Rubber & PVC Matting A Buyers Guide

Rubber & PVC Matting | A Buyers Guide

Differences Between Rubber & PVC Matting

We manufacture and supply matting for any application, from health and safety to leisure. Each application requires different designs and materials for the mats, in order to ensure that you get the most out of your product. Currently the most versatile and popular materials to manufacture mats are rubber and PVC. In this post we are going explore the strengths and weaknesses of each material to help you determine which product is best for you.

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Rubber Compounds

It is important to note that there are many different compounds of rubber available each offering slightly different properties depending on the application. In order to keep this comparison fair we will look mainly at natural rubber (NR) as it is the most popular rubber compound for use in matting applications.

Strengths:

Natural rubber is highly durable and offers resistance to both impact and wear which ensures that the matting lasts. It is also resistant to a variety of chemicals which make it easy to clean without deteriorating the material. In most cases our rubber mats are simply laid loose but you are able to use adhesive for a permanent solution. Depending on the thickness of the rubber, the matting has been shown to absorb and reduce noise which make it highly desirable in multistory or built up areas. Rubber matting also contains good insulation properties which enable it to retain both hot and cold temperatures depending on the time of year.

One of the key features of rubber matting is the materials excellent gripping capabilities even in wet and damp environments. This ensures that rubber mats reduce the risk of slips which make them perfect for use as health and safety mats.

Weaknesses

Rubber matting can be more expensive than a PVC alternative depending on the thickness and hardness of the material. Certain chemicals and detergents can stain or discolour the material, which may be a problem if used in an area which will be seen by potential customers or clients.

PVC Material

PVC, also known as Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely produced plastic around the world. It is a material which almost everyone will likely come in contact with on a daily basis. PVC is available in two formats, either rigid or flexible depending on the application. Flexible is typically favorable over rigid for matting uses as it enables the mat to follow the contours of the ground and provide a stable walking surface.

Strengths

Much like rubber PVC matting is highly durable, which ensures that you are able to get a lot of use out of a single mat. PVC is also lightweight which makes transporting and installing the mats very easy. PVC offers good weathering resistance which enable you to use it in almost any exterior application without fear of deterioration. The high chlorine content found in PVC matting grants it self extinguishing properties, which makes it fire resistant.

You have greater control over the design, colour and texture of the mats as they are easier to produce compared to the rubber alternative. This is an important feature for anyone looking to make an impact with the mats. Certain applications such as swimming pools tend to favor blue or white mats which are both easier and cheaper to produce out of PVC.

Weaknesses

PVC can be difficult to replace if the product is no longer being produced. In some cases, the mats are made to order which can result in longer production times, however we always try to keep a good stock of our most popular PVC mats.

Ultimately there is no right or wrong product, it always comes down to the application and what you require from the mats. We are always to help customers who are unsure which product is most suitable for their unique requirements.

Underlayment is a crucial piece to having great flooring; it is the layer between your subfloor and your new floor. There are different forms of underlayment such as rubber, cork, felt, and foam.

Underlayment is an easy way to protect your flooring investment. This extra piece adds a layer of security to keep your floor from cracking or wearing down. It also adds warmth in the colder months and a bit of softness. Simply put, underlayment flooring is a simple solution to adding both comfort and protection.

Is sound absorption on the top of your list when it comes to your flooring? If so, rubber is your flooring choice! Rubber underlayment offers the best sound absorption. This underlayment is also water-resistant, so it can be used in basements or other areas where water may be present or condensate. It works best for stone, hardwoods, and garage tiles. However, you won’t want to use this with vinyl or linoleum floors because it can stain.

Another great thing about rubber underlayment is that it is made from recycled tires that are kept out of landfills across the country. So, it’s eco-friendly, too!

For more information, please visit foam rubber supplier.

The underlayment you need depends on the type of flooring you install. Each underlay offers its own benefits, from sound absorption to comfort. Let’s explore the different types of flooring and find an underlayment that works best for you:

For Laminate

Foam is the best underlayment for laminate flooring. There are several different foam underlay options to choose from, depending on your needs. If your new flooring will be installed in an area that is prone to moisture, then you will also want to get a vapor barrier.

For Vinyl

Cork is the best underlayment when it comes to vinyl. Foam and felt are other great options and won’t stain like rubber or rubber cork will. With some vinyl flooring, an underlayment may not be required, or even allowed. In fact, some manufacturers may void warranties if certain underlayments are used. Just to be safe, check with your warranty before you purchase your underlayment.

For Carpet

Foam or rubber are most often used for carpet underlayments. These underlayments come in a variety of thicknesses that can help make your floor even more comfortable to walk on. You’ll at least want ¼” of padding under residential carpet to absorb sound.

For Tile

Rubber cork underlayment is designed for crack suppression. This makes it a great underlayment to use with thin tiles. When your foundation shifts, causing your subfloor to crack, and your tiles will stay safe.

For Wood

Cork and foam are the chosen favorites for wood flooring. Since foam has more give to it, we recommend going with an extra dense grade. However, cork has less give to it, so it will stay be more sturdy under your hardwood planks.

Thickness is important when choosing your underlayment. However, just because an underlayment is thick, doesn’t mean it will still provide the best density.

Here are the most common thicknesses used for underlayment flooring:

2-3mm is the most common thickness in underlayments. In some cases, you may need something thicker to use with carpet underneath or to smooth out an uneven subfloor.

If you’re unsure what thickness to go with, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend. You can also reach out to our expert team at RubberFlooring4U.com, we're happy to help find an underlayment that will work for your flooring needs.

Make the most out of your flooring investment with high-quality underlayment flooring from Rubber Flooring 4U. We guarantee, when you buy underlayment from us, you will get it at the best price possible. We price match our competitors! And you’ll get the best lead time in the industry because we have a great relationship with our manufacturer; our customer is our priority.

And that’s not all - when buying underlayment rubber flooring from Rubber Flooring 4U, you are helping to keep tires out of the landfill. Our flooring is made from recycled tires by our hard-working manufacturer that is right here in the USA. So, not only are you helping to keep our country cleaner, but you are providing jobs in our great country, too. That’s something we are proud of, and you should be too!

Don’t wait, order your underlayment today! Our employees offer the best customer service in the industry and are here to help. Experience the Rubber Flooring 4U difference today. Give us a call at (800) 936- and get started today.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of colorful rubber foam. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.