As temperatures rise, sealing performance can suffer. Summer heat, humidity, and UV exposure pose major challenges for gaskets, O-rings, and enclosure seals—especially in outdoor, industrial, or electronics applications. If you’re not using the right materials or designs, you risk seal failure, equipment downtime, and costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll explore how heat and moisture affect sealing products and how to select seals and venting solutions that perform reliably in high-temperature, high-humidity conditions.
How Summer Conditions Affect Sealing Materials
1. Thermal Expansion Can Lead to Seal Failure
Hot environments cause sealing materials to expand. Without proper tolerances or material flexibility, thermal cycling can lead to seal deformation, compression loss, and leakage.
2. Moisture Absorption and Swelling in Humid Climates
High humidity increases the risk of water absorption in certain elastomers, leading to swelling, loss of sealing force, and potential failure—especially in electrical enclosures and HVAC systems.
3. UV and Ozone Degradation of Outdoor Seals
Sealing products exposed to direct sunlight and ozone may crack or degrade over time if not made from UV- and ozone-resistant compounds, such as EPDM or fluorosilicone.
Best Practices for Heat- and Humidity-Resistant Sealing
✔ Choose High-Temperature Sealing Materials
Silicone, Viton®, and fluorosilicone offer superior heat resistance and maintain performance in temperatures exceeding 400°F. These materials are ideal for summer sealing applications in aerospace and electronics.
✔ Use Protective Venting to Prevent Condensation
GORE® PolyVent High Airflow PRO and other venting solutions equalize pressure and release heat and moisture from sealed enclosures, protecting sensitive components from condensation and corrosion.
✔ Prioritize Compression Set Resistance
Seals that maintain their shape under long-term compression perform better in fluctuating temperatures. Look for materials with low compression set for long-term reliability.
✔ Confirm Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings
Ensure your gaskets and seals meet or exceed IP66, IP67, or IP69K ratings to block out water and dust—even in extreme summer weather conditions.
Prepare Now for Summer-Ready Sealing Solutions
The summer heat can push your equipment—and your seals—to their limits. Now is the time to assess your systems, review material performance, and upgrade where needed. At Sealing Devices, our engineers specialize in high-performance sealing solutions that thrive in the heat.
Need help choosing the right summer sealing materials?
Contact our team or download our Ultimate Guide to Sourcing Sealing Products to learn more.