Rubber flooring has become one of the most popular flooring options due to its excellent resilience, aesthetics, and underfoot comfort. From natural to synthetic options and basements to garages, rubber flooring has come a long way.
In this guide, Dubai Rubber Flooring will delve into the best rubber flooring types. Moreover, we will discuss the unique perks of each rubber floor category. We will also address their potential drawbacks and tips to resolve them. So, let’s dive right in.
A Deep Dive Into The Top 5 Rubber Flooring Options
This is a versatile flooring that provides the perfect solution for commercial and residential spaces. Here, we will thoroughly explore the 5 most commonly used rubber floor types.
- Hollow Mats
- Pool Mats
- Gym Rubber Rolls
- Interlocking Rubber Tiles
- EPDM Flooring
Hollow Mats
This flooring type offers a multitude of practical benefits. You can use hollow mats at your house entrance to stop mud from tracking in. Or you might have spotted these mats in commercial car washing areas or being used as horse stall mats. Here are 2 reasons why you need hollow mats:
Advantages
- Superior Drainage: The mat holes allow air and water to pass through. This property makes hollow mats resistant to mold growth.
- Ergonomic Benefits: This mat type can prevent muscle fatigue by distributing body weight evenly and promoting subtle movement.
Concerns
- Cleaning: Outdoor hollow mats can trap dirt and debris. This is preventable through regular cleaning.
- Cost: Hollow rubber mats can be quite expensive. However, good quality hollow mats can last for decades, making them a smart investment.
Pool Mats
Every safe pool area will have rubber mats installed underwater and on the walkway. These mats can offer a hygienic and anti-skid surface. Pool mats have several uses, i.e., as ablution mats or bath mats.
Advantages
- Water Resistance: These mats can withstand prolonged water exposure without damage.
- Traction: Swimming pool mats provide a stable surface and reduce the risk of slips/accidents.
Concerns
- Noticeable Seams:The pool mat edges can lift and cause mildew. You can avoid this problem by ensuring proper mat installation.
- Toxins: The mat may contain harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for a low-VOC labeled mat for pools.
Gym Rubber Rolls
This flooring provides a cushioned surface while exercising. It is economical and allows you to cover large areas without going over the budget. To add more, it provides a great grip and is well-suited for high-intensity workouts.
Advantages
- Durable:Rubber rolls will not scratch or dent under heavy pressure. It can easily last 15–20 years.
- Noise Reduction: Gym rubber rolls provide excellent thermal and noise insulation. This flooring can absorb impact and dampen noise.
Concerns
- Odor: New gym flooring can give off a foul smell. Allow proper ventilation to let the floor odor dissipate.
- Weight: This flooring can weigh 2–4 kilos and can be difficult to lay. You can get professional gym flooring installation service instead.
Interlocking Rubber Tiles
This flooring does not require any adhesive and is so easy to install, even a noob can do it. Interlocking tiles are the ideal flooring solution for offices and warehouses. Now, let’s move on to their benefits and possible issues.
Advantages
- Visually Appealing: You can arrange rubber tiles in different configurations and achieve a custom floor appearance.
- Effortless Maintenance: These tiles can resist oil blots and chemical damage and are easy to maintain.
Concerns
- Moisture Damage: Water and humidity can weaken this flooring. However, you apply special moisture-proof coatings on rubber tiles.
- Slip Hazard: Non-textured and freshly polished tiles can be slippery. You can instead opt for embossed rubber tiles and allow the varnish to dry before walking.
EPDM Flooring
If you want a flooring that can sustain heavy foot traffic, EPDM is your best bet. EPDM does not need elaborate maintenance.
Advantages
- Tensile Strength: EPDM flooring is flexible and will not crack under heavy load.
- 100% Waterproof: EPDM is among the most waterproof flooring types. You can use it for wet areas.
Concerns
- Shrinkage: EPDM may shrink under some weather conditions. Leave a few millimeters of space between the flooring and the walls for expansion/contraction.
- Poor Heat Resistance: This rubber flooring can only sustain up to 150°C heat. You can apply a UV sealant to help the flooring withstand higher temperatures.
To Conclude
In this article, we explored the top rubber flooring categories. Moreover, we went over the benefits of hollow mats, pool mats, gym rubber rolls, interlocking rubber tiles, and EPDM flooring. You also found the common rubber flooring concerns along with their solutions.
We hope you found this content helpful. If you have any queries, contact Dubai Rubber, the leading rubber flooring company.
