What is an EPDM washer?

An essential for those in the trade, EPDM washers come in handy for a number of different scenarios and are a good friend to those who use them.  

But, what exactly are they? What is their main purpose? What makes them so useful? And what does EPDM even stand for?  

In this article, we will explain all of those questions in detail, but we have also put together a brief video for you on the matter. You can watch that below. 

Tell me then – what is EPDM and what does it stand for? 

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, so it’s easy to see why it was abbreviated. In its simplest form, this is a type of synthetic rubber that goes around a screw.  

It can be removed from the screw if you so wish, but there are several benefits to keeping it on – especially if you’re working on something that will be exposed to the outdoors.  

Essentially, the rubber provides an airtight seal between the screw and the material it is being screwed into, with the seal also being watertight.  

You mentioned about the outdoors – what makes them stand out? 

EPDM washers are incredibly resistant to the weather, chemicals and temperature on either side of the scale, which makes them essential for outdoor projects.  

The washers generally have a temperature range of -40 to 120 degrees, while they can more than deal with ozone, UV exposure or general weathering.  

In addition, they are fine when it comes to acids and solvents, so if you are working in an environment where chemical exposure is an issue, they will be more than up to the task. 

Is there anything else I need to know about EPDM washers?  

They are built to last, which is another reason why they are so popular with those in the trade. They are incredibly durable and can withstand repeated compression and expansion cycles without losing any of their sealing properties.  

As a result of their airtight nature, they’ll also keep just about anything out. Be it dust, water, air or other contaminants, they will stop pretty much everything from getting through.  

Finally, they are very flexible. Whether it’s an ideal, smooth surface or a very irregular and rough one, EPDM washers will still deliver. 

If you would like to contact Multifix for more information about EPDM washers, or to find out more about wanting to buy them, you can get in touch with us here.