What is Rubber Flooring?
Rubber flooring is a resilient flooring option made from recycled, synthetic or natural rubber raw materials, commonly used for both industrial and residential applications. Our rubber flooring options cover a wide array of uses and applications such as basements, gyms, playgrounds, trailers, garages and dog kennels. All of these areas are capable of seeing high amounts of foot traffic and abuse and will benefit from the addition of resilient flooring made of rubber. In addition, some flooring options qualify as eco-friendly products thanks to the natural and recycled rubber materials that they are made from. Eco-friendly rubber flooring tiles and mats offer consumers two key advantages. Firstly, they help reduce non-biodegradable waste in the ecosystem by using old vehicle tires and other unused rubber items. Secondly, as a more direct benefit, they tend to be more affordable than their non-natural synthetic rubber counterparts. Rubber flooring provides any surface with a durable and protective covering at an affordable price.
Can Rubber Flooring Be Used Outdoors?
Rubber is a resilient flooring option that can be used comfortably in the outdoors. The secret behind this is the type of rubber used in a particular product. Recycled rubber can usually function well in outdoor conditions as this resilient flooring material can resist rain, snow, ozone and UV rays with relative ease. Some of our products are made using synthetic rubbers for added physical and chemical-resisting properties. For example, EPDM is a synthetic elastomer that is regularly used in outdoor applications due to its enhanced strength and resistance to outside conditions. Consider these two particular rubber flooring materials in case you need a particularly resilient flooring for use outdoors. These outdoor-friendly rubber surfaces are perfect for outdoor applications such as walkways, decking and playgrounds.
1. What is Rubber Flooring Used For?
Rubber flooring is primarily used for four main applications: as a protective layer for floor protection, an anti-fatigue surface for comfort, a grip surface to add traction, and as a moisture barrier. Rubber’s natural elasticity allows it to absorb the force of impact to prevent any damage from reaching the subflooring underneath. In addition, the elasticity also increases the level of comfort of anyone standing or walking on its surface by providing a buoyant surface to relieve pressure on feet and leg joints. Rubber surfaces are moisture resistant which prevents harmful mold and mildew from forming and creates a non-slip surface that is safe to traverse even when the surface is wet.
1(a). Protective Floor Surface
Rubber is an excellent material to have in place as resilient flooring because of its unique physical properties that offer superior protective abilities. For starters, rubber’s natural elasticity can help prevent physical damage to your existing floors as wood, tile, and laminate flooring are very vulnerable to damage. Its elasticity allows rubber to absorb the force of impact, preventing it from reaching the subflooring underneath. Damaging forces may come in the form of heavy furniture, exercise equipment, or even a constant stream of heavy foot traffic; however, with rubber flooring in place, the existing subfloors will be protected against chips and cracks that may be very expensive to repair. Our gym, garage and playground flooring products in particular are great examples of how rubber flooring can resist physical damage and withstand heavy weights.
1(b). Comfort Layer
Beyond its durability and protective capabilities, rubber flooring can offer up a superior level of comfort when compared to other materials. A rubber floor covering will give you a better underfoot feel due to the inherent buoyancy and elasticity of the material. This is the property that gives rubber flooring its excellent shock absorbency and shielding qualities but, it also makes your floors softer and more pliable for your feet – a vital consideration in a wide range of settings, especially within a home. Extensive pressure and weight on your feet and leg joints without any padding can eventually lead to long-term medical issues including arthritis. Rubber surfaces will provide a soft, elastic barrier between your feet and the hard subflooring underneath that will increase the comfort of those standing on it and reduce the chances of long-term health problems.
1(c). Increased Slip-Resistance
Rubber flooring can also help keep you safe on your feet and does so by enhancing the level of grip for your feet. Rubber naturally comes with a high coefficient of friction, which essentially means more traction and stability for people as they walk across rubber surfaces. Additionally, some rubber flooring options often come with textured surfaces to provide an even more resilient and trustworthy flooring. The textured rubber surfaces act as extra gripping points for your feet to grab onto to provide more stability as you walk. Therefore, the chances of painful and embarrassing slip and fall accidents occurring are significantly reduced when a rubber floor covering is in place.
1(d). Moisture Barrier
Rubber surfaces also help protect against moisture. Although it is often overlooked as a source of potential hazard, water can cause serious and costly damage. Normally, water just makes surfaces such as wood and tile very slippery; however, if excessive amounts of water are left unchecked, it can cause mold and mildew to eventually form that may cause serious health problems for sensitive individuals. Rubber surfaces prohibit the formation of microbial byproducts like mold, as well as providing excellent traction, even in wet condition. The qualities allow a rubber floor covering to help make an area safer and healthier.
2. Forms of Rubber Flooring Available
We offer protective rubber surfaces in the forms of a rubber flooring roll, rubber flooring tiles, and made to size rubber mats. No two applications are exactly alike so having options will allow you to choose a matting form that is best suited for your situation. Smaller areas may be served well with interlocking tiles, while other larger areas would better benefit from a runner mat. It all comes down to the size of the area and the amount of wear and tear your rubber flooring will experience. Nevertheless, regardless of the form of rubber flooring you choose, they are designed to be easy to install.
2(a). Flooring Roll
A rubber flooring roll is a larger form of rubber flooring that is usually used to cover large wall-to-wall spaces and is able to be customized to a specific length up to 50 consecutive feet. Because of its larger nature, a flooring roll is not meant to be moved around; instead, it is meant for a more permanent installation and is often seen in industrial areas and commercial gyms. Since they are generally used for more heavy-duty applications, it is important to choose an installation method that will hold it firmly onto the subflooring underneath. The installation process of these rubber flooring rolls is simple and easy and it is recommended to use glue for a permanent and sturdy installation.
2(b). Rubber Flooring Tiles
Interlocking rubber flooring tiles are the most customizable and convenient form of rubber flooring available. Its interlocking mechanism allows for a simple and easy installation process that is also easily customizable. To install, simply connect the rubber flooring tiles together by their puzzle-like edges. For a larger mat, continue adding tiles until you have reached your desired size and, if you would like a smaller mat, simply remove some tiles. Other variations of interlocking tiles come with plastic connector pins that are used to connect the tiles together through small holes on the sides of each tile. No adhesives are required to install these tiles making them the most mobile form of rubber flooring allowing them to move with you which, in turn, gives them longer life.
2(c). Molded to Size Mats
Standard rubber mats are not as customizable as a flooring roll or interlocking rubber flooring tiles but, they can be very beneficial and convenient for those who only need rubber flooring for smaller areas for a single person’s use. Standard rubber mats are available in pre-cut sizes ranging from a width of either 4 or 6 feet and a length ranging from 3 to 50 feet. This flooring option is ideal for single person work stations such as cashier stands or chefs stations; however, the longer pre-cut mats may be used as matting under a row of machines or as anti-fatigue matting for assembly lines. You may use either double-sided tape or glue to install these mats depending on the environment. For a lighter application, double-sided tape is recommended for easy removal or replacement while an area experiencing heavy wear and tear will better benefit from the use of glue.
How Do You Clean a Rubber Floor?
Since rubber is resistant to the effects of moisture, rubber floors are extremely easy to clean and maintain simply with water and soap. For stuck on messes, you may take a damp rag and wipe of any unwanted dirt or debris from its surface. If your rubber floor is located outdoors, you may take a hose and spray it down. For synthetic rubber flooring options, you may also use some mild household chemicals to further help clean your floors. For dry messes, simply take a dry rag or dry polyester mop to sweep off any unwanted messes from the surface of your floor.
No matter your occupation, type of business, or the space you are trying to cover, there is sure to be at least one area of your life that rubber flooring can make a significant contribution to. Due to all the protective and safety benefits rubber flooring offers, you should not delay in getting the right rubber floor covering for your application. Regardless of whether you need rubber flooring tiles, a flooring roll or standard pre-cut mats, the excellent protection capabilities that rubber can provide you with are hard to beat! Rubber provides your application with the ultimate combination of durability, elasticity and safety. Rubber flooring is an important part of what Rubber-Cal does, so allow us to help you find the perfect rubber surfaces for you today!