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Door Gasket Materials for Commercial Refrigeration: Everything You Need to Know

There are different types of door gasket materials used in commercial refrigeration. Do you know which one your model requires?

OEMs intentionally choose gasket materials for specific environments and operating conditions, so ensuring you get the right replacement part for your model is crucial to maintaining optimal performance. From temperature range to chemical exposure, these factors all influence which gasket materials are used for a commercial refrigeration unit.

Whether you own a glass door merchandiser or a walk-in cooler, learn how different gasket materials provide airtight seals to keep them running as they should.

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What Door Gasket Materials Are Used in Commercial Refrigeration?

Different commercial refrigeration gaskets side by side made with different types of materials

Because commercial refrigeration gaskets are model-specific, the gasket material must also match the OEM specs for proper sealing performance. OEMs select gasket materials based on function, durability, and chemical cleaner resistance to provide an airtight seal on your unit's doors.

There are two main door gasket materials used in commercial refrigeration: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV, also known as Santoprene).

However, there are other gasket material options for specialty refrigeration applications, such as silicone and neoprene, which we'll explain further below.

 

PVC Door Gaskets for Commercial Refrigeration

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is one of the two most common door gasket materials used in commercial refrigeration. It has a flexible vinyl structure from added plasticizers in the material formulation, making it softer. This allows it to compress and rebound during daily use without losing the sealing shape.

Depending on the OEM, refrigeration application, and material formulation, PVC gaskets have a narrow temperature range of approximately -15°F to 140°F. They have low resistance to citrus-based or chemical cleaners and hot oil exposure, making them unsuitable for fry station areas and food processing facilities with strong sanitation procedures.

However, they're easily cleaned with soap and water and have relatively lower costs. PVC door gaskets are commonly used in standard commercial foodservice equipment, such as coolers, reach-in refrigerators, and glass door merchandisers.

 

TPV Door Gaskets for Commercial Refrigeration

TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) is also one of the two most common door gasket materials used in commercial refrigeration. The structure is made of vulcanized rubber particles to maintain better flexibility at extreme temperatures.

You've likely heard of Santoprene, which is the leading TPV gasket material brand used in commercial refrigeration. Depending on the OEM, refrigeration application, and material formulation, TPV gaskets have a wider temperature range of approximately -40°F to 260°F. They have a strong resistance to citrus-based and chemical cleaners.

However, they have higher material costs than PVC gaskets. TPV door gaskets are commonly used in commercial freezers and high-traffic foodservice equipment.

 

Silicone Door Gaskets for Commercial Refrigeration

Silicone is a flexible, yet durable synthetic rubber gasket material designed for extreme temperature ranges. Depending on the OEM, refrigeration application, and material formulation, silicone gaskets have a temperature range of approximately -80°F to 450°F.

Silicone door gaskets are commonly used in temperature-sensitive environments, such as pharmaceutical refrigerated units, bakery equipment, and refrigerated prep tables. They typically have higher costs due to their specialty applications.

 

Neoprene Door Gaskets for Commercial Refrigeration

Neoprene is a durable synthetic rubber gasket material that's resistant to oil and chemical exposure. Depending on the OEM, refrigeration application, and material formulation, neoprene gaskets have a temperature range of approximately -40°F to 225°F.

Neoprene door gaskets are commonly used in high-moisture environments, such as industrial walk-in coolers and meat/seafood refrigerated processing systems. They typically have moderate to high costs.

 

Where Different Door Gasket Materials Are Commonly Used in Commercial Refrigeration

GASKET MATERIAL COMMON COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION APPLICATIONS APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE RANGE AVERAGE COST POSITIONING GASKET MATERIAL BENEFITS
PVC (Vinyl) Reach-in refrigerators, beverage coolers, and glass door merchandisers 0°F to 150°F Low Cost Cost-effective flexibility for standard commercial refrigeration
TPV (Also known as Santoprene) Freezers and high-traffic foodservice equipment -40°F to 260°F Moderate to High Cost Wide temperature resistance and durability for heavy-use environments
Silicone Bakery equipment, pharmaceutical refrigeration units, and refrigerated prep tables -80°F to 450°F High Cost Extreme temperature flexibility for specialty and temperature-sensitive goods
Neoprene Industrial walk-in coolers and food processing refrigeration systems -40°F to 225°F Moderate to High Cost Strong chemical and moisture resistance for demanding applications

 

Approximate temperature ranges and material costs may vary depending on the OEM, material formulation, commercial refrigeration application, and gasket profile.

 

Why Refrigeration Door Gasket Materials Matter for Businesses

A commercial refrigerator used in a commercial kitchen that requires refrigeration gaskets made from high quality materials

Gasket materials matter for businesses with commercial refrigeration because gaskets are manufactured based on the OEM's model specs. Even the right gasket style (profile) for your model, but the wrong material can risk heat leakage and sealing performance issues.

OEMs may use different gasket materials for various models based on:

  • Unit size and design
  • Refrigerated environment
  • Temperature range
  • Operating conditions

Buying replacement gaskets with your OEM model number, serial number, and door specs from its door ID tag includes the gasket material used to match your model, so it supports:

 

Key Facts About Gasket Materials for Commercial Refrigeration Doors

  • PVC (vinyl) and TPV (also known as Santoprene) are the two most common gasket materials used on commercial refrigeration doors
  • Santoprene is the most popular TPV gasket material brand used for commercial refrigeration doors
  • Gasket materials are specific to commercial refrigeration models and must match the OEM door specs
  • Gasket materials are designed for different commercial refrigeration environments
  • Some gasket materials provide stronger resistance to temperature ranges and cleaning chemicals
  • Buying model-specific replacement gaskets ensures proper refrigeration door sealing and optimal unit performance

 

Buy Commercial Refrigeration Gaskets Built for OEM-Specific Applications at Breakaway Enterprises

At Breakaway Enterprises, we're a distributor and manufacturer of OEM-equivalent commercial refrigeration door gaskets with 60+ years of combined experience. We have a wide selection of quality gasket materials, profiles, and sizes that apply to popular OEM brands, including Anthony International, Atosa, and Delfield.

Our in-house facility uses computer-controlled and compressed air-driven welding devices with automatic trimming - giving you model spec precision and longer gasket lifespans. All U.S.A-made with affordable pricing.

Our stock and custom-made gaskets are applicable to any OEM door on the market with same-day shipments to keep your unit and business running smoothly.

Need help finding the right replacement gasket for your model?

Contact our team to streamline your shopping today!

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Gasket Materials for Commercial Refrigeration FAQs

 

The most common commercial freezer door gasket materials are:

  • TPV: Also known as Santoprene, made of vulcanized rubber particles. TPV gaskets are highly resistant to chemical cleaners and have a wide temperature range of approximately -40°F to 260°F. They're best for heavy-use units like foodservice walk-in freezers.
  • Silicone: A synthetic, flexible, and durable rubber material. Silicone gaskets are extremely flexible in temperature-sensitive environments, with a range of approximately -80°F to 450°F.
  • Neoprene: A durable synthetic rubber material. Neoprene gaskets are highly resistant to oil and chemical exposure, with a temperature range of approximately -40°F to 225°F. They're best for high-moisture units, like blast chillers and walk-in freezers.

The most common commercial refrigerator door gasket materials are:

  • PVC (Vinyl): A flexible vinyl material with a temperature range of approximately 0°F to 150°F. PVC gaskets are best for reach-in refrigerators and glass door merchandisers.
  • TPV (Santoprene): A vulcanized rubber particle material, with a wide temperature range of approximately -40°F to 260°F. TPV gaskets are best for walk-in coolers and refrigerated prep stations.
  • Silicone: A durable synthetic rubber material, with a temperature range of approximately -80°F to 450°F. Silicone gaskets are best for medical-grade refrigerators and refrigerated chef bases.
  • Neoprene: A durable synthetic rubber material, with a temperature range of approximately -40°F to 225°F. Neoprene gaskets are best for industrial walk-in coolers and cold rooms.

Businesses have various needs for their refrigeration environments, impacting the types of gasket materials used in their units. Some models have gasket materials that can withstand freezing temperatures. Others use gasket materials with high-traffic flexibility or chemical cleaner resistance. Purchasing a door gasket with the wrong material that isn't designed for your specific model risks:

  • Sealing and unit performance issues
  • Heat leakage and spoiled inventory
  • Increased energy bills
  • Shorter gasket lifespan

No, commercial refrigeration gaskets aren't made from the same materials. There are several types of materials used in door gaskets because they're designed for different refrigeration applications, including PVC (vinyl), TPV (also known as Santoprene), silicone, and neoprene.

No, there isn't a universal refrigerator door gasket material. OEMs use different gasket materials in their models that are manufactured specifically for their design and door size.

 

Learn More About Commercial Refrigeration Gaskets

 

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