Appearance and Material Description
Rubber floors and rubber mats look very similar to PVC floors and mats. However, don't be fooled by the description, as many companies will claim and list their products as rubber in the description, but if you look at the product description in more detail, you'll see that the product material is actually plastic. Here's an example.
Cost
An important point to make is that rubber flooring is more expensive than PVC. However, you need to factor in the cost over its lifetime to understand the true cost and value of rubber flooring and mats compared to PVC. There is no doubt that the quality and superior durability and resilience of rubber flooring are worth the money. Rubber mats and flooring, while initially costing more, actually cost less over their lifetime. Rubber floors and mats can last for decades – up to 30 years – making them extremely cost-effective. PVC floors and mats, while cheaper, are less wear-resistant and cost more to replace than rubber over their durability and lifetime. Also consider the maintenance costs of PVC flooring, which are higher and will exceed the original installation cost, making it more expensive than rubber.
But don't just take our word for it. Suzanna Barnes conducted a study that looked at the life cycle costs of rubber flooring versus other common flooring materials, including vinyl, linoleum, carpet, and wood from multiple manufacturers. The study showed that the cheapest flooring, vinyl, is actually the most expensive and costly option over its life cycle. Rubber flooring is the more expensive option, but the cheapest decision in the long run. Even within five years, the return on investment for some of the more expensive floorings made the cheaper floorings uncompetitive. You can read the study here.
Durability and Resilience of Rubber Flooring and Mats
Rubber flooring is a top choice across all industries and commercial sectors because it is strong and durable and is seen as a good investment. Rubber mats and flooring are very durable and have a long lifespan due to their high resilience. The elasticity of rubber gives it a natural anti-fatigue property, which is further enhanced by the polyurethane adhesive. Rubber resists most impacts and environments. It resists tearing, oil, chemicals, and cigarettes. It will not rot or decay. It can withstand heavy blows, scrapes, and bumps. It will not shrink, swell, or crack. Its high resilience means that rubber flooring and mats will retain their appearance for a long time. Rubber is also safer to use as it remains non-slip and will not wear away, which can make a floor unsafe.
In contrast, PVC flooring and mats have little resilience and therefore do not have the same durability as rubber flooring.
Versatility
The beauty of rubber flooring and mats is that it is very versatile and can be used in a wide range of industries and sectors. We supply rubber flooring to all types of industries and sectors (link to page). Our customers come from industries such as catering, manufacturing, equine and agricultural, marine, sports and leisure. Rubber flooring and mats are ideal for all types of venues and buildings, including public entrances, sports tracks, golf and leisure clubs, gyms, dairies, schools, arenas and auditoriums.
Rubber flooring can also be used in conjunction with compatible underfloor heating systems and, depending on the surface temperature, a heating solution can be created where required.
Noise, comfort and soundproofing
Another advantage and quality of rubber flooring over PVC flooring is that rubber absorbs sound and noise. Using rubber flooring can dampen sound in buildings and walkways, making it ideal for sports, leisure and fitness facilities as well as high traffic environments such as libraries, offices, retail venues and schools. Rubber is also used for noise and soundproofing in new buildings in accordance with building regulations. In contrast, PVC flooring neither provides effective soundproofing nor attenuates noise and sound.
Rubber flooring combined with soundproofing insulation (link to page) creates a thicker soundproofing layer, which provides better noise absorption and building insulation.
Rubber flooring is also much more comfortable to walk on and stand on than PVC, which is harder underfoot.
Safety with Rubber
Our customers also prioritize safety. Rubber flooring and mats have many important safety features that PVC flooring does not have.
Rubber mats and flooring are waterproof and naturally non-slip even when wet. Because rubber is also flame retardant and has low smoke emissions in the event of a fire, rubber is used in high-risk areas in buildings, such as fire escapes. Rubber is non-toxic and does not release toxic gases into the air.
Rubber has other additional safety properties. Rubber is antimicrobial and extremely hygienic compared to PVC flooring and is widely used in healthcare facilities, hospitals, children's playgrounds, play areas and schools due to its antimicrobial properties. If you're thinking of cutting corners in playgrounds, play areas and places where hygiene is paramount, think again. PVC flooring will not offer the same hygienic advantages as rubber. Poor air quality and deterioration are also major concerns for customers. PVC can release substances from the plastic flooring material itself, as well as from the adhesives used to install the flooring, surface coatings and maintenance materials such as waxes and paint strippers used on alternative flooring.
Rubber flooring and mats are also antistatic and are therefore recommended for computer and electrical safety and areas containing machinery. Many places with a large number of servers, computers and machinery use rubber flooring as standard because PVC flooring is less suitable.
Comfort, sound absorption, sound insulation
Rubber flooring also has other advantages and qualities compared to PVC. Rubber is more comfortable to walk on compared to PVC because PVC feels much harder underfoot. Rubber also absorbs sound and noise. Using rubber flooring can reduce sound in buildings and on pavements, making it ideal for leisure centres, gyms, sports halls and high traffic environments such as libraries, offices, retail stores and schools. It also acts as a strong noise barrier between floors. In the UK, Part E of the Building Regulations applies to new builds and refurbishments and sets standards including sound insulation of internal walls and floors and control of reverberation in common areas. Rubber flooring and underlayment are used because it is ideal for minimising the impact of noise and can meet strict building regulations.
In contrast, PVC flooring does not reduce noise and does not act as an effective sound barrier. Rubber flooring is combined with specialised insulation and acoustic insulation to form a thicker sound insulation layer, further reducing noise and acting as a building insulation.
Wide Range of Choice
Rubber flooring offers customers a wide range of choices. It is available in a variety of functional finishes and textures. Different textures can also help increase the floor's traction, make it more non-slip in wet areas, and easier to maintain and clean.
We can also customise rubber flooring and mats with company logos for branding purposes.
Environmentally friendly
Environmental protection and recycling responsibility are equally important, and with that in mind, rubber flooring is more environmentally friendly than PVC flooring in terms of environmental impact.
Rubber is non-toxic and non-hazardous. PVC can have toxic byproducts and contains toxic additives that can cause illness and allergies and harm health. PVC is also a high pollutant because it contains heavy metals and chemical additives and can leak chlorine and carcinogens. Softeners called phthalates can leak out of PVC floors when they are washed or can be emitted into the air and attached to dust, causing airborne transmission.
Rubber can be easily recycled by crushing or shredding for reprocessing. Rubber flooring and mats can also be made from up to 80% recycled rubber and contain no environmentally harmful substances.
