Proper Rubber Gasket Storage for Extended Shelf Life

April 14, 2025

Rubber gaskets are essential components across a wide range of industries—from petrochemical and power generation to food processing and water treatment. However, even the most robust gasket materials can degrade over time if not handled properly. One of the leading causes of gasket failure is improper storage. Understanding the factors that impact gasket longevity can mean the difference between system reliability and unexpected, costly downtime.

To minimize these risks, it’s critical to follow best practices for gasket storage. This guide explains the importance of proper storage, how to store rubber materials, how to extend gasket shelf life, and how materials like Durlon® CNA (Compressed Non-Asbestos) with rubber content respond to storage conditions over time.

Importance of Gasket Storage

Gaskets don’t always fail due to manufacturing defects or incorrect installation. In fact, poor storage conditions are one of the most overlooked reasons gaskets become compromised. Exposure to environmental stressors like high humidity, sunlight, ozone, or uneven stacking slowly deteriorates the gasket material—especially rubber-based gaskets.

Rubber is susceptible to oxidation, ozone attack, UV degradation, and plasticizer migration, which can change its elasticity and sealing capability. Durlon® CNA gasket sheet materials incorporate a blend of synthetic rubber binders such as Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) along with fillers and reinforcing fibers. These rubber components are key to the gasket’s sealing performance, but they are also sensitive to environmental degradation if not stored properly.

Proper storage safeguards these critical materials, ensuring product reliability and significantly reducing unnecessary replacement costs.

How to Store Rubber Gaskets

Proper rubber gasket care starts with the right storage environment. Here are a few expert gasket storage tips to help maintain their condition:

  • Temperature Control: Store gaskets in a cool, dry area. Ideally, the temperature should be kept between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C). Excess heat can accelerate rubber aging.
  • Humidity Control: Maintain a relative humidity of below 75%. High humidity promotes mold growth and material softening.
  • Avoid Light Exposure: Keep gaskets away from direct sunlight or artificial UV sources. UV light can cause rubber to become brittle and cracked over time.
  • Air Quality: Ozone in the air can damage rubber materials. Avoid storing gaskets near equipment that emits ozone, such as electric motors.
  • Stacking and Compression: Avoid placing heavy objects on stored gaskets. Over-compression can distort their shape, rendering them ineffective upon installation.
  • Packaging: Keep gaskets in their original packaging whenever possible, or use sealed, moisture-resistant containers for long-term storage.

By implementing these gasket material storage techniques, you drastically reduce the risks of premature aging and damage.

Gasket Shelf Life and Best Practices

Shelf life for rubber gaskets varies depending on the material. Some rubber compounds like EPDM or NBR may last five to ten years under proper conditions, while others could have shorter or longer lifespans. Following industry-standard guidelines, such as those from ASTM or the manufacturer’s specifications, is crucial when considering shelf life.

Here are some best practices for extending shelf life:

  • Rotate Stock: Use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method to prevent older gaskets from exceeding their recommended shelf life.
  • Label and Monitor Inventory: Clearly label storage containers with dates of receipt and material type for better inventory management.
  • Regular Inspection: Check stored gaskets periodically for signs of degradation such as discoloration, cracking, or tackiness.
     
    If you’re sourcing gaskets for upcoming applications, it’s wise to choose reliable, high-performance products. For example,
    Durlon® CNA sheet gaskets are engineered to offer exceptional durability and resistance to chemical exposure—ideal for long-term storage scenarios.

    Maintaining Gasket Quality in Storage

    Even the best storage setup can’t eliminate the effects of time entirely. That’s why it’s equally important to ensure proper handling procedures before installation.

    Handling Recommendations:

  • Use Gloves: Oils from hands can degrade the surface of rubber materials or introduce contaminants.
  • Minimize Flexing: Avoid repeated bending of gaskets, especially larger sheet materials like CNA, which may develop micro-cracks in the rubber binder.
  • Keep it Clean: Store and handle gaskets in clean, dust-free environments to prevent material contamination.

    • Following these simple steps can preserve the mechanical integrity and sealing capability of rubber gaskets for years.

    Proper rubber gasket care is a preventive strategy. By following expert-approved gasket storage tips, you can avoid common causes of gasket failure. Whether you’re working with common rubber types or specialized CNA sheet gaskets, taking time to modify your gasket material storage can pay dividends in performance and cost savings. Contact us for expert advice on all your gasket storage solutions.

    Need help with your gasket storage setup or selecting the right Durlon gasket material for your application? Contact us today for expert guidance.