You Ask, We Answer: Top Rubber Surfacing FAQs
Undertaking a rubber surfacing project sounds exciting and fun. After all, rubber flooring offers several advantages and is highly versatile compared to the traditional flooring options. Further, it’s easy to install and maintain and offers cushioning for high-impact activities. All these features make rubber surfacing a great flooring option.
However, installing and maintaining rubber surfacing can be quite tricky, especially if you lack adequate knowledge on this subject.
Rubcorp Distribution LLC is a premier source of rubber surfacing components with a mission to help people make informed flooring decisions. We are an authority in the rubber flooring industry and would like to address all your questions related to rubber surfacing.
Whether you have queries regarding the installation of rubber surfacing or are looking to repair/ maintain your existing flooring, this guide will help you get clear and accurate information. Read on to know more.
Rubber Surfacing Applications FAQs
Where can rubber surfacing be installed?
By nature, rubber has a high coefficient of friction, which means it offers resistance to motion on the surface. That explains its anti-skid properties. Moreover, rubber can absorb the vibration impact and spread it through the surfaces. This reduces the strain that a person or equipment can suffer owing to a fall.
Hence, rubber surfacing is ideal for any indoor or outdoor area that demands a permanent, non-slip, and resilient surface. Rubcorp offers a wide range of rubber surfacing solutions that enhance the comfort and aesthetics of an area.
We have had a rich experience in offering customized rubber surfacing solutions for casino resorts, theme parks, recreational areas, playgrounds, daycares, commercial spaces, celebrity homes, senior care centers, and even quadruple-care facilities.
What makes rubber surfacing ideal for indoor and outdoor areas?
Rubber surfacing is water-resistant, possesses natural elasticity, can withstand high-volume foot traffic, and needs very less maintenance. All these factors make rubber floors ideal for areas like gyms and weight rooms, garages, playgrounds, basements, trade shows, and others.
Not to forget, rubber offers extra grip in comparison to vinyl, ceramic tiles, or wood. This reduces the landing impact and the risk of serious injuries owing to slips and falls. Think of all those situations where the risk of slips is high, like a senior care center, play area, bathroom, or a wet deck. Rubber flooring works in all these areas and more!
Will rubber surfacing look good in a residential space?
Besides all the benefits shared above, rubber surfacing is aesthetically pleasing and can be customized to give a classic stone or asphalt look. You can choose from a wide variety of shades we offer to give your living area a welcoming and vibrant look.
Rubber surfacing is the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, safe, durable, and modern flooring option available today. Get in touch with our team of experts to know your options!
Installation FAQs
What is poured-in-place rubber surfacing?
Poured-in-place surfacing comprises fine rubber particles applied on two layers, namely the base and wear layers, for maximum safety. The base layer has bulky rubber scraps for shock absorption whereas the wear layer is the colored EPDM layer. The mixture is poured and troweled on the subfloor and cured on site.
Poured-in-place rubber is increasingly preferred for a variety of spaces because of the following features –
– Absorbs shocks and reduces the impact of falls
– Is customizable and allows unlimited designing possibilities
– Is ideal for indoor and outdoor spaces
– Makes an area wheelchair and walker-accessible
– Requires minimum maintenance and cleaning
– Proves to be an affordable option in the long term
Get in touch with us to know more!
Can I install rubber surfacing on my own?
A typical rubber surface is made up of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate), and/or recycled rubber granules. For the safety surfacing process, this mix is combined with a polyurethane binder. This is directly poured over the existing cracked and uneven surface like concrete asphalt, interlock brick, wood, steel, tile, flagstone, limestone, or even gravel.
As you can see, installing rubber surfacing is a rigorous process that involves steps like application assessment, measuring and estimating, knowing the mixing ratios and environmental adjustments, surface preparation, and paying attention to other details like the seams, fillings, and paddings.
Rubber flooring is not a DIY project. You need a pro to guide you! Rubcorp’s team of certified installers are trained to methodically install the rubber flooring and bring a satisfactory smile on your face!
Can rubber surfacing be installed on a carpeted surface?
The answer to this question depends on where the flooring is being installed. Installing rubber surfacing on a carpeted floor adds a comfort factor to the surface. This may be ideal for bedrooms or even the living room. However, the combination isn’t a good idea if it’s for your home gym or a play area.
For workouts, you need a firm ground with adequate shock-absorbing potential. Rubber on carpet makes the subfloor uneven and unstable for physical activities, increasing the risk of fall injuries. Also, due to the rigorous gym activities, the top rubber floor may come apart or ripple over time.
So, if you have a carpeted area, you have two choices –
– Get rid of the carpet – This is the easiest and the most inexpensive option. This will offer an even and stable surface for the poured-in-place rubber flooring.
– Add a layer of plywood before installing the rubber floor – If ripping the carpet out is not an option, you can add a subfloor on it using a plywood. Though this option is time and energy-consuming it can help you alter the surface as per your needs.
What subfloor can rubber surfacing be installed on?
Rubcorp has undertaken several projects on a variety of sub-bases like concrete, tarmac, wood, crushed stone, sand, aluminum, steel, and even carpet. All of our clients are happy and can vouch for the fact that Rubcorp’s rubber surfacing can work wonders on any subfloor.
How long does it take to install rubber surfacing?
Rubcorp’s team typically takes two days to install the flooring. It depends on the existing state of the surface, the shape of the area, and the specific requirements.
Performance and Durability FAQs
Is rubber surfacing durable?
The durability of rubber is related to its density and the process of vulcanization. Dense rubber is tough and durable. Also, vulcanized and virgin rubber are proven to be tenacious and durable.
Rubcorp’s rubber surfacing is specially designed to withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy workouts and foot traffic.
Is rubber surfacing waterproof?
Rubber is naturally impervious to water and offers great traction even in wet conditions. Rubber flooring does not absorb water, sweat, or other liquids, making it an ideal flooring option for moisture or flood-prone areas.
To make sure that no water reaches the subfloor, you can use a seam sealer in places where the flooring interlocks. However, that’s not a necessity.
Is the product ADA compliant?
Rubcorp’s flooring meets the ADA requirements. The flooring makes the area accessible for people with disabilities and those using wheelchairs and walkers.
How long will the surfacing last?
As shared earlier, rubber flooring is resilient to wear and tear. Rubcorp offers a warranty of 5 years; however, it all depends on the way you use and maintain the rubber floor. We have completed several projects and all our clients are extremely pleased with the quality and durability of the product.
Technical FAQs
How does rubber surfacing perform under tough weather conditions?
Rubcorp’s rubber flooring is highly durable and waterproof. It’s known to withstand harsh weather conditions, from the scorching heat of Arizona to the winters of North Dakota.
Unlike concrete, stone, or tarmac, rubber does not absorb heat. Since it is porous, rubber creates an airflow, allowing it to retain its temperature without getting too hot or cold due to the external weather. This helps the rubber floor to remain stable in all weather conditions.
Will the color of the EPDM rubber surfacing fade over time?
Rubcorp’s high-quality EPDM rubber is UV stable, making it ideal for a multitude of applications and surfacing solutions. Our polyurethane resins are engineered to withstand the harshest UV & chemical conditions while maintaining a low VOC rating.
Also, we offer Rubcorp Poly Coat that can be sprayed or rolled on a post-cure surface for ultra-UV protection.
How can I determine the ideal rubber surfacing thickness?
One of the most important decisions you need to make when installing rubber flooring is what thickness to go for.
The simple answer to this is, it will depend on its application.
For instance, if you are planning to set up a home gym, an ultra-thin rubber flooring (about 8mm thick) can hold up bodyweight exercises and light dumbbells.
However, in the case of playgrounds or kids gyms, the thickness will depend on the fall height of the play structure. Here’s a quick reference chart as per the ASTM F1292 standards.
One important point to remember is that the fall height protection will vary based on the underlying subfloor. Therefore, only an expert can guide you with the right flooring thickness.
Rubcorp strives to meet the latest ASTM standards when installing poured-in-place rubber and safety surfaces. Get in touch with our team to choose the right rubber flooring thickness for your area.
What is Rubcorp’s rubber surfacing made of?
Rubber floor from Rubcorp is made using small rubber granules with a specially-formulated resin, mixed on-site, poured in place, and trowelled to accommodate the surface.
Maintenance and Cleaning FAQs
How do I clean the rubber surface?
Rubber surfaces are super-easy to clean, stain-resistant, and prevent fungal, bacterial, and mold growth. Thus, with minimal effort, you can have a spotlessly clean area to yourself.
To begin with, vacuum the area to get rid of loose crumbs, dust, or debris. Next, mop the surface using a mild soap or a rubber floor cleaner or degreaser easily available at any utility store. Avoid using oil or solvent-based cleaning solutions as they may damage the surface over time.
Rubber surfacing is a one-time investment. Install it once and enjoy the returns for many years to come.
Is there anything that can be done to enhance the durability of the surfacing?
Rubber flooring is quite durable and resistant to the regular wear and tear. At Rubcorp, our team takes a lot of care to check each inch of the installed flooring before handing it over to the client.
If you already have a rubber surfacing, check to see whether the seams and interlocks are sealed completely. Most rubber surfacing firms miss out on such minute details and that can cost you later. Use a seam sealer to ensure that there’s a water-tight seal between the seams, preventing liquids from seeping in the subfloor.
Rubcorp’s rubber surfacing is practically maintenance-free. The surface can stand up to wide temperature differences and seasonal elements without cracking.
Can rubber surfacing be repaired?
In case of damage, the affected area can be easily replaced by re-pouring the safety rubber-resin mix. The new material blends in easily with the rest of the surface, leaving no trace of the repairs.
Rubcorp’s team of certified professionals is experienced in handling such tricky tasks.
Are there any maintenance tips for outdoor surfacing?
Outdoor rubber flooring is subject to a lot of wear and tear by various factors. Though rubber is tenacious and durable, we would recommend the following tips to improve its longevity.
– Invest in UV-stable rubber flooring like that of Rubcorp to prevent the product from fading over time.
– Rubber floor is porous, causing salts from the rainwater or seawater to get trapped in it. Clean the surface regularly with a mild cleaning solution to get rid of deposits.
– Make sure the installation team accounts for the expansion and contraction of rubber. Rubcorp’s team of experts are aware of these technical details and factor them in when working on a project.
General FAQs
Is rubber surfacing environment friendly?
At Rubcorp, the rubber surfacing is mostly made using recycled and pre-cycled tire materials. Discarded tires are a huge problem in the landfills, thus adding to the methane emissions. By choosing rubber flooring over others, you can reduce the number of waste tires going to the landfill, thus minimizing your carbon footprint.
Is rubber surfacing toxic?
There have been several concerns about the dangerous chemicals, like arsenic, benzene, nickel, and cadmium among others found in rubber. However, the Recycled Rubber Safety Council puts things in context. Here’s what they have to say!
‘Rubber in turf has less arsenic than rice; less cadmium than in lobster; less nickel than in chocolate; and less benzene than in a can of soda.’
That sounds less scary, doesn’t it?
Chemicals become toxins only in dangerous proportions (not in traces). Their mere existence doesn’t make them toxic. You wouldn’t stop eating a banana just because potassium is potentially toxic in large proportions!
Further, it’s proven that there’s no link between cancer and exposure to rubber. Check out this research paper from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA). To date, there have been more than 110 studies talking about the safety of rubber flooring.
Is rubber surfacing an animal-friendly surfacing option?
Absolutely! Rubber floor is great for animals because of the following features –
– It is skid-resistant, offering great traction and footing for quadrupeds.
– It is scratch and stain-resistant.
– It offers soft cushioning for pets. It makes comfortable bedding for large animals.
– It is durable and can withstand the weight of animals. It can also take the weight of horses and the wear and tear from their hooves.
– It’s low-maintenance and easy to clean. Pet messes can be cleaned in no time!
– It is eco-friendly.
Rubcorp understands the challenges faced by livestock owners when caring for, transporting, and maintaining valuable livestock. Our Quadru-Care line of surfacing systems is specially designed to protect animals.
Count on Rubcorp to install a suitable flooring for horse stalls and trailers, barns, pig and cow mats, kennels, and pet daycares.
Does rubber surfacing smell?
Rubber flooring does smell of rubber but only when it’s newly installed. Therefore, after installation, our team advises clients to air out the room for a few days or weeks (depending on the area covered) to let the smell fade off.
Once the room is aired enough, you won’t even notice the smell unless you bend down too close to the flooring.
That does give you a reason to be quick with your plank! 🙂
How can we get rid of the smell?
As mentioned above, just airing the area for a few days or weeks will help. However, you can also use a mild cleaning solution to regularly clean the area and alleviate the smell.
What’s the cost of installing rubber surfacing?
Several variables need to be factored in when determining the cost of rubber surfacing. Tell us about your requirement on YourSurface@rubcorp.com and our team will get back to you with a tailored solution to improve your area’s functionality and appeal at the best price possible.
What colors of pour-in-place rubber surfacing are available?
Rubcorp has a wide range of colors available to complement your overall decor.
You can also choose to blend them to achieve a speckled look. The speckled flooring adds aesthetic value to the room and camouflages dirt in high-foot traffic areas.
Summing Up
We’ve put up this list of frequently asked questions to address all your concerns regarding rubber surfacing. If we haven’t answered a specific question you have on your mind, please get in touch with us and we’d be happy to help!
