Rubber flooring is used in many applications, from industrial to residential. Recently, the popularity of rubber flooring has been on the rise because of its versatility and durability. However, it is also because rubber flooring, at least in its natural state, is a great environmentally friendly addition to any home.
Types of Rubber Floors Rubber floors come in many different compounds, including natural, synthetic, and a hybrid between the two. Natural rubber is made from the sap of hevea brasiliensis trees, initially grown in Central America, but now farmed in rain forests around the world.
Synthetic rubber, on the other hand, is made from a combination of chemical polymers. Hybrid compounds add natural rubber to the chemical polymers used to make synthetic rubber in order to combine the best qualities of the two.
Rubber has been put to use as a flooring material for centuries, and was used as far back as the 12th century, until clay tiles became popular and cheaper to produce. However, as the industrial revolution occurred and a need for more resilient flooring increased, rubber returned to the mainstream. As advancements in the production of rubber flooring occurred, so did the quality and durability of the product. Today’s rubber floors are easier to clean and more durable, but are still not stain proof and can be susceptible to mold and mildew when used in high humidity.
Advantages of Rubber Floors Rubber floors absorb shocks and other noises Some rubber flooring is environmentally friendly. For example, recycled rubber flooring is considered a green flooring material because it is made from old tires. Rubber floors resists most staining and hold up very well to high-traffic wear and tear. Disadvantages of Rubber Floors Rubber can easily absorb some compounds such as grease if not sealed correctly. Some special maintenance and care is required to keep rubber floors looking new. Rubber Flooring Has Many Uses The versatility of rubber floors means that they can be used in countless ways and in any space. Some retail establishments use small rubber floor mats to cushion workers who have to stand for long periods of time: people like cashiers, food service workers, and factory workers. In residential applications, rubber flooring for the kitchen or home gym is a great way to add comfort.
Because rubber floors resist shock and noise, they can be put to good use in a busy home environment. If you have children, this material is quite capable of resisting anything they can throw at it while also serving as a cushioned surface for play areas. Most spills mop right up and stains can fairly easily be scrubbed away. Cleaning kitchen floors regularly and mopping them keeps the original color and texture of your rubber floors intact and prevents yellowing.
Installing Rubber Floors If you are simply looking to lay down a few tiles in a playroom or other suitable area, you probably will not need to call in the experts and can save money on labor. However, if you are looking to cover an entire room in rubber flooring, especially one with many obstacles such as posts and corners, it may be wise to call in professional help.
Do you have a home gym or workout area? A rubber floor provides a great non-slip surface for athletic applications and can be quickly and easily laid down. Rubber gym floors work especially well because they cushion falls and absorb shocks, making it easier on your feet and back. A coin textured rubber flooring system further reduces slipping, and adds an interesting look to a room.
Rubber Flooring is a Smart Choice In this age, our society is becoming more aware of the need to use materials that can be made from recycled or renewable materials. Rubber tapped from the rubber tree is a sustainable product, as long as rain forests aren’t destroyed by planting rubber tree plantations. There are more tires in landfills than ever, and some companies have found they can be recycled into beautiful rubber floors. Not only is this helping the environment, it also creates a flooring surface that is ideal in many situations.
If you’re looking for a floor that will provide comfort, safety, and durability, rubber floors may be for you!
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