15 Questions to Ask Your Installer before Commencing Your Rubber Flooring Project

Are you planning to install rubber flooring in your home or outdoors? First and foremost, you need to get some important questions answered before commencing your rubber flooring project.

This article will arm you with answers to some of the most important questions that you can ask your installer. These questions & answers will help you prepare yourself before the process and also equip you with handy maintenance tips. 

1. What are the ideal places to install rubber surfacing?

It’s common knowledge that rubber has anti-skid and water-resistant properties. What’s more, it possesses natural elasticity, withstands high-volume foot traffic, and even absorbs the vibration impact. It’s also worthy to note that it requires significantly low maintenance than other surfaces. 

As a result, rubber surfacing is ideal for both indoor or outdoor areas, such as home gyms, playgrounds, outdoors, and other high-traffic areas.

2. What are the rubber flooring options?

There are different types of rubber flooring options. 

• The first type is sheeting. This rubber flooring option comes on a roll, allowing you to lay it down in the “wall-to-wall carpet” fashion.
• Another rubber flooring type is tile. You can opt for this if you want more intricate or multicolored patterns.
• Rubber flooring mats can be used as an additional floor covering over one that is already there. A great option if you want a non-slip pathway on a hard surface.
• You will also get recycled rubber flooring as an eco-friendly option. You can get them in various forms, such as rolls or tiles.

3. What subfloors are best suited for rubber surfacing?

Rubber surfacing can be installed on several subfloors such as concrete, wood, tarmac, crushed stone, aluminum, sand, steel, and even carpet. 

4. How much time does it take to install rubber surfacing?

Usually, it takes two days to install the rubber flooring. But at the end of the day, it depends on the condition of the surface, the area shape, and the specific requirements.

5. How long will the rubber surfacing last?

Rubber flooring is hard-wearing and will last for some good years, depending on how you use and maintain it. Typically, manufacturers offer a warranty of 5 years.

Also, note that the durability of rubber depends on its density and vulcanization process. Dense rubber is sturdy and durable. Vulcanized and virgin rubber is also solid and durable.

6. Is there any way to boost the life span of the rubber surfacing? If yes, then what? 

While installing the rubber surfacing, ensure that the seams and interlocks are totally sealed. This is a minute detail, but something you can’t afford. 

You also have to find a way to avoid liquid materials from percolating all the way to the initial surface (your subfloor). To avoid this, make sure you tightly cork the gaps between the seams with a seam sealer. 

7. How can you find out the perfect rubber surfacing thickness?

When deciding to install a new commercial rubber surface, or renovate your existing one, it is very important to know the correct thickness of rubber flooring to use. 

The thickness depends on its use. 

For example, if you plan to set up a home gym, it makes sense to pick an ultra-thin rubber flooring that can hold up light dumbbells and bodyweight exercises.

But if you are installing rubber flooring outdoors in playgrounds, choose the thickness depending on the fall height of the play structure. 

Note that the fall height protection will differ depending on the underlying subfloor. It is thus best to consult an expert to choose the right flooring thickness.

8. What is the cost of rubber flooring?

Rubber flooring is affordable. There are different grades of rubber, and you should choose one depending on your budget and requirements.

On average, the cost to install rubber flooring for a 100 sq. ft. room is $350 if you choose the basic quality rubber, $400 if you go for good quality rubber, and $460 if you choose the best quality.

The installation cost will be $110, $150, and $180, respectively. 

9. Is rubber flooring ADA-complaint?

The Americans with Disabilities Act offers guidelines for how companies and public spaces can be made accessible for disabled people. Rubber flooring complies with ADA guidelines. 

10. Can you undertake a rubber flooring DIY project?

To install rubber surfacing, you need to undertake a rigorous process. You will have to assess, measure, and estimate the application carefully before taking up any DIY project. 

Other than that, you need to be familiar with the mixing ratios and environmental adjustments, prepare the surface and also pay attention to details such as the fillings, seams, and paddings.

Unless you are very confident and have successfully undertaken the rubber surfacing project before, it is best to leave the job to professionals. Expert hands will not only give you the best results, but you will be saving your money in case your DIY project fails.

11. What is the best way to clean the rubber surface?

While cleaning, start by vacuuming the area and then mop the surface using mild soap or a rubber floor cleaner. Don’t use oil or solvent-based cleaning formulas as they are likely to damage the surface in due course.

12. Is rubber flooring an animal-friendly flooring option?

Yes! Since the rubber floor is skid-resistant, scratch and stain-resistant, durable, low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and offers soft cushioning for pets, it is an animal-friendly flooring option. 

13. Does rubber surfacing smell?

Rubber flooring gives out an unpleasant odor when newly installed. But to get rid of the smell, you can air out the room for a few days or weeks.

14. Is there a maintenance tip for outdoor rubber flooring?

Some outdoor rubber surfacing options are UV-resistant, while others can fade when kept under direct sunlight. All things considered, it is best to keep the floor covered in any case.

And since the rubber floor is porous, salts from the rainwater or seawater tend to get trapped in it. To get rid of the deposits, clean the surface often using a mild cleaning solution.

 Also, note that the floor may expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature. 

15. How can you repair rubber surfacing?

If the rubber flooring gets damaged, you can replace the affected area by re-pouring the safety rubber-resin mix. It will blend in well with the rest of the surface.

Wrapping-Up

Rubber flooring installation is easy and low-cost. But unless you are a pro, the task is best left to experienced rubber flooring experts. You can refer back to this article to prepare yourself with the essential questions that you can ask your installer before commencing your rubber flooring project.