Rubber Flooring Q&A
A cushioned floor facilitates a comfortable workout. Rubber floors provide this and several other benefits to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Facility owners who have doubts about rubber floors will have their concerns addressed in the following answers about this popular flooring material.
Q: How durable is rubber flooring?
A: One of the primary attractions of rubber flooring is its durability. Vulcanized rubber is especially built to withstand high foot traffic and harsh impacts. Due to its ability to resist dents, scuffs, and tears, rubber floors are popular in gyms. Well-maintained rubber floors can easily last 20 years.
Featuring a soft surface underfoot, rubber floors significantly reduce the risk of athletic injuries. Plus, rubber flooring is manufactured to be highly durable, making it the preferred choice for hard-wearing environments, such as workout facilities, gyms, weight rooms, and recreational rooms.
Q: Can rubber floors get wet?
A: Being nonporous, vulcanized rubber will not absorb moisture. As a result, the rubber floors can become wet yet remain in good condition. Despite its waterproof features, moisture should be cleaned up immediately to prevent it from seeping through the seams and damaging the subsurface.
Q: Does rubber flooring expand?
A: Prior to installation, certain types of rubber floors may expand due to temperature fluctuations. Facility managers who maintain a consistent temperature immediately upon installation and keep the area dry will minimize risks. After installation, however, the floors do not expand and remain stable.
Q: Does rubber flooring get hot?
A: Being heat resistant, rubber floors do not become hot. But as an insulator, rubber floors retain some warmth; the flooring’s underfoot warmth is comfortable for athletes to walk upon. Avoid excessive heat exposure, however, as slight color changes to the flooring’s color can occur.
Q: Does rubber flooring smell?
A: Certain types of rubber floors, like floors manufactured out of recycled car tires, release overwhelming rubber odors, especially when first installed, due to the fact that the rolls or tiles were initially kept in closed packs. As the room airs out over time, the rubber odors lessen.
Q: How durable is rubber flooring?
A: Rubber floors feature excellent shock absorbency, which protects athletes’ joints. These shock absorbent properties also limit floor vibrations caused by weight machines and cardio equipment. The cushioned rubber reduces the risk of injuries, especially in comparison to hard flooring surfaces.
Due to a high coefficient of friction, the rubber floors are naturally slip-resistant. Enhanced durability is also achieved by the rubber floor’s stain and chemical resistance. Durability and performance increase when dual durometer technology is applied to the floors during manufacturing.
Q: How much does rubber flooring cost?
A: Rubber floor prices vary depending on quality, thickness, and the amount of flooring needed. Large rolls have fewer seams and therefore come with a lower price tag. However, rubber floors do not require waxing or stripping, which significantly saves on costs.
Q: How much flooring do I need?
A: Available as rolls, mats or interlocking tiles, rubber flooring can be successfully installed in a wide variety of spaces of any size. Simply measure the length and width of the space and multiply the measurements to obtain the square footage, which determines the amount of flooring needed.
Q: Is rubber flooring coated?
A: Rubber floors are available as both coated and uncoated. Sealants and other forms of protection are unnecessary on vulcanized rubber floors due to their low porosity and density. Wax may be applied, but the durability of rubber floors makes waxing unnecessary.
Q: Is rubber flooring toxic?
A: Contemporary rubber floors are non-toxic. Based on scientific studies done on rubber flooring, none have found a link with health problems. Individuals may erringly assume new rubber floors are toxic because they emit an unpleasant rubber smell—the reality is that the floors are perfectly safe.
Q: What are rubber floors used for?
A: In addition to sports facilities, rubber floors can be installed in commercial facilities. High traffic areas where comfort is a priority include hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities and retail spaces. The chemical resistance of rubber floors makes these floors ideal for science and healthcare settings.
Q: What is the lifecycle cost of rubber floors?
A: Being low maintenance and having a lengthy lifespan, rubber floors have a low life cycle cost. Expensive maintenance procedures, such as waxing, are unnecessary, and save facility owners on expenses. The floors’ stain resistant properties likewise save on maintenance costs.
Q: Can I use rubber floors in schools and hospitals?
A: Rubber floors are stain and slip resistant, making them ideal for schools with high foot traffic from students, teachers, and visitors. Being highly sanitary and resistant to bacteria, fungus and microbes, rubber floors are a hygienic choice for hospitals. The slip resistant floors are safe for patients to walk on.
Kiefer USA Rubber Surfaces
The popularity of rubber flooring is undeniable. When you aim to improve the safety and performance of your athletes, choose a durable rubber flooring option from Kiefer USA. We are a national leader in sports flooring and will update your facility with a premium rubber floor.
Our flooring options are diverse. Kiefer USA products are ideal in fieldhouses, weight rooms, and dance facilities. Ice arenas, artificial turf fields, and locker rooms also feature our high-quality sports flooring. Health clubs and recreational facilities choose us as their go-to resource for the best in gym floors.
The sports flooring products available from Kiefer USA are designed to meet or exceed the industry standards for performance, safety, and durability. Aesthetically, our floors are visually attractive. Our floors also withstand the harsh, repeated use from athletes and gym goers.
While Kiefer USA specializes in sports flooring, we are also equipped to install quality commercial flooring. Our many satisfied customers include healthcare, assisted living, educational and municipal facilities. You have the opportunity to customize the flooring to create a unique, aesthetic appeal.
Update your sports or commercial flooring with Kiefer USA, like countless schools and facilities across the country have. You will receive expert guidance from one of our helpful representatives and ultimately enjoy a high-quality floor that will be a source of comfort and pride.
