Silicone or EPDM Gasket?

Which One Should You Use and When?

Choosing the right gasket is critical for the safety and performance of any system. One of the most common questions buyers' faces is: “Should I use a silicone gasket or EPDM?”

Although both materials are high-performance elastomers, they differ significantly in application areas and technical properties.

In this article, we compare Silicone and EPDM gaskets and explain which material is best suited for different scenarios.

1. Temperature Resistance

Silicone: Offers a wide operating temperature range from -60°C to +230°C, and can briefly withstand up to 250°C.

➤ Ideal for high-temperature environments.

EPDM: Typically operates between -40°C and +130°C. Some specialized grades can go up to 150°C.

➤ Suitable for moderate temperatures, especially outdoors.

2. Chemical Resistance

Silicone: Limited resistance to acids, bases, oils, and solvents. Chemical exposure can degrade its mechanical properties.

➤ Not recommended in chemically aggressive environments.

EPDM: Excellent resistance to water, steam, alkalis, and cleaning agents. However, not compatible with mineral oils or fuels.

➤ Better for water-based systems or cleaning-intensive environments.

3. UV and Ozone Resistance

Silicone: Naturally resistant to UV and ozone.

EPDM: One of the most UV- and ozone-resistant elastomers on the market.

➤ Both are outdoor-capable, but EPDM offers longer durability.

4. Flexibility and Mechanical Strength

Silicone: Extremely flexible and remains elastic even in cold conditions. However, it is more prone to tearing and wear.

EPDM: Not as soft as silicone, but more resistant to tearing, abrasion, and mechanical stress.

➤ Preferred in vibrating or high-motion applications.

5. Food and Medical Use

Silicone: FDA- and USP-compliant versions are widely used in food and medical applications.

EPDM: Food-grade versions exist, but standard EPDM is not typically used for direct food contact.

➤ Silicone is the better option for hygiene-sensitive systems.

6. Electrical Insulation

Silicone: Has high dielectric strength and is used in control panels, electrical housings, and insulative enclosures.

Quick Summary: When to Use Which?

Application	Recommended Material
High temperatures (>150°C)	Silicone
Outdoor (UV, ozone, rain)	EPDM
Food processing equipment	Silicone
Automotive door/window seals	EPDM
Medical devices	Silicone
Water/steam systems	EPDM
Electrical insulation	Silicone

Final Thoughts

Silicone and EPDM are both excellent materials—but performance depends on selecting the right one for your needs. Choosing the wrong gasket can lead to leaks, system failures, and shorter product life.

At Gaskonnect, we help you determine the most suitable gasket material for your application. We supply certified, high-quality products with full transparency throughout the process.

📩 Need help deciding between silicone and EPDM?

Contact us for expert advice or to request a sample — let’s find the right solution together.