Neoprene Rubber UK — Properties, Uses and Where to Buy

Last updated: April 2026

Neoprene (polychloroprene) is one of the most versatile synthetic elastomers available, and its balance of mechanical properties, weather resistance, and chemical resistance makes it the material of choice across a remarkably wide range of UK industries. From sealing expansion joints in civil engineering to wetsuit fabric and roofing applications, neoprene's performance envelope is broader than almost any other single elastomeric material.

This guide covers neoprene's key material properties, its principal industrial and commercial applications in the UK, and what to consider when buying neoprene sheet, strip, or moulded products.

What is Neoprene?

Neoprene is the commercial name for polychloroprene rubber (CR), first synthesised by DuPont in 1930. It is produced by polymerisation of chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene) and can be compounded with various fillers and curing agents to tailor its properties for specific applications.

The presence of a chlorine atom in the polymer backbone gives neoprene its distinctive properties compared to other synthetic rubbers — particularly its resistance to oxidation, ozone, and weathering, and its moderate flame resistance.

Key Properties of Neoprene Rubber

Property	Neoprene (CR)	vs EPDM	vs Nitrile (NBR)
Tensile strength	10–20 MPa	Similar	Similar
Elongation at break	300–600%	Higher	Similar
Oil resistance	Good	❌ Poor	✅ Excellent
Ozone/UV resistance	Good	✅ Excellent	Moderate
Flame resistance	✅ Good	❌ Poor	Moderate
Temperature range	-40°C to +120°C	-50°C to +150°C	-40°C to +120°C
Water resistance	Good	Excellent	Good
Abrasion resistance	Good	Moderate	Good
Cost (relative)	Medium-High	Medium	Medium

Principal Applications of Neoprene in the UK

Gaskets and Seals

Neoprene's combination of oil resistance, weather resistance, and compression set characteristics makes it an excellent gasket material for applications where both dynamic sealing and exposure to weathering may occur. Common applications include:

• Automotive gaskets (timing covers, valve covers, water pumps)
• HVAC duct seals and flanges
• Roof glazing gaskets and curtain wall seals
• Pipeline and flange gaskets in water treatment and chemical processing

Construction Sealing and Expansion Joints

Neoprene is widely used in the UK construction industry for expansion joint fillers, bridge bearing pads, structural bearings (laminated rubber/steel bearings), and curtain wall glazing seals. Its weathering resistance and dynamic fatigue performance are critical in these applications, where the material must flex and recover millions of times over decades.

Roofing and Waterproofing

Neoprene sheet is used as a waterproofing membrane in flat roofing, pond liners, and water feature liners. While EPDM has largely replaced neoprene in flat roofing membranes for cost reasons, neoprene remains preferred where better oil resistance or higher temperature performance is required.

Wet Suits and Outdoor Equipment

Closed-cell neoprene foam is the defining material of modern wet suits, providing thermal insulation through its foam structure whilst being flexible and water-resistant. The same material is used in knee braces, wrist guards, and protective padding in sports equipment.

Industrial Anti-Vibration Mounts

Neoprene anti-vibration mounts, pads, and feet are used throughout UK manufacturing to isolate machinery vibration from building structures. Neoprene's combination of stiffness and damping properties, wide temperature range, and oil tolerance makes it well-suited to machine mounting applications.

Electrical Insulation

Neoprene's moderate flame resistance and reasonable electrical insulation properties are used in electrical cable jackets, particularly for outdoor or industrial applications where both weather resistance and some flame retardancy are required.

Buying Neoprene Sheet in the UK

Available Forms

• Neoprene sheet: Supplied in rolls or cut to length, widths typically 1m or 1.4m, thicknesses from 1mm to 50mm
• Neoprene strip: Cut to width from sheet, for joint sealing, edge protection, and gasket making
• Neoprene foam sheet: Closed-cell foam, available in various densities, for sealing and thermal insulation
• Neoprene cord: Round, square, or D-section cord for dynamic seals and gap fillers

Hardness Selection

• 40 Shore A: Soft, compressible — for sealing applications, anti-vibration, compression gaskets
• 60 Shore A: Medium — general purpose, good compromise of compression and resilience
• 70–80 Shore A: Hard — engineering applications, structural pads, high-load bearing

UK Pricing

• Neoprene sheet (3mm, 1m wide): approximately £18–£30 per linear metre
• Neoprene sheet (6mm, 1m wide): approximately £28–£45 per linear metre
• Neoprene sheet (10mm, 1m wide): approximately £40–£65 per linear metre
• Prices vary significantly with compound, grade, and quantity

Browse our neoprene rubber sheet and products at rubberco.co.uk. We stock neoprene sheet in standard widths and a wide range of thicknesses, available by the metre or in full-roll quantities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of rubber flooring are available in the UK?

The main types are SBR rubber (recycled, budget-friendly), EPDM rubber (colourful, UV stable), nitrile rubber (oil resistant), and neoprene rubber (chemical resistant). Each suits different applications.

Is rubber flooring easy to maintain?

Yes – rubber flooring is one of the easiest floor coverings to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with mild detergent keeps it in excellent condition. Most rubber flooring needs no specialist cleaning products.

How long does rubber flooring last?

Quality rubber flooring typically lasts 10–20 years. Commercial installations in high-traffic areas often achieve 15+ years with regular maintenance. The longevity depends on rubber quality, thickness, and application.

Is rubber flooring slippery when wet?

Anti-slip rubber flooring maintains excellent grip even when wet. Look for products with PTV (Pendulum Test Value) ratings of 36+ for general use and 40+ for wet areas. Textured surfaces further improve wet grip.

Can rubber flooring be used on underfloor heating?

Rubber flooring can be used with underfloor heating systems. Ensure the rubber compound is specified as suitable for heated floors, and keep surface temperatures below 27°C to prevent premature degradation.