Self-adhesive reinforced foam gasket

A method of making a length of material suitable for die-cutting a self-adhesive reinforced foam gasket therefrom, said method comprising the steps of (a) providing a substrate having a release liner, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and a layer of flexible polymeric film, said release liner having an upper surface which is a release surface, said pressure sensitive adhesive layer adhering to said release surface, said flexible polymeric film layer adhering to said pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and (b) providing a layer of liquid flexible foam precursor including a blowing agent onto said flexible polymeric a film layer, heating said flexible foam precursor, activating said blowing agent and expanding and curing said flexible foam precursor to yield a cured flexible foam layer which is thermally o bonded to said flexible polymeric film layer to yield a length of material suitable for die-cutting a self-adhesive reinforced foam gasket therefrom, said flexible foam being polyvinyl chloride flexible foam having a density of at least 5 lb/ft3, said flexible foam layer contacting said flexible polymeric film layer, said thermal bond between said flexible foam layer and a said flexible polymeric film layer being greater than the tear strength of said flexible foam, said flexible polymeric film layer being effective to inhibit leaching of plasticizer from said flexible foam layer into said pressure sensitive adhesive layer, said flexible polymeric film layer and said flexible foam layer being separate, distinct layers made of different materials.