Rubber matting is extremely easy to install with the use of a polyurethane-base glue, a double-sided tape adhesive, or by loose laying without any adhesives. The environment, level of abuse, and the type of rubber matting are leading factors in determining which method of installation is best for your project. Polyurethane-based glue is best used for outdoor roll rubber matting due to the wet weather conditions they may be subjected to in the outdoors. On the other hand, indoor rubber rolls and small rubber mats, such as entrance and anti-fatigue matting, do not need to be secured to the floor surface, but a double-sided tape adhesive offers a semi-permanent installation that is easily removed. Installing rubber mats is simple and easy with the use of little to no adhesives.
How Do You Install Rubber Matting?
You can install rubber matting with a polyurethane-based glue or a double-sided tape adhesive, or it can be loose laid without the use of any adhesives all together. Several factors, such as environment, permanence, and the type of rubber matting, will determine with method of installation is best. Indoor rubber matting can either be loose laid or secured in place with the use of an adhesive. Drainage mats and other small rubber mats, such as anti-fatigue or kitchen mats, can be loose laid as these mats are generally mobile products that can be moved (i.e., for cleaning and maintenance). Indoor customizable mats and long rubber mats, such as rubber runners, can be secured to a surface using a double-sided tape adhesive along the perimeter of the mats. Outdoor roll rubber matting should be installed using a more permanent installation method, such as glue. Small rubber mats at entryways are also generally used outdoors; however, because they are prone to becoming dirty very quickly, it is best to lay these mats without any adhesives so that they may be easily moved for cleaning. Other outdoor rubber matting should be installed using glue. Moisture from weather can reduce the loosen the tack of a double-sided tape adhesive. Customizable rubber runner mats can also be used outdoors, but because they will be exposed to the elements, it is better to use glue to secure these in outdoor settings as double-sided tape can lose its tack affected when coming into contact with moisture from wet weather. Overall, the method used to install rubber matting depends on the environment, level of abuse it will experience, and how permanent they need to be installed.
(a) How Do You Get Rubber Mats to Stick Together?
You can get rubber mats to stick together using a polyurethane-based glue, double-sided tape adhesives, or by interlocking the mats together for modular rubber matting. Gaps between matting within a rubber floor can create dangerous tripping hazards. Roll rubber matting does not feature puzzle-like edges that allow modular floor mats to stick together. Generally, these long rubber mats are not adhered to each other as they are designed to produce a seamless finish, especially when they are secure to the floor’s surface. The weight of roll rubber matting will keep them from separating or shifting while in use; however, adhesives along the perimeter of these long rubber mats will help keep the mats secured in place and will keep the mats together in more abrasive environments. On the other hand, interlocking rubber tiles do not need any adhesives to be held together. Rubber tile installation is a quick and easy process. These tiles can be installed through their puzzle-like edges, or they can be installed using small plastic pins that are designed to hold the tiles together through the small holes that line the sides of each tile.
Does Rubber Flooring Need to be Glued Down?
Rubber flooring does not need to be glued down, but it can be adhered using glue or a double-sided tape adhesive for a sturdier installation. Generally, outdoor roll rubber matting should be glued down as they may experience wet weather conditions that will loosen double-sided tape. Rubber flooring made up of interlocking riles do not require any adhesives to install – even rubber flooring rolls do not need to be adhered due to the sheer weight of the mats themselves; however, rubber floors that are installed outdoors or experience higher levels of abuse can be secured to a surface with the use of a polyurethane-based glue or a double-sided tape adhesive. To install interlocking rubber tiles, connect the tiles together by their puzzle-like edges, or with the plastic pins that are included with the tiles. For a more secure installation, a double-sided tape adhesive may be used. Glue should not be used to install these interlocking small rubber mats as modular flooring is designed to be a mobile and customizable flooring option. Using a double-sided tape adhesive is a semi-permanent method of installation that makes it easy to remove a tile in case of damage or for transportation. Indoor rubber flooring does not necessarily need to be secured in place as the sheer weight of these long rubber mats will keep the floor from shifting or slipping out of place, but they may be installed using double-sided tape along the perimeter.
(a) What’s the Best Glue for Rubber Flooring?
The best glue for rubber flooring is a polyurethane-based glue. Polyurethane glues, also known as urethane glues, are durable adhesives that are commonly used for rubber matting products due to their excellent mechanical properties. Case in point, “Urethanes resist impacts and have excellent cleavage and peel strength… Epoxies have high shear strength, but urethanes have a good blend of both shear and peel strength. Because of this toughness factor, urethanes are being used in applications where you wouldn’t find epoxy, thermosetting acrylics and cyanoacrylates, such as flexible circuits and solar modules” (assemblymag.com). Polyurethane-based glues are also inherently resistant to weathering and moisture, making them perfect for outdoor use where rubber matting is often used. Unlike other glues, such as epoxies, are hard and stiff which can cause damage to the rubber material themselves. Because rubber is a flexible material, the adhesive used must also be flexible enough to flex with the rubber – otherwise, it can cause the rubber to tear. or instance, polyurethane glue is characterized by its high resistance to weathering, impacts, and tears (resin-expert.com). When choosing a glue for rubber matting, it is important that it is waterproof and able to flex with the rubber material to prevent the rubber from tearing.
Installing rubber matting is a simple process that is dependent on how permanent they need to be secured. Some environments, such as the outdoors, can experience factors that can loosen the grip of double-sided tape and can cause loose laid mats to slip and shift while in use. Polyurethane-based adhesives will provide a permanent installation that offers flexibility and pliability making it perfect for flexible rubber matting. Contrastingly, a double-side tape adhesive will provide a secure, yet semi-permanent, installation that allows for easy removal and replacement of the rubber mats. Rubber tile installation is the easiest due to their interlocking mechanism that does not require any adhesives. Overall, the method of installation depends on various factors, including location, size, and type of rubber matting.
