Rubber flooring
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 09652
Traditional uses
- Rubber flooring is used both indoors and outdoors.
- It is a good material to use anywhere slip/grip-resistance is needed.
- Rubber flooring provides a natural resiliency.
- Used for stair treads
- Cove bases
Emerging uses / trends
- Rubber is an easy material to work with that can be cut and shaped into any pattern to represent company logos.
- Wide variety of colors available
- Use of recycled rubber floor tiles
- Some, but not all, rubber floors are treated to decrease static electricity buildup.
- Rubber floors can be installed underneath wood or tile floors for additional comfort, insulation, and sound absorption.
- Is being used in roofing, fixturing, and even furniture
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Rubber can come in a variety of finishes and patterns such as - Round Stud, Solid Smooth, Slate Effect, Interlock, Hammer blow, Dot Smooth, Marbled Smooth, Checker Plate, Wide Grooved, Narrow Grooved,
- Due to the fact that it is available in various sizes and forms, rubber flooring gives a rather "seamless" appearance.
- Available in many colors
Surface forms / shapes
- Rubber flooring gives you the option of rolls or tiles that can be cut, shaped and customized to any length needed for easy installation.
Cost analysis
- $4 - $7 psf
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Rubber flooring is not structural, it is applied.
Material performance
- In terms of durability, the strength of rubber flooring can be compared to the durability of rubber tires.
- Rubber flooring is often used in high-traffic areas for this reason.
- Even over time and under high-traffic circumstances, rubber wears evenly.
- Rubber flooring absorbs both shock and sound,which is often a reason for its selection in the design process.
- Resistant to chemicals and disinfectants; most spills easily removed without residual staining
- Resistance to chipping and breaking
- Bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi
- Cigarette burn resistant
- Excellent aging resistance
- Colorfast, ultra violet and ozone resistant, Blue scale > 6
- Resistant to dilute acid and most chemical products
- Rot-proof. Can be installed in saline conditions
- Suitable for use on sub floors with underfloor heating
- Anti-static. Recommended for computer use
Dimensional and opening restriction
- Again, rubber is easily customized in terms of size and shape.
- Tiles are typically: 18" x 18" or 36" x 36"; thickness can range from 4mm - 6mm.
- Rolls are typically 48" wide.
- Residential - 1/4" thick, Commercial - 3/8" thick
Acoustic property
- 0.05 sabine/ft² [1]
Manufacturing process and assembly
- Rubber, although found in the sap of various plants, is largely produced by tapping the trunk of what is known as the "rubber tree," or scientifically named the "Hevea brasiliensis."
- Rubber producing plants grow best within 10 degrees of the equator; South America was the largest source of rubber in the 19th century.
- Tires and tubes are the largest group of rubber products, and eco-friendly rubber flooring is made of recycled tires.
- A urethane binder holds the rubber granules together.
- The product is heated in cylindrical molds and the thickness is peeled from the cylinder.
- Installation for rubber flooring depends on the nature of the project.
- Interlocking tiles do not require the use of adhesives for installation.
- Square tiles or rolls require the use of adhesive (usually an epoxy recommended by the manufacturer).
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
- The production of recycled rubber has the lowest environmental impact—less total energy is consumed in production compared to making products from virgin or synthetic sources.
- Recycled rubber is more cost effective than other rubber products, both with respect to production and purchase.
- The collection and production of used rubber creates job opportunities in developing countries around the world.
- It provides a creative way to make use of resources that are difficult to dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Rubber flooring is a low VOC, antistatic, recyclable surface. [2]
- Product can contain natural fillers that supplement the high-quality natural and industrial rubber qualities, as well as environmentally compatible color pigments that are free of lead and other heavy metals
- Some rubber flooring is made with first-grade recycled components
- Some rubber floor coverings are completely free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticizers and halogens. Floor coverings that do not contain any PVC guarantee that no hydrochloric gas is produced in the event of fire, and no corrosive hydrochloric acid results from contact with water, used to extinguish the fire. In addition, no toxic halogenated dioxins and furans are produced
sustainable
- Cleaning consists of simple dust and wet mopping with a mild ph-neutral cleaning product. [3]
- Rubber floors do not need to be waxed or sealed because of their dense, nonporous surface, which translates to easier cleaning and eliminates the need to strip or rewax the floor later in the maintenance cycle
Flammability rating
- The flammability of rubber flooring depends on what materials are in the mix, and that will depend on the manufacturer.
Coefficient of friction
- The coefficient of friction for rubber flooring products range from .85 -.9 [4]
- For SBR and EPDM
- For both leather and rubber soles
- Wet and dry
References
Notes
- ↑ http://www.ecosurfaces.com
- ↑ http://www.greenlivingideas.com
- ↑ http://www.edcmag.com/Articles/Feature_Article/cd710e983b8fb010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____
- ↑ http://www.ecosurfaces.com
Student contributions
- Brinda Toprani, Spring 2009
- Janna Frapart, Spring 2008
See also
Similar materials
Building references
- Elementary Institute of Science, San Diego, California
- Amtrak, Cascade/Talgo, Seattle,Washington
- Nissan stand, Japanese Motor Show
External links
Additional resources
