For moisture prone applications, waterproof mats or rubber flooring is a must. Traditional floor types such as hardwood, tile, and concrete become extremely slippery when wet, and some of these surfaces can even be damaged by water. While this can result in costly floor repairs, it can also pose a major slipping hazard for anyone using the space! The best way to minimize these risks is with proper waterproof flooring or rubber mats. There are countless different kinds of floor mats on the market today, but how do you know which floor mat material is truly waterproof? A water-resistant mat should be solid, non-porous, and unable to develop microbial nuisances such as mildew or mold. These qualities are vital for waterproof mats and ensure that the product can be used for a long period of time without taking damage. It is also important that waterproof mats promote slip-resistance – even when the surface is wet. This ensures that safest possible walking surface in moisture-prone locations such as kitchens or pool areas. Regardless of location, rubber proves itself the ultimate waterproof flooring material for every application. Solid rubber material endures water and moisture easily, and it is famed for its inherently slip-resistant surface. Waterproof mats made from solid rubber are incredibly durable, and they are ideal for protecting subfloors from moisture as well as promoting non-slip safety both indoors and outdoors.
Any moisture-prone location should be fully equipped with waterproof mats or flooring installed. Anywhere from a backyard pool area to a public restroom or commercial kitchen should be protected with rubber waterproof mats. This is especially true for public or commercial locations such as restaurants and locker rooms, which see high volumes of foot traffic on any given day. While waterproof flooring reduces the risk for slip-and-fall accidents, it can also diminish any liability concerns if an injury does occur in a commercial establishment. Waterproof mats and flooring also act as a protective barrier for sensitive sub-floors, which means they can protect surfaces like hardwood and tile from potential water damage. However, it is worth noting that while some rubber waterproof mats feature drainage capabilities, most simply trap the liquid on the surface of the mat until it is properly cleaned. Even though rubber is a slip-resistant material, excessive moisture still poses a risk and should be cleaned up efficiently for maximum protection. If your sub-floors cannot be damaged by water, you may want to consider a water-resistant mat with drainage holes, which allow moisture to drip down and below the walking surface. Drainage mats result in wetter sub-floors, but in turn they provide a dry, reliable walking surface on top of the matting.
Waterproof mats made from rubber comes with inherent non-slip capabilities. Unlike most flooring materials, rubber possesses an unusually high coefficient of friction. This means that the waterproof flooring material has a natural ability to “push back” and gain traction in otherwise slippery situations. Some manufacturers like to take the slip-resistance even further by including unique surface textures to the rubber waterproof mats. We offer many varieties of waterproof mats and flooring with traction-enhancing surface textures such as coin-top, diamond-plate, or corrugated grooves. These products are ideal for moisture-prone applications because they offer additional points of contact for feet and shoes to “grip” onto. Adding additional contact points increases the products’ coefficient of friction even further, helping you stay safely on your feet when moisture is present on the waterproof flooring. Certain designs, such as corrugated grooves and drainage mats, actually lead moisture away from the walking surface to keep traction gain as high as possible.
Depending on the type of rubber materials used, most waterproof mats can be used indoors or outdoors. If you plan to install waterproof flooring or mats outdoors, it is important to pay attention to the type of elastomer it is made from. Waterproof mats made with recycled or reclaimed rubber materials are the best choices for outdoor applications. This is because recycled rubber is extremely durable and contains a high amount of EPDM, which is an elastomer that endures the negative effects of ozone and UV rays. In fact, most recycled and reclaimed rubber products are primarily made from discarded vehicle tires, so you can also count on your water-resistant mat to withstand abrasions, impacts, and most year-round weather conditions. Outdoor waterproof flooring products are extremely easy to clean and maintain – simply hose it down with water and your favorite mild cleaning solution.
Choosing the right waterproof mats or flooring depends entirely of the specific needs of your application. The Rubber Flooring Experts offer a wide selection of waterproof flooring products, from corrugated rubber runners to kitchen drainage mats and more! Regardless of whether you need a water-resistant mat with outdoor resistance, anti-fatigue qualities, or a stylish non-slip surface design, we have rubber waterproof mats for each and every application. Browse our line of water-resistant matting, or get in touch with a Rubber Flooring Expert today!