How do rubber granulate panels age over time?
The aging process of rubber granulate panels largely depends on the material used and how they are utilized. For ELT products (recycled rubber from used tyres), sunlight is a major factor. Intensive UV exposure causes the rubber to lose elasticity, become brittle, and shrink by up to 2% of its volume – much like what happens with car tyres. Outdoor ELT panels in Central Europe typically begin to show clear signs of aging after around 10 years.
For coloured ELT products, black granulate is mixed with a coloured binder. Over time, the coloured coating wears off, so that the originally vibrant panels gradually develop a speckled and eventually predominantly dark appearance.
In contrast, products made of EPDM or featuring an EPDM surface are much more resistant to UV radiation. The granulate is uniformly coloured, ensuring a consistent look and maintaining its material properties for many decades. However, even these products may undergo slight colour changes over time.