With the new year approaching, you may be thinking about changes or resolutions you’re planning to make once January comes around. But you shouldn’t just focus on yourself; make it a point to check and replace the rubber in these easily forgotten areas.
Welcoming Door Seals
Rubber door seals are typically made of synthetic rubbers like silicone and EPDM and have signs telling you a replacement is in your best interest. These include looking at the seal for any holes, tears, or cracks; feeling cold air or a draft; wind gusts that sound more clear than muffled; and if it sticks to the door.
There are many benefits to replacing door seals. Aside from better eliminating outdoor noise, new seals stop drafts and help maintain your home’s thermal insulation, leading to consistent indoor temperatures, as well as providing moisture control against water from leaks or excessive rain from coming in under your door. A new seal can also prevent damage to the door since it stops elements like rot from affecting it.
Wiping Away the Elements
An integral part of any vehicle, wiper blades help to keep your drive smooth. Usually made of EPDM, your wipers should be replaced every six-to-twelve months. You can tell if a replacement is necessary from tears or splits in the rubber, or if the rubber has an inflexible or hard texture. Streaking can also occur on your windshield because EPDM absorbs oils from the road; as a result, you may hear a dry squeaking sound that may drive you crazy (or to the nearest parts store).
Safety while driving is the primary advantage of wiper blade replacement. New wipers can effectively clean your windshield so rain, snow, or other precipitation won’t impair your vision; this, in turn, reduces sun and headlight glare. Along with quiet sweeps instead of noisy squeaks, your windshield is also better protected from damage caused by deteriorated wiper blades.
The Fridge and Dishwasher Combo
Refrigerators are a staple of household life, which is why it’s essential to inspect the condition of their door gasket. Look to see if the gasket is warped or has stiffness, as both will lessen its ability to tightly seal. You can also see if your food in the fridge is staying cold; if not, then the seal isn’t performing well. Proper or new EPDM rubber or silicone gaskets offer consistent interior temperatures and improved food preservation.
Dishwashers, another popular appliance, use materials such as silicone and nitrile for their door seals to prevent leaks and reduce noise. If you notice water puddles around the machine or heavy amounts of steam escaping from the door, it’s time to replace the seal. Your dishwasher will stop leaking and prevent any water damage from occurring around it, and will also improve its effectiveness by keeping an optimal temperature.
If you have an upcoming project or need help with o-ring sizing, make it a resolution to contact us. We’re always happy to help.