How Proper Storage Protects Performance, Safety, and Cost

Seals are precision components, yet they’re often treated as simple commodities once they arrive at the warehouse or maintenance crib. Improper storage can significantly reduce seal shelf life, compromise material properties, and ultimately lead to premature failures in the field.

Whether you’re storing O-rings, gaskets, hydraulic seals, or custom-molded components, following best practices for seal storage is critical for maintaining performance, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

This guide covers seal storage best practices, recommended shelf life by material, and common mistakes that shorten seal life - helping engineers, maintenance teams, and procurement professionals protect their investment.

Why Seal Storage Matters

Elastomeric and polymer seals are sensitive to environmental conditions. Over time, exposure to heat, light, ozone, moisture, and chemicals can cause:

• Hardening or softening
• Cracking and surface checking
• Loss of elasticity
• Compression set
• Reduced chemical resistance

Even unused seals can degrade if stored improperly, leading to leaks, downtime, and costly rework.

Industry Standards for Seal Storage

Most seal storage recommendations are based on ISO 2230 and SAE ARP5316, which define acceptable environmental conditions and handling practices for elastomeric products.

While specific materials may have additional requirements, these standards provide a solid baseline for most sealing applications.

Best Practices for Seal Storage

1. Control Temperature

Recommended range:
59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)

• Avoid high heat, which accelerates aging
• Prevent freezing temperatures that can cause brittleness
• Store seals away from radiators, heaters, and direct sunlight

Consistent temperature is more important than achieving an exact number.

2. Manage Humidity

• Keep relative humidity below 70%
• Avoid condensation and damp storage areas
• Use sealed packaging or moisture barriers when needed

Excess moisture can promote surface degradation and affect certain materials, especially polyurethane and rubber compounds.

3. Protect from Light (Especially UV)

Ultraviolet light can cause surface cracking and oxidation, particularly in elastomers like NBR and EPDM.

• Store seals in opaque bags or boxes
• Avoid fluorescent lighting with UV output
• Never store seals near windows or skylights

4. Prevent Ozone Exposure

Ozone is one of the most damaging environmental factors for rubber seals.

Avoid storing seals near:

• Electric motors
• Welding equipment
• High-voltage electrical devices

Ozone exposure often results in fine surface cracks that can lead to early failure.

5. Avoid Chemical Contamination

Seals should be stored away from:

• Solvents
• Fuels
• Oils
• Acids
• Cleaning chemicals

Even vapor exposure can alter material properties over time.

6. Store Seals Stress-Free

Mechanical stress during storage can permanently deform seals.

Best practices include:

• Store O-rings flat, not stretched or hung
• Avoid stacking heavy items on seals
• Keep seals in original packaging whenever possible

Improper positioning can lead to compression set before installation.

7. Label and Rotate Inventory (FIFO)

• Clearly label packages with material type, size, cure date, and batch number
• Use First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory management
• Track shelf life to avoid installing expired seals

This is especially critical for maintenance and MRO environments.

Seal Shelf Life by Material (General Guidelines)

Shelf life depends on material formulation and storage conditions. Below are typical guidelines when stored properly:

• Nitrile (NBR): 5–10 years
• Fluorocarbon (FKM / Viton®): Up to 20 years
• EPDM: 5–10 years
• Silicone: 10–20 years
• Polyurethane (PU): 5 years
• PTFE: Indefinite (if undamaged)

Shelf life begins at the cure date, not the purchase date.

Always consult manufacturer documentation for critical applications.

Common Seal Storage Mistakes to Avoid

• Storing seals near heat or electrical equipment
• Leaving seals exposed to light or air
• Mixing different materials in the same bin
• Ignoring cure dates or shelf life limits
• Assuming “new” means “good” without verification

These oversights often lead to unexplained seal failures during startup.

How Proper Storage Improves Reliability and Reduces Cost

Following seal storage best practices:

• Extends usable shelf life
• Improves seal performance at installation
• Reduces leaks and unplanned downtime
• Lowers scrap and replacement costs
• Supports quality and compliance initiatives

For OEMs and maintenance teams alike, proper storage is a simple but powerful reliability tool.

Need Help with Seal Storage or Material Selection?

Seal shelf life and storage requirements can vary by material, application, and environment. Working with a knowledgeable sealing partner ensures the right material is selected - and stored - correctly from day one.

If you have questions about:

• Proper storage for specific seal materials
• Shelf life for stocked or aging inventory
• Packaging or labeling best practices
• Custom seals with unique storage requirements

Our sealing specialists are here to help.