Although they all look the same, there are a variety of rubber floors that make one type of floor different from another. It doesn’t mean they are better or worse. But the differences are, for example, in water absorption, impact absorption, installation, service life, and maintenance.
In the end, doing a little research before choosing can save you a lot of trouble and increase satisfaction after your purchase. After all, no one likes to invest time and money in research, purchase a product, and then be disappointed. With that in mind, I’ve prepared this post complete with everything you should consider when choosing the right rubber floor to ensure safety and comfort.
Some different types of Rubber Flooring
The first step is to understand that there are some different types of rubber floor used nowadays. For example, many people confuse EVA flooring with recycled rubber flooring.
EVA floors are widely used as mats (mats used in martial arts) but are not as resistant to weather conditions (wind, sun, and rain) as rubber tire floors. So if you want a material that will last longer in open areas or that can be affected by the weather, opt for flooring that uses weather-resistant materials. By the way, there are also differences between rubberized treads made from tires.
Treads made from tire shavings are usually stronger and harder than those made from crushed tire granules. The bark is interlaced, allowing for more alloy, and increasing abrasion resistance and durability. The resin used to make the floor is also extremely important. It will guarantee that rubber
Poor-quality resin reduces abrasion resistance and can harden over time. It can also reduce impact absorption capacity and consequently safety. Other characteristics such as tire type, manufacturing testing, etc. also affect the quality of the tread.
You don’t have to become an expert in all of this, but it’s nice to ask about these processes to confirm the quality of the floor because you will be investing a lot of money. So don’t be fooled.
A rubber floor should be synonymous with greater safety
When using flooring for children, the main feature you should be concerned about when purchasing rubber flooring is the safety it brings. Even if you have super-skilled professionals taking care of the little ones, it’s hard to control when they’re all together.
For this reason, the rubber floor must be able to absorb falls and prevent more serious accidents on the playground. Therefore, one of the main tips is to never forget to ask the seller about the cushioning ability of the floor. They usually have a table with a maximum drop height that the floor will absorb. Each type and manufacturer of flooring may have different shock absorption capabilities.
Another important safety issue is whether the floor is non-slip. Always invest in anti-slip materials, as serious injuries can occur if you fall. Of course, a rubber floor will never prevent all falls and accidents, but it will significantly reduce the severity of injuries. Very much!
How to clean a rubber floor?
Another factor related to durability, but which does not reduce safety, is color, as fading is normal for materials exposed to the elements. What determines the durability of the paint is the raw material used. However, it is necessary to check not only the resistance to the pigment but also the toxicity, mainly due to the application.
