Rubber Flooring Pros and Cons
Rubber flooring is fast gaining popularity as a durable and efficient flooring material. It is attractive, slip resistant, durable and also environmentally friendly. However, like all other materials, rubber flooring also has its share of drawbacks. Some of the main pros and cons of rubber flooring are described below.
Easy Maintenance
Rubber flooring is easy to keep clean. You can easily wipe off spills and clean dirt from its surface. To a large extent, it is also resistant to heat and moisture.
Anti Microbial and Hypoallergenic
The texture and makeup of rubber flooring dissuades the buildup of germs and other harmful microorganisms. Unlike carpet, rubber flooring does not provide a suitable surface for dust mites and allergens. It is, therefore, an attractive option for people who are prone to allergies.
Eco Friendly and Recyclable
Rubber flooring is made from natural or synthetic rubber, or a combination of both. Rubber is a sustainable resource, and it can also be recycled and reused repeatedly. Recycled rubber flooring offers all the great qualities of rubber, at a lower price.
Available in Many Sizes, Shapes and Designs
Rubber flooring is available in tiles or sheet formats, each of which has their benefits. The number of available colors and shapes has also increased exponentially over the past few years.
Slip Resistant
Rubber flooring provides god grip and walking comfort. It is highly slip resistant, making it ideal for use in hallways, staircases, children’s rooms, gymnasiums and play areas. It is also much safer in the event of falls because its soft texture prevents injuries. The comfortable, warm texture of rubber flooring is also beneficial to people with arthritis.
Highly Durable
Rubber flooring is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It can last for many long years even if it is exposed to falling objects, heavy loads, or stress.
Good Insulator
Rubber is a great insulator that helps retain heat or cool air in your home. This is beneficial to reducing your energy bills by a significant amount.
Easy Installation and Repairs
The installation of rubber flooring can be carried out in many ways. You can use environmentally friendly adhesives to stick the flooring in place, or you can select a design where the tiles snap into place and interlock with each other. The installation process is relatively easy and uncomplicated. You do not have to hire a professional for the purpose of installation.
Dull Finish
The overall look and finish of rubber flooring can be unattractive to many people. For this reason, it is not a popular option for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways.
Grease can Leave Stains
Though rubber flooring is easy to clean, it does have a drawback when it comes to grease. Substances such as oil, butter, mayonnaise and grease can leave lasting stains on the flooring, which can be very difficult to get out.
Odor can be Disturbing
Rubber has an odor that can last for a long time. This is unattractive to many buyers who prefer other odor-free options.
