Eight advantages of silicone hose
Silicone is often preferred over the traditional rubber hose? Here are 8 reasons why.
Flexibility
The rubber hose cannot match the silicone hose in flexibility. If you require an extra bit of bend in your hose for a particular job, silicone is your best bet, as the old-fashioned rubber version can harden and become brittle with age.
Resistant to extreme temperatures
Rubber hoses can’t handle the extreme heat or the freezing temperatures of, for example, testing factory conditions. Silicone can withstand temperatures between a chilly -60 or a very hot +180 degrees Celsius. This is due to less of a variation between properties when silicone is subjected to high or freezing temperatures.
More attractive
Silicone hoses are more pleasing on the eye than rubber hoses, with their smooth, shiny finish and a vast range of available colours on the market (try Good flex Rubber for an array of shades). They are great for a snazzy car engine, or for using visible piping in a more modern-looking building.
Durability
Silicone has an inherent resilience to heat aging, and can remain intact and effective for a much longer period of time than traditional rubber. Rubber suffers heat aging damage, for example in the engine of a car. Due to the very high temperatures that occur under the bonnet while driving, rubber will eventually crack and stiffen.
High resistance to corrosion and chemicals
Corrosive materials and potentially harmful chemicals are better transported through silicone than rubber. Coolant in cars flows through silicone hoses, since it survives this exposure more effectively. Silicone is favoured in the automotive industry, due to its integrity.
Easy usage
While rubber may bond with some fittings over a period of time, silicone avoids this – for example, silicone does not stick to heated surfaces, like radiators. It can be installed quickly and efficiently, and removed in much the same way.
Weatherproof
Silicone can withstand testing weather conditions, so it can be a safe choice if you are working within a humid climate, or a particularly stormy area. It is more durable than rubber in these challenging environments.
Vibration and noise resistant
Silicone can absorb vibrations as well as possessing properties which allow it to dampen down noise. Rubber can often cause more noise or vibration, which is why silicone is used in car engines.
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