Silicone is a synthetic rubber made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Its flexibility and resilience make it an ideal material for manufacturing edge trim.
Edge trim is primarily used to protect surface edges and those who come into contact with them.
Choosing edge trim made from silicone has several distinct advantages. In this article, we'll explore what these are and explain when and how silicone edge trim should be installed.
Where is silicone edge trim used?
Edge trim can be made from various materials, including PVC, EPDM, and silicone. Edge trim is applied to surface edges for various reasons, including edge protection, health and safety, to seal the application, and to provide a smooth and attractive finish.
Silicone trims have excellent flexibility, heat resistance, and chemical stability. They are used for various applications, from basic edge protection to sealing edges on windows and doors.
The silicone trims we sell at Seals Direct are FDA-approved, making them ideal for environments where they will be in direct contact with skin, drugs, or food. Silicone trim is often the preferred choice for kitchens, healthcare, and pharmaceutical environments operating under strict hygiene and safety standards.
Advantages of using silicone edge trim
Silicone has many properties that make it an excellent material for edge trim. Some key advantages of protecting edges using silicone trim include:
Protects against damage - Silicone trim is highly durable and designed to hold its shape and withstand impact. This resilience protects the surface beneath, reducing expenses related to repairs or replacements.
Excellent water resistance – Silicone has excellent water resistance, making silicone trim the ideal choice for sealing windows, doors, hatches, and cabinets and preventing water, air, or debris ingress.
Health and safety – Applying silicone trim to edges can help organisations meet important industry health and safety standards and regulations. Our silicone trims are FDA-approved, meaning they are also safe for use in environments where food and drugs are processed or stored.
Durability - The durability of silicone edge trim is about the same hardness as the rubber on a car tyre. Silicone trim can withstand harsh conditions, degradation from UV light, ozone, and extreme temperatures.
Choosing the right silicone edge trim
When choosing the right silicone trim for your application, it's important to carefully consider which type of trim best suits the surface and environment.
Questions to ask yourself when choosing a silicone trim include:
- Is the trim being applied for protection, sealing, or both?
- What are the dimensions of the surface it is to be applied to?
- How important is appearance?
- What environmental conditions will the trim be subjected to?
How to install silicone edge trim
Silicone edge trims are quick and easy to install as they feature a self-gripping spine. To prepare, make sure the surface the trim is being applied to is clean, dry, and free from debris. Next, carefully measure and cut your trim to size. Next, use the palm of your hand or a soft-faced hammer to tap the trim into position gently—no adhesive required! You can view our more detailed installation guides here.
Silicone edge trim from Seals Direct
Need help selecting the right silicone edge trim for your surface? If so, you've come to the right place. Seals Direct is one of the UK's leading rubber seals and trims providers. We have over 760 products to choose from. Come and look around, and if you can't find what you're looking for, call our knowledgeable team on 01425 617 722, and we'll be happy to help.