How to Expand Neoprene

You will need a fast-drying, high-quality glue.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubberized product that is notable for its flexible nature and ability to act as an insulator. Neoprene is used in a number of different applications, including wetsuits. Neoprene is also used as a flexible brace for joints, as a weatherproof case for electronics and as an insulator for doors and windows. Expanding neoprene can mean that you increase its size by adding new neoprene, expand it by stretching it, or expand it by squeezing it and allowing it to expand in a hole. Special expandable neoprene products are available.

Things You'll Need

• Neoprene material
• Expanded neoprene
• Waterproof contact glue, such as Aquaseal
• Vise or clamp
• Exacto knife
• Ruler

Instructions

Cut Pieces to Size

1. 

   Score and cut the expanded neoprene.

   Use a ruler to examine the hole in the object or to measure the size of the insert that you want to place on the object. Expanded neoprene can be used to expand a neoprene object like the neckline of a wetsuit or an insulated electronics case, or to insulate with neoprene that needs to expand to fill a hole.

   Use the utility knife to cut the expanded neoprene to a size that fits over the hole and overlaps on the sides of the existing neoprene by at least half a centimeter.

2. Add a high-quality contact glue to the neoprene object or to the hole that you want to fill. If you wish, you can sprinkle some sand on with the glue to improve its ability to grip the neoprene. Place the expanded neoprene onto the hole. This will form a patch. Allow the glue to dry; this usually requires a period of two days.

3. Add a clamp or vise to the patched neoprene object.

4. 

   Clamp the neoprene.

   If the neoprene must still be expanded after the patch, place a vise or clamp on either side of the patch and clamp the neoprene. Let the object sit for a week with clamps on either side. This will expand the neoprene by stretching it.

Expanding Neoprene in a Hole

1. 

   Measure the length of the hole.

   Measure the size of the hole around a window or other part of the home. Cut a length of expanded neoprene to size. You can use adhesive expanded neoprene that will adhere on its own, or you can use an expanded neoprene cord that will expand to the size in the wall.

2. 

   Squeeze neoprene around windows and let it expand.

   Squish the neoprene as small as possible and place adhesive in the hole, then place the neoprene into the hole. It will then expand in the hole.

3. Add extra glue around the edges of the expanded neoprene to seal it in.

References

• Seals Direct
• Fleischmann, Jaiem: Fixing Leaks