Rubber Surfacing – Premium rubber surfacing components and systems conceived with purpose, tested for function and designed to amaze.
Rubber Surfacing is first seen more than 70 Years ago in France and Germany in relatively primitive forms in a small variety of agricultural and military applications. Between 1955 and 1965, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or EPDM, was introduced to the U.S. Its uses most prevalently used in Hypalon and Sheeting as solutions for roofing material. Although poorly devised installation and adhesive techniques led to its initial failure, there were additional qualities that became a part of its next evolution.
EPDM – Superior Combination of Attributes
The presentation of these qualities led to a few highly beneficial features specific to surface coatings.
Low-Maximum Albedo
- This is the term that describes proportion of light or radiating heat which is reflected from the surface of matter.
- This quality in EPDM given them Endothermic and Endoergic (heat and energy absorbent)
- For Example, if one were to measure the surface temperature of bare concrete and EPDM rubber surfacing where there is a high temperature and UV light exposure, the surfaces would measure substantially equal.
- However, the temperature expressed (felt to the touch) by the concrete would continue to grow well over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the EPDM expression would essentially halt around 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit. The EPDM surface could come in contact with human skin without causing damage or discomfort.
- Similarly, one might find the concrete more bothersome to their eyes, having higher Albedo, while the EPDM surface has a low level of reflection.
Acoustic Absorption
- Another attribute describing energy absorbent quality, this term describes matter or material that does not reflect the energy waves which is converted by our ears to become what we know as sound, or noise.
High Deformation
- This describes the amount to which matter or material can change in size or shape while maintaining structure, prior to reaching failure
- Similar, and often described as, elasticity, this attribute indicated that EPDM can stretch (or deform). It more specifically allows for EPDM to maintain a high level of structural integrity as it stretches up until to is ultimately torn or broken.
Low Slip
- This is the scientific term for, exactly what one might conclude
- EPDM, when encountered by other materials and matter, has a low occurrence or slip relative to all materials tested
This can be alternatively described, in an application, as high adherence, traction, or tactility
Anti-Microbial &
Anti-Fungal
- Having established some of the key attributes of EPDM, we can now explore how the characteristics of the substance are presented in rubber surfacing applications.
Environmental Exposure and Performance
It is important to note, that the virtues of EPDM and rubber surfacing are described throughout, however, the success of these systems are specific to many factors. Rubcorp Distribution LLC can only report the performance of the systems that it has created and tested over more than 5 million square feet of experience. Some of the essential elements in matching the reported performances are:
- Adhering strictly to the installation procedures provided by our experts in the required training curriculum.
- Storing, mixing, and installing only within conditions given by Rubcorp Distribution Guidelines.
- Thorough adherence and understanding of surface preparation.
- Applying coatings, proper blends, and precise proportioning of all elements.
- Surface owner’s careful attention to surface curing and usage restrictions.
- Surface owner’s full understanding of surface and environmental maintenance, and the proactive engagement in its procedures.
Wet and Enclosed
The common traits of these areas can be summarized as follows:
- Consistent running water in the immediate area. Handwashing in sink areas, and users standing to dry themselves or remove wet and saturated clothing.
- Water accumulation to the extent that moving water is channeled by graded substrates and most often drainage plumbing.
- Accumulation points such as corners, cracks, grout lines, ex-flow gradings, drain lips, material seams, etc. are commonly known to amass bacteria and fungal growth.
- Covings are present to avoid lateral moisture seepage.
- Users are often in transition from workout areas or other zones with high occurrence of microbial exposure.
- Substrates, walls, fixtures, and accessory structures require additional precautions to prevent softening, oxidation, chemical reaction, and decomposition from the effects of moisture.
- Often exposed to human waste and secretions due to indirect and incidental overflow.
We have accounted for the conditions that are indicative of these environments and more. Working for solutions that begin with the most elemental concerns that must be addressed, we have taken each of these head on to arrive at surfacing systems on which you can rely.
- Surface owner’s careful attention to surface curing and usage restrictions.
- Surface owner’s full understanding of surface and environmental maintenance, and the proactive engagement in its procedures.
Prep
Preparation is essential, and our exhaustive checklist of pre-installment items ensures that your trained installer is addressing all potential threats.
- Surface coatings and imperfections
- Gradings, drain penetrations, and covings
- Thresholds and barriers
- Excessive debris and tangent invasions
- Completely dry and properly aged concrete beyond greening
- And more
Priming and
Curing
Rubcorp Primer is our proprietary blend of appropriate resin, industrial solvent, and additives. This product has been formulated to ensure that your EPDM layer gains a herculean adhesion to the substrate not solely through binding, but deeply through surface penetration.
The Rubcorp family of polyurethane resin product will be proportionately and thoroughly mixed with the EPDM granules to finalize the curing of rubber layer of your system not only for the integrity of the rubber, but to the substrate itself.
Granule Blend
Variations
Rubcorp Destinations, Lifestyles, and Pro-lines each have granule blends that are designed specifically for the wet and enclosed application.
- Porous by design to allow natural dissipation and prevention of water accumulation
- Less porous than other applications to prevent debris invasion and allowing for uninhibited drainage flow
- More surface normality to increase purchase for coatings in zones such as urinals, stalls, or chlorinated overages
A broad scope experience, continued testing and improvement, and industry-leading training curriculum; you can rest assured that Rubcorp Distribution LLC has the systems; and our trained installers have the tools; to exceed your expectations in every facet in form, function, and style.
