Rubber Mats

Floor Mats can be used to prevent damage to tracks that can occur from football cleats, turf care vehicles and other types of equipment that are required to roll over the track to get to the interior field area. Protection of the track is often an afterthought or not a thought at all until the damage occurs and costly repairs are required. The methods of protection employed may include putting some plywood over the track, carpet remnants or some other product not designed to protect the substrate underneath.

Plywood is heavy, tends to warp over time and is not very attractive. Coaches or Athletic Directors will need to "remember" to put the plywood down, remove it and find someone to carry out this constant task. Plywood that warps presents a tripping hazard which can cause injury. Finally, if your school has invested major dollars in a track, stadium, painting the field and in decorations for the big game, warped plywood tends to detract from the entire experience.

Using carpet remnants may work a few times but not for long. Carpet subjected to the elements will get heavy, waterlogged and start to degrade. Gusting winds can also wreak havoc on carpet and plywood. It is difficult to control mother nature. The answer to this problem is to use floor mats or rubber matting that possess certain features:

Low Profile - The rubber mats need to be thin to prevent tripping and to prevent winds from taking hold of and taking the product for a whirl.

Portability - If the floor mats are too heavy, the weight presents another impediment toward utilization. It would be preferable if the floor mats could be rolled up for ease of use and take-up.

Durability - The mats need to withstand cleats, lawn equipment and tractors. Rubber mats offer this durability.

Safe COF - COF Coefficient of Friction means that the floor mats should provide a safe walking surface that is not slick - even when wet. Plywood can become slick as can carpet especially in wet or icy conditions.

Rubber Mats flooring can be used for a variety of purposes and comes in a number of shapes and styles. In terms of its usage, rubber flooring is fit for purpose in many areas. This includes commercial and industrial flooring, athletic/exercise flooring and also for use in the home.

One of the main advantages in all these uses is safety. Rubber mat flooring will generally provide a stable, non-slip surface which provides some protection in the event of falls. In commercial applications it can be used for flooring in factories and commercial buildings, providing a durable surface which should last for a number of years. It can also be used for playground surfacing to provide a safer area for children to play, and is often used in athletic/exercise areas, which includes flooring for gyms and martial arts or dancing areas. Rubber floor mats can also be used in gyms as individual exercise mats.

Rubber mats can be used in the home for a variety of purposes. For those with children, rubber play mats are an excellent idea. They provide a degree of safety which is obviously important for young children who may be unsteady on their feet. They can be purchased with designs and pictures on them which can be fun and/or educational for the child. It is also possible to use rubber matting for garage or basement flooring. The mats will provide a strong and durable surface and should stand up to the rigors placed on it, especially when used in the garage.

Rubber flooring is also excellent for use in wet areas such as bathrooms. Where ceramic tiled floors are in place, the use of rubber mats can provide a slip free surface helping to prevent falls. This is especially true in the shower where a rubber mat can help prevent accidents. Likewise, these mats can also be used in pool areas to provide a non-slip, durable surface around the swimming pool.

Rubbers Flooring usually come as interlocking tiles which can be easily fitted together. They can also be purchased as a roll of material which can easily be laid, and reduces the number of visible seams. Both tiles and rolls can be purchased in a variety of colors and designs which should make them a viable alternative for most situations where the use of rubber flooring or mats is desired.