads: Protecting fans, pumps, and sensitive equipment.
Thermal insulation barriers: Reducing condensation and improving energy performance.
Solar panel mounting systems: EPDM strips act as gaskets or anti-vibration pads.
Wind turbine access hatches: Seals that can withstand extreme, fluctuating weather.
Hatch seals and watertight gaskets: Essential for boat cabins and compartments.
Cabin pressure seals: Lightweight and reliable under changing altitude conditions.
Ingress Protection (IP) rated boxes: Sealing against dust and water to meet IP65–IP68 standards.
Shock damping: Protecting delicate circuits during transit or operation.
Every elastomer has its strengths, but EPDM foam strips strike a rare balance between cost, performance, and durability that makes them a top choice for sealing and insulation.
In terms of UV and ozone resistance, EPDM performs exceptionally well, on par with high-end materials like silicone. It can operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C, offering excellent thermal stability for most environments.
Neoprene, by contrast, is more affordable and offers decent water resistance, but it only performs moderately in weathering and chemical resistance, and its temperature range is slightly narrower (around -30°C to +100°C).
PVC foam is one of the cheapest options on the market, but it tends to degrade quickly in sunlight and has a limited temperature range of -10°C to +60°C. Its water resistance is moderate, and it performs poorly when exposed to chemicals, making it unsuitable for long-term or outdoor use.
Silicone outperforms all other elastomers in temperature range (down to -60°C and up to 230°C) and offers excellent chemical resistance and UV stability. However, it comes at a significantly higher cost, making it less practical for many general applications.
For the majority of real-world scenarios, especially those that demand a reliable, weather-resistant, and affordable solution, EPDM foam strips offer the best overall value. They deliver high performance without the high price tag, making them a smart default for engineers, builders, and manufacturers alike.
EPDM is also a low-maintenance, long-lifespan material. In façade systems and infrastructure, a high-quality EPDM seal can last over 25 years with minimal degradation.
Its use in weatherproofing, for example, contributes to building energy efficiency and reduces HVAC strain.
And because EPDM doesn’t require frequent replacement, it reduces material waste and total cost of ownership, making it an environmentally and economically sound choice.
EPDM foam strips prove that smart design doesn’t always have to be complex. Their versatility, durability, and performance under pressure make them an essential component in everything from high-performance machinery to everyday construction.
Whether you’re sealing a critical enclosure, insulating against the elements, or reducing vibration in a moving system, EPDM delivers, quietly, consistently, and cost-effectively.
Ramsay’s partnerships with top suppliers such as Nitto, Recticel, Armacell, Sekisui, Avery Dennison, 3M, and Zotefoams ensure that we deliver the highest quality materials, meeting industry standards and fulfilling diverse client requirements.
Ramsay Rubber are IATF16949, ISO19001 and ISO14001 accredited. All our materials are registered in accordance with IMDS and are ROSHH/REACH compliant. Ensuring that we meet the needs for neoprene products across automotive and Industrial markets, for several key sealing applications.
Whether you need foam gaskets for automotive, electrical, or renewable applications, Ramsay Rubber provides the perfect solution.
Choose Ramsay Rubber for all your gasket needs and benefit from reliable, high-performance sealing solutions.
For more information about how our construction product solutions can serve your business, get in touch today.
Please feel free to get in touch, to speak with one of our team of experts or simply fill out our online contact form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Ramsay Rubber & Plastics Limited
Vulcan Road, Bilston
West Midlands WV14 7HT
T +44 (0) 1902 407150
F +44 (0) 1902 407160
