Rubber safety flooring is used in a variety of commercial spaces. It’s often found in schools, gyms, and hospitals where designers have to take into consideration slip resistance, acoustic insulation, and high traffic areas. While it may not look as pretty as some of the other options out there, it’s one of the most durable and long lasting floors available. It also offers a number of unique installation and maintenance methods, colors, textures, and designs.
Rolls of rolled rubber safety flooring can be cut to fit a specific room or space and then adhered using either pressure sensitive seaming tape (which can be used in homes, small training studios, and doggie day care centers) or liquid polyurethane adhesive which is more commonly used in larger commercial applications. It’s important to choose the right adhesive for your application. Liquid glues come in 2 and 5 gallon pails and are typically applied with a trowel. Pressure sensitive tape is much easier for the layman to use and is recommended in smaller spaces where a floor may be moved around.
Unlike carpet or wood, rubber is water resistant and can easily handle spills and leaks. It’s also a great choice for indoor playgrounds as it can help absorb impact shock from falls off equipment. It’s also a popular surface for gym floors since it can cushion weights and provide traction to prevent falls.
While many people think of rubber as a hard material, it actually has a soft and springy texture. This makes it a very comfortable surface to walk on for long periods of time and can even help people with back problems. It’s also good for absorbing noise in rooms and other large spaces.
In addition to being comfortable and durable, a rubber floor is also eco-friendly. It’s made from recycled materials such as old tires and is a green alternative to traditional carpet, vinyl, or hardwood floors. It’s also non-toxic and safe for children to play on, making it a popular choice in schools and hospitals.
When it comes to cleaning a rubber flooring system, the type of cleaner and cleaning method you use will affect how well it lasts. Harsh cleaners can deteriorate the surface, so a mild soap and water routine is best. It’s also best to avoid cleaning a new rubber floor for the first 72 hours after it is installed. It needs to have a chance to harden and toughen.
A few common cleaning issues to be aware of are oil-based stains, mold, and high moisture levels. If you notice oil stains on your rubber flooring, you can remove them with turpentine. Turpentine must be handled carefully as it is highly toxic and requires proper ventilation. It’s best to pour a small amount of turpentine onto a dry cloth and then blot the stain. To avoid permanent damage to your flooring, never use a wet mop or vacuum to clean the rubber because it can dissolve the adhesive underneath.