Black Rubber Skirtboard
High-quality rubber skirtboard material for conveyor belt spillage containment. Available in multiple thicknesses, widths, and durometers for mining, aggregate, and bulk material handling.
What Is Skirtboard Rubber?
Skirtboard rubber is a strip of rubber sheeting installed along the edges of a conveyor belt at transfer points, loading zones, and discharge areas. Its primary function is to contain material spillage, reduce airborne dust, and protect the belt from damage caused by off-center loading.
Black rubber skirtboard is manufactured from SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) or natural rubber compounds and is the most widely used skirtboard material in industrial conveyor systems. It mounts to the conveyor frame via clamp assemblies or bolt-on brackets, creating a seal between the skirting structure and the moving belt surface.
Properly installed skirtboard rubber keeps material on the belt, reduces cleanup costs, and extends the service life of both the belt and conveyor components. It is a critical wear part in any heavy-duty conveyor belt installation.
Skirtboard Rubber Applications
Black rubber skirtboard is used wherever bulk material is loaded onto or transferred between conveyor belts. Common applications include:
Mining & Quarry
- Crusher discharge conveyors
- Screen feed and product conveyors
- Stockpile stacking systems
Aggregate & Sand
- Hopper feed conveyor loading zones
- Transfer point containment
- Wash plant conveyors
Grain & Agriculture
- Grain elevator leg boot sections
- Bulk grain transfer conveyors
- Dust containment at dump pits
General Bulk Handling
- Cement and powder conveyors
- Recycling facility sort lines
- Coal handling and power plants
Black Rubber Skirtboard Specifications
We stock black rubber skirtboard in the following standard specifications. Custom sizes and compounds are available by request.
| Property | Standard Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer (Hardness) | 40 - 70 Shore A | 50-60A most common for general use |
| Thickness | 1/4" to 1" | 3/8" and 1/2" are most popular |
| Width | 4" to 12" | 6" and 8" are standard skirting widths |
| Standard Lengths | 50 ft rolls | Custom cut to any length available |
| Rubber Compound | SBR / Natural Rubber | SBR standard; natural rubber for higher resilience |
| Color | Black | Other colors available (see orange skirtboard) |
| Temperature Range | -20°F to 180°F | SBR standard range; specialty compounds for extremes |
Installation Methods
Skirtboard rubber is installed along both sides of the conveyor at each loading zone, extending past the impact area to where material has settled on the belt. Two primary mounting methods are used:
Clamp-Mounted Skirtboard
Clamp systems use adjustable steel brackets bolted to the conveyor frame. The rubber is inserted into the clamp and secured with bolts, allowing height adjustment as the rubber wears. This is the preferred method for most applications because it allows quick rubber replacement without removing the skirting structure.
Bolt-On Skirtboard
In bolt-on installations, the rubber is drilled and fastened directly to the skirt plate using bolts, washers, and lock nuts. This method is simpler but requires more time to replace worn rubber. It is common on older conveyor designs and in applications where clamp hardware is not available.
Gap Clearance & Wear Monitoring
The bottom edge of the skirtboard rubber should contact the belt lightly or maintain a gap no greater than 1/8 inch from the belt surface. Too much pressure increases belt wear and drag; too large a gap allows spillage.
- Inspect gap clearance monthly and after any belt tracking adjustments
- Readjust clamp-mounted rubber when wear exceeds 1/4 inch gap
- Replace rubber strips that are cracked, torn, or worn past the minimum usable length
- Check conveyor belt fasteners and splice areas that pass under skirting for snag potential
Black Rubber vs. Other Skirtboard Materials
Black rubber is the industry standard, but alternative materials are available for specialized requirements. Here is how they compare:
| Property | Black Rubber (SBR) | Polyurethane | UHMW Polyethylene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative Cost | $ | $$-$$$ | $$ |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Excellent | Very Good |
| Wear Life | 6-18 months typical | 12-36 months typical | 12-24 months typical |
| Flexibility | Excellent | Good | Rigid |
| Belt Friction | Moderate | Low | Very Low |
| Best For | General-purpose, most applications | High-abrasion, heavy tonnage | Low-friction, sticky materials |
For the majority of conveyor installations handling aggregate, grain, sand, or general bulk materials, black rubber skirtboard delivers reliable performance at the lowest upfront cost. Facilities processing highly abrasive materials at high volumes should consider polyurethane skirtboard for longer service intervals and potentially lower total cost of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What durometer is best for conveyor skirtboard rubber?
For most bulk material handling applications, 50-60 Shore A durometer provides the best balance of flexibility and wear resistance. Softer compounds (40 Shore A) conform better to uneven belt surfaces, while harder compounds (70 Shore A) last longer in high-abrasion environments like mining and crushing operations. Contact us at (888) 203-2358 for help selecting the right durometer for your application.
How often should skirtboard rubber be replaced?
Inspect skirtboard rubber monthly and replace it when the gap between the rubber and the belt surface exceeds 1/4 inch, or when visible wear, cracking, or tearing is present. Under typical conditions, skirtboard rubber lasts 6 to 18 months depending on material abrasiveness, belt speed, and loading frequency.
What is the difference between black rubber and polyurethane skirtboard?
Black SBR rubber skirtboard is the most economical option with good abrasion resistance, making it the standard choice for most conveyor applications. Polyurethane skirtboard costs more but offers 2-3 times the wear life, better tear resistance, and superior performance in high-abrasion environments. For typical aggregate or grain handling, black rubber is cost-effective. For mining or high-tonnage operations, polyurethane may offer lower total cost of ownership.
Can skirtboard rubber be cut to custom sizes?
Yes. Black rubber skirtboard is supplied in standard rolls and can be cut to any length on-site with a utility knife or rubber-cutting shears. Texas Belting and Supply also provides custom-cut widths and pre-drilled bolt patterns to match your conveyor frame specifications. Call (888) 203-2358 to order custom-cut skirtboard.