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Rubber Elastomer Pads are the Best Products for Effective Floating Floors
Neoprene, also known as chloroprene in scientific terms, has myriad physical, chemical and mechanical properties that suit it for numerous applications. The shock-absorbent trait of neoprene is one property that is regularly utilized in the form of rubber elastomer pads wherever vibration insulation and sound isolation are necessary, namely for floating floor construction. Neoprene rubber pads are commonly used in floating floors and are a tried, tested, and true material for its shock absorption and durability. A rubber liner is actually a common item in various commercial or industrial settings.
A floating floor is a type of floor installation method that is applied when sound isolation and vibration insulation are desired or necessary. The floor is constructed over an existing subfloor (usually concrete) and is designed to stand alone without making contact with a room’s walls or the structural base of the building. People usually use some kind of rubber padding for this task. Out of all the existing elastomers that can make a rubber pad, rubber is perhaps the best. Neoprene rubber pads are highly recommended for this section of the project. Using this rubber elastomer pads can greatly reduce the resonance resulting from any impacts or vibrating sources. The design of the floating floor itself is meant to dissipate vibrations and deaden sound. Rubber elastomer pads help reduce noise and vibrations even further. Here is a quick and basic run-down of the process:
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Rubber Elastomer Pads
Rubber pads are positioned on the subfloor, spaced evenly in rows throughout. This is an important part of the project that demands the use of a durable but elastic material. Rubber elastomer pads are perfect for this section.
Wood battens, which are large strips of wood, are laid across the rows of neoprene rubber pads in one direction and screwed into each rubber liner.
A second layer of wood battens is then laid perpendicularly across the initial layer of battens, positioned in the gaps between each of the rubber elastomer pads and screwed into the first layer of wood.
A third layer of wood battens is once again laid and screwed parallel to the first layer but is placed in the gaps between each pad. Neoprene blocks of rubber are basically covered in a grid, or weave, of wood battens when this is accomplished.
Insulation may or may not be placed in the spaces between the neoprene rubber pads depending on preference.
Once the grid of battens is in place, two layers of plywood are placed atop the battens.
Finally, the surface layer of laminate, oak or another preferred wood material is placed over the layers of plywood.
The neoprene rubber pads and the multiple layers of wood are meant to absorb shocks and vibrations in the skeleton of its construction. For a pad, rubber material is very well suited to handling physical impacts. It is a fairly elastic material when compared to other types of elastomers. Rubber elastomer pads also exhibit enough durability to make it able to resist severe physical indentation. The benefits of this feature are obvious when using them as a floor covering for a floating floor project. Existing flooring can be sensitive, especially if it is made of wood, laminate, or tile. Rubber elastomer pads are the perfect solution to safeguard the integrity of your existing flooring area.
Noise insulation is another sought after trait of a rubber liner. Rubber liner material is commonly used in power transformers because they are able to insulate the sound they give off. Rubber in general has great sound dampening and insulation qualities, but neoprene rubber pads are very good at this task.
As opposed to other elastomers, rubber elastomer pads are suited for this application due to its resistance to chemicals like oil and grease and cost effectiveness. The elastomer does not age or degrade quickly and maintains its flexibility and resilience over a range of temperatures. If you’re ever interested in a floating floor and are choosing a sound-isolating pad, neoprene is the prime rubber for the occasion!
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