Rubber Floor Coverings

Rubber floors are a classification within the resilient floor-covering category. Rubber floor coverings are extremely dense, durable, slip resistant products that are used extensively in many different environments. Rubber floor coverings are very versatile and can function in an industrial setting as easily as a hospital environment. They have many characteristics that allow them to span several areas of concern.

The most easily identified rubber floors have pronounced raised squares or rounds (sometimes called coin top) on the surface. This does not mean that these are the only types of rubber floors. Rubber floors can be smooth or textured, solid in color or a kaleidoscope of colors and they are available in rolls (sheets) and tiles. Regardless of the style all rubber type floors are very smooth to the touch, have excellent slip resistance and they are tough and durable while being resilient and flexible at the same time.

There are several different manufacturers of rubber floor coverings. Each manufacturer has a method of maintenance that they recommend for maintaining rubber type floors. These methods are very affective when used from installation throughout the life cycle of the floor.

Maintenance of Rubber Floor Coverings

Maintaining rubber floors can sometimes be an experience that results in frustration. This is because of the confusion about how to maintain them. Some manufacturers recommend maintaining rubber floors without the use of coatings and some say that using a coating may be a requirement of the facility.

Ideally hard floor maintenance of a newly installed rubber type floor covering should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. There are several manufacturers of rubber floor coverings and most recommend accepted methods of maintenance. It is recommended that before any hard floor maintenance service procedures be performed on rubber type floor coverings that the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance methods are thoroughly read and understood.

Rubber floors are relatively resistant to cleaning chemicals. Neutral cleaners and general or all-purpose cleaners with lower pH levels can be used safely on them. They can also withstand most diluted alkalis. Never use strong solvent cleaners, turpentine or acetone on rubber floors.

Of bigger concern are the abrasive pads or brushes that are traditionally used to perform hard floor maintenance periodic service procedures. Rubber floors are dense which gives them the characteristic that does not allow soil to penetrate the surface easily. Because the surface is smooth with no imperfections even the lightest abrasive will scratch it; this will cause a dulling in the area being serviced. This is particularly true in the case of darker color floors.

Some manufacturers recommend a tampico or union mix brush for dry maintenance to restore the natural waxes in the product, and using a soft nylon bristle brush for wet scrubbing applications. Some recommend brushes or their pad equivalent.

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