What Rubber Tiles Can Do For High-Traffic Areas

They say you can gauge how healthy certain locations may seem - whether they are public or private - just by how “walkable” they are. This at least holds true for parks, playgrounds, buildings with huge front lawns, sidewalks, footpaths, business or commercial districts, and other areas. Pavements should be smooth, with no protruding parts or broken tiles, and with no obstructions along the way. As for indoors: corridors, kids’ play or bedrooms, entryways, kitchens, the patio, poolside area, and other high-volume places are just some examples of where floors can get more than their regular share of wear and tear from daily foot traffic.

Rubber tiles present a viable alternative to expensive landscaping, carpets, tiles, plants, and other traditional ground covers for high-traffic areas. Here are just some of the benefits they offer to pedestrian-frequented locations.

Resilience and durability

Hands down, rubber products are some of the most durable alternatives to traditional ground covers. Both indoor and outdoor rubber tiles can be counted on to be resilient and durable no matter the volume of foot traffic where they are installed. They are preferred for gyms, daycare centers, play areas, poolside and patio perimeters, and other places that see a lot of rigorous activities. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect rubber tiles to last for decades!

Fall cushioning

In a previous blog post, we discussed how rubber playground tiles can adequately cushion falls among daycare center kids. The same holds true for areas frequented by elderly people, or those with mobility issues. Rubber tiles are adequate shock absorbers so they can lessen the impact of a trip, slip, or fall. Given their inherent traction, rubber tiles also add a layer of protection by having a slip-proof surface that helps prevent accidents from even taking place. 

Hassle-free maintenance

Carpets require regular shampooing and vacuuming. Ceramic tiles have to be constantly treated to prevent algae, molds, and breaking on impact. Grass, moss, and other plants that cover the ground need sufficient sunlight, watering, and trimming. On the other hand, rubber tiles only require the occasional sweeping, hosing, and wiping down to keep them clean and pristine-looking.

Energy and sound insulation

Those who have tried indoor rubber tiles also swear by a significant reduction in their energy bills. Rubber flooring can help reduce heating costs and energy usage because of their naturally insulating capabilities. In line with this, a rubber tile can muffle the sound of heavy footsteps, and even activities like running and jumping. Heavy objects can fall on rubber tiles and you might not even hear it, thanks to rubber tiles absorbing the impact and sound. Rubber tiles offer the kind of quiet benefit other ground covers won’t: the clacking of heels on a cement or wooden floor, the squeaking of shoe soles against ceramic tiles, and the clatter of fallen objects on any other kind of traditional surfacing materials. 

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