It’s easy to see why rubber is the flooring of choice for many commercial, educational and government establishments – and even, in some cases, a good choice of flooring for areas of the home. It is an environmentally friendly option, has outstanding durability, as well as resilience and is also resistant to burns, scratches, dents and stains, as well as being completely waterproof.
What is Rubber Flooring?
The majority of rubber flooring is now often made of synthetic materials. Rubber has always been popular in industrial settings because it is one of the most hard-wearing and resilient floor coverings available and yet still offers a remarkable level of cushioning underfoot and impact absorbency. Its water-resistant and stain-resistant surface, as well as its chemical stability, means that it is ideal in high moisture areas and where thorough cleaning (with water and harsh cleaners) is regularly required. This also makes them ideal for bathrooms in domestic settings.
Environmentally-Friendly Flooring?
Our 100% recycled rubber flooring may not be your first thought as environmentally-friendly flooring but it actually has a lot of eco-friendly properties. Firstly, it is recycled rubber, Secondly, because of its long life cycle, there is no need for frequent removal and disposal of flooring materials plus regular installation, thus reducing use of chemicals (e.g. adhesives) and waste. Once it is finally removed, rubber can be recycled. Lastly, rubber has been shown to significantly improve indoor air quality.
Where is it Used?
Rubber flooring is used in a huge variety of settings, from airports to schools, hospitals to homes farms to restaurants, as its high durability and resistance to wear and tear means it can cope with just about anything, from dogs claws to stiletto heels!
Rubber flooring is used in commercial and industrial settings for heavy traffic areas due to its combination of aesthetics, functionality and value. It is also widely used in public transport as it meets the stringent requirements of public safety and durability – not only does it have slip resistance and abrasion resistance but it also performs highly against fire and smoke emissions. Lastly, rubber floors are embraced in the sports and fitness industries where their flexibility and cushioning, together with their resiliency and hygiene-promoting properties make them the ideal flooring material.
Features of Rubber Flooring:
Durable: Most good quality rubber is guaranteed to last the life of the application without cracking, wearing or breaking. In fact, it is not unknown for the rubber floor to outlast the life of the premises in places such as airports, hospitals and public transport such as buses and trains. Their longevity is due to their high abrasion resistance. The other factor that helps their longevity is its inherent resilience and flexibility.
Anti-Fatigue: One of the key benefits of rubber flooring is its cushioning effect which lowers impact energy and thus reduces strain on joints and muscles. This then helps to provide comfort underfoot and prevent fatigue. This makes it an ideal flooring for situations where people will be standing for long periods, from the domestic kitchen to commercial settings such as factory conveyor belts, bars, shopping centers, cash registers and transit areas.
Hygienic and Safe: Rubber’s smooth surface means that it does not easily harbour pet hairs, dust mites and other allergens. Rubber floors also give extremely high surface traction, making it an ideal anti-slip floor covering in both work and home environments. Furthermore, good quality rubber is formulated so that it does not produce any toxic substances when incinerated, thus giving safety in the event of fire – particularly important for public places.
Oil-Resistant & Water-Resistant: Rubber flooring can also often be formulated to withstand oil, grease and chemicals which makes them ideal for settings where these compounds are present in high amounts – e.g. car dealerships, beauty salons, food processing facilities and laboratories.
Longevity of Life: Because of its longevity and durability, leading to a long life cycle – together with its low maintenance – rubber is without question one of the most economical flooring types in the long term.
Insulating: Rubber is a fantastic insulator, both of temperature and sound. The molecular density of the elastomers in rubber helps it absorb sound and impact, and reduce the transfer of noise, resulting in a quieter environment. Its thermal insulation properties also provide comfort in winter and even in summer, keeping the environment warm and cool respectively.
Speak to BC Eco Paving to learn more about rubber flooring for your deck, patio, walkway, staircase, sidewalk, playground, or driveway.