Qingdao JianLi Rubber&Plastic Products Co.,Ltd.

Rubber flooring and rubber matting will appear quite similar to the eye to PVC flooring and matting. However, don’t be fooled by descriptions as many companies will claim and list their products as rubber in the description but if you look at the product description in more detail, the product material is in fact plastic. An example of this is here.

Cost

An important point is that rubber flooring will be a more expensive outlay than PVC. However you need to factor in the cost over its lifetime to get the true cost and value of rubber flooring and matting compared to PVC.  Without doubt, you will get what you pay for in terms of quality and a far superior endurance and resilience with rubber flooring. Rubber matting and flooring, although costing more initially, will actually cost you less over its lifetime. Rubber floors and mats will last for decades – up to 30 years – making it extremely cost effective. PVC flooring and matting, although cheaper, is not as hard wearing and will cost more than rubber in terms of durability and replacement over its lifetime. Also factor in the maintenance costs for PVC flooring which cost more and will surpass the original installation costs making it more expensive than rubber.

Durability and resilience of rubber flooring and matting

Rubber flooring is chosen by all types of industries and commercial sectors because it is tough and strong and seen as a good investment. Rubber matting and flooring is extremely durable and will last a long time because of its high resilience. The elasticity of the rubber gives anti-fatigue properties that are found naturally in rubber and are further enhanced by a polyurethane binding agent. Rubber resists most impacts and circumstances. It is anti-tear, resistant to oil, chemicals and cigarettes. It does not rot or decay. It can withstand heavy impacts, scrapes and bumps. It doesn’t shrink expand or crack. Its highly resilient properties mean that rubber flooring and matting retains its appearance for a long time. Rubber is also safer to use because it remains anti-slip and isn’t subject to wear and tear which would cause the flooring to be unsafe.

PVC flooring and matting in comparison has little or no resilience and therefore does not have the same durability as rubber flooring.

Versatility

Noise, comfort and insulation

Another benefit and quality of rubber flooring over PVC flooring is that rubber absorbs sounds and noise. Sound in buildings and on walkways is deadened by using rubber flooring and it is ideal for sports, leisure and gym facilities and in environments with heavy foot traffic such as libraries, offices, retail premises and schools. Rubber is also used for noise and sound insulation in new buildings as part of the Building Regulations. In comparison, PVC flooring gives no effective sound barrier nor deadens noise and sound.

Rubber flooring gives even more noise absorption and building insulation when it’s combined with acoustic and thermal insulation (link to page)  creating a thicker sound barrier layer.

Rubber floors are also much more comfortable to walk and stand on than PVC which is much harder underfoot.