Rubber matting is a type of flat floor covering serving several purposes. It is used for flooring protection, athletic flooring cushion, and additional gripping for slippery floors. Synthetic rubber was first produced by the Germans during the First World War. Rubber is durable and elastic, able to resist stress without being permanently deformed. This makes it ideal for mat use.
There are several types of rubber floor matting. The rubber safety matting, for instance, adds traction to slippery areas such as bathtubs, ramps, and areas frequently exposed to rain. They are characterized by ribbing texture that allows extra friction and decreased chances of slipping. Usually, this type of rubber floor mat is manufactured from soft rubber enabling it to enhance the adhesion with footwear or anything placed on the mat. Furthermore, industrial plants and warehouses commonly use interlocking rubber mats given the delicate nature of their business.
On the other hand, athletic rubber floor mats take up shock for purposes such as promotion of good joint health. It is also used to protect the flooring of gym weight rooms where it is common for heavy weights to be dropped. It can also reduce the noise and vibration caused by dropping a heavy metal. Also called playground rubber matting, these are used in gyms since the elastic quality of the mat helps in cushioning falls and avoids damage of the joints from the constant jumping. These types of mats are also used by those who practice yoga.
Floor mats are also used in kitchens as they protect the feet of workers, in effect lessening fatigue. Since spills usually happen in the kitchen, having a rubber floor can help in draining spills while putting more traction on the surface. Rubber mats are also specifically designed to endure hot temperatures and cold temperatures.
One good advantage of rubber matting over other types of floor mats is its ease of cleaning and maintenance. Rubber mats can be easily be cleaned by water. It also does not require drying. A rubber floor mat can also just be shaken to dust off the dirt on it, making them ideal for car use.