Rubber flooring is intended for use on rigid subfloors, such as smooth-finished or screeded concrete supported above grade, or on structurally sound plywood or hardwood subfloors. Rubber is not recommended for use below grade. When used at grade, it must be applied with an alkaline, moisture-resistant adhesive.
Rubber mats or runners may be laid without adhesive over relatively smooth surfaces. Large mats generally are installed in a recess in the concrete floor at building entrances. The mats are ribbed or perforated for drainage.
Most rubber flooring is produced from styrene-butadiene rubber. Reclaimed rubber is added to some floorings. The flooring also contains mineral pigments and mineral fillers, such as zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, and various clays. Another synthetic-rubber flooring, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (Hypalon), also is available.
Rubber floorings can be obtained in thicknesses of 3â„32, 1â„8, or 3â„16 in. They have excellent resistance to permanent deformation under load. Yet they are resilient and quiet under foot.
See also Art. 11.36.
