Rubber mats for concrete floors can be purchased and installed for a variety of reasons. They provide a comfortable anti-fatigue surface, and often a non-slip surface. However, not all rubber mats are the same. Here is what you need to know before you install your new mats.
What Is Your Primary Goal?
There are many matting options to choose from, so you must select the right kind to meet your needs. Prioritize your need for traction, improved comfort, safety, efficiency, and protecting the flooring underneath. For example, the weight room of a gym requires a mat with enough density to protect the floor from the weight of machines and any accidentally dropped weights. While a lower density matting may feel more comfortable and spongy, it is porous and has a lifespan that is at least 50% shorter than a high-density alternative. With a variety of colors and textures, rubber flooring is also a suitable alternative to carpet or tile.
How Much Matting Do You Require?
Even if your concrete is decorative or in good condition, it may be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time. Over time the physical fatigue your employees feel lead to an increased risk of an accident, injury, and decreased workflow created by chronic pain. Or, your concrete may not provide a warm or inviting atmosphere for your students or patrons. Think about the logistics in your building or facility, and determine what type of matting you require. Rubber mats for concrete floors are available in runners, squares, area rugs, and full facility flooring. This includes interlocking mats, individual squares, and rolls that can cover your entire floor.
Do Your Mats Need To Be Glued To The Floor?
You are investing in floor mats to improve safety so the last thing you want are mats that create an additional fall or safety hazard. If your mats are likely to get wet, such as matting placed at primary entryways or ice skating rinks – they definitely need to be secured to prevent sliding and shifting when walked on. However, full floor matting that comes from a roll is likely to curl at the edges so it should be glued down. Depending on your volume of traffic, you may also want to glue down your flat or interlocking mats. Even though glued down, it is still possible to swap out your interlocking mats. If you opt for area mats or runners, make sure that they aren’t so thick that they create a fall risk due when stepping on or off, or make sure you use a high-quality ramped edging. For example, using a small section of interlocking mats as a runner without ramped edging will likely create a tripping hazard.
Save time, stress, and money by investing in the proper rubber mats for concrete. If you need help determine the best mats for your Vancouver business, reach out to Source Floor today!
Hi do I need to seal a concrete floor before laying down 3/4” rubber mats? Wasn’t sure if the concrete would leach into the mats and eventually ruin the rubber? Or should I out say rosin paper down for a barrier??thanks
Hi David – there are so many different types of rubber mats and so many variables involved with a concrete subfloor that there’s no way for us to give you a helpful, accurate answer. We would recommend that you check with a local commercial flooring contractor to evaluate your specific circumstances and give you applicable advice. Cheers!