Life Expectancy of SeaSucker Vacuum Cups Exposed to Florida Sun

Updated 07/31/2019 | Published 07/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack - Round Bars - Vacuum Cup Mount - 48" Long

(50)

$499.00

SeaSucker Vacuum Mount - 6" - Black

(4)

$69.00

Question:

Will UV eventually deteriorate the rubber suction cups? ... black cups on a black roof in Florida could see temps upwards of 130 degrees. What is the life expectancy attached full time. Should a UV protectant like 303 be used on the rubber?

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

The SeaSucker # 298-SX6000B would be a great choice.

SeaSucker is Located in Florida also, where's they've been constructing marine equipment for years. Equipment that's designed for use in a sunny, hot, marine environment so their stuff is built to be pretty rugged. SeaSucker uses a UV inhibitor in all their rubber vacuum cups. As long as the protectant you're looking to use is meant for use on rubber, there should be no problem.

According to my contact, with their added UV protection you should expect to get 5 years of life out of the cups at the minimum, but to see 10-15 years without an issue is pretty common for them. Also, because of how easy their products are to install and remove, SeaSucker recommends removing the racks when they're not in use which will further extend their life expectancy by limiting their UV exposure.

And, if all else fails, replacement vacuum mounts are readily available. We carry them as part # 302-1102.

expert reply by: Mike L