Of all the types of synthetic rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is the king of the outdoors. If you can spot an article of rubber being normally exposed to the sun, it is most likely constructed using EPDM materials. Other elastomers like natural rubber and NBR are likely to deteriorate from exposure to harsh UV rays, as well as exposure to the ozone and oxidizing agents. For these reasons, many people buy EPDM when they know that such conditions are going to be present. There is no doubt that EPDM is the best outdoor rubber that you can find, but which characteristics contribute to this fact?

Although it is considered to be the ideal outdoor rubber, this synthetic material holds many other traits that are valued just as much as its excellent resistance to UV rays and ozone. Check out some of the properties of this multi-faceted material:

• Water Resistance: Alongside fellow synthetic rubber NBR, EPDM materials are used in the form of seals for water systems like plumbing and faucets. Many people also use full EPDM sheets to cover flat top roofs. This water-resistant quality is especially helpful when roofing and other outdoor products are exposed to harsh and wet weather conditions such as rain, sleet, or snow. What do these applications have in common? They both require outstanding water resistance, a fairly-universal characteristic of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber.
• Large, Operable Temperature Range: EPDM compounds can maintain both their physical and chemical properties within a fairly large range of temperatures: as high as 212 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you only focus on the extremes, EPDM does not trump any other elastomer in its ability to withstand high temperatures. However, the rubber stands out by excelling in the lower temperatures and is only bested by the temperature-tolerant silicone.
• Excellent Set of Chemical Resistances: Anti-freeze, acetone and alcohols are just a few substances that do not affect the ethylene propylene diene monomer. It is not, however, resistant to oil and reacts adversely to the slightest exposure. That being said, make sure that for whatever project you will be taking up, there will either be no exposure to these sorts of substances, or that you search for a different type of rubber. EPDM only has a few instances in which it will fail you, and this is one of them. The success of your project could depend on knowing these substances.
• Impressive Set of Physical Properties: For mechanical applications it’s usually a good idea to buy EPDM components since they boast a host of valuable physical properties. The elastomer has a low compression set which means the material is very compressible and will not lose much resilience over prolonged pressure. EPDM is also less prone to being damaged from abrasives and tearing. These resistances are especially valuable when it comes to finding a material which you won’t need to worry about replacing. Because this elastomer is long lasting, you will get your money’s worth when you use it for your applications.

Drying and cracking under sunlight is a general and often valid, observation about rubber. EPDM is one of the exceptions, maintaining its integrity when exposed to sunlight and ozone, even after prolonged periods. From the top of roofs to the insides of automobiles, people are going to buy EPDM in order to have access to its outdoor capabilities, as well as the myriad of other properties that make it useful just about anywhere. It’s no wonder that this elastomer is quickly growing as one of the most used and most versatile elastomers, but is known popularly as the outdoor rubber. Luckily, EPDM materials are available in small and large quantities, so you can use them for just about any sized-application!