Laying technology
The rubber covering in the form of slabs and rolls must be laid on a perfectly leveled surface: the maximum permissible height difference cannot exceed 5 mm / m. If there are elevations or holes at the base, then they must be leveled before starting work with the coating. Before laying the boards, the base must be degreased, cleaned of all types of dirt and dust, and then dried well.
The prepared base is treated with a primer, after which you can proceed directly to laying. Tiles and rolls are attached with polyurethane glue, which is stirred and applied to the rubber coating or to the platform itself. Next, the coatings are laid. You need to do this so that there is no air under the mat.
When installing a monolithic coating, it should be borne in mind that the smallest layer of crumb rubber should be 5 mm. If it is less, then there is no guarantee that the coating will retain its performance characteristics.
The crumb is mixed with glue and applied with a spatula. It should be borne in mind that the mass will stick to any surface, including spatulas, so it is better to pre-lubricate the tool with a multi-purpose grease. You will have to constantly clean the spatula during work.
The applied layer remains elastic for 40 minutes. As a rule, this time is enough to eliminate all flaws allowed during application and to connect the areas to each other. The sections must be connected so that there are no seams.
Such a coating dries for about 24 hours, after which you can safely walk on it.
See the following video for instructions on how to lay the crumb rubber coating yourself.
Advantages and disadvantages
Of the advantages, a number of positive features of crumb rubber coatings can be distinguished.
- Anti-corrosion performance. The product can be used outdoors in high humidity conditions without fear of the negative effects of precipitation and other environmental influences.
- Durability. With proper installation, the coating can last more than 10 years.
- Demand. The wide scope of use makes this material quite popular in various sectors of the economy.
- Wear resistance. The composition based on crumb rubber and polyurethane glue is characterized by high strength - it is very difficult to break or tear such a coating.
- Aesthetics. The coating has a decorative appearance, and thanks to the possibility of its coloring, the product can be given any shade.
- Undemanding care. Rubber is extremely unpretentious, and you can remove dirt from its porous surface with a regular jet of water under pressure.
- Injury safety. The rubber surface has pronounced shock-absorbing characteristics, so when falling, it softens the impact, and makes running or walking more comfortable.
- Sound absorption. Rubber absorbs sound very well, which led to the popularity of the coating for use in rooms with increased activity and traffic (for example, in children's entertainment complexes and gyms).
- Chemical inertness. The material is resistant to the action of industrial oils, acid-base solutions, solvents and gasolines.
- Electrical insulating properties. Rubber is not conductive, therefore such coatings are often laid in industries connected with electricity.
- High maintainability. Any damaged area can be quickly replaced if necessary.
The disadvantages of the material are its flammability, as well as its high cost. However, the latter is fully justified by the durability of the product.
How to choose?
When choosing a crumb coating, you can use a number of effective criteria.
- The highest quality coatings are considered without additional impurities. You can assess their presence on the dark side. If you notice the presence of particles of a different color there, most likely there are additional components in the structure.
- When buying, be sure to run your hand along the back and front sides of the tiles, as well as around the edges. Products of normal quality must remain intact. If you notice crumbling of the material, then the manufacturing technology is violated. Such coverage will be short-lived.
- Examine several tiles. If the corners are worn down, there are cracks or grooves - feel free to go to another store.
- Assess the geometric parameters, stack several tiles together. Ideally, use a ruler or level. There should not be any deviations, the permissible discrepancies in dimensions cannot exceed 1 mm.
- Fold the cover in half and press down at the fold with the palm of your hand. Products of normal quality will not change their shape and integrity, and bad tiles will crack or completely fall apart.
If all tests are passed successfully, you can pay for the purchase. Unfortunately, practice shows that only expensive materials meet all quality criteria. Cheap options often do not pass the proposed tests.
Laying steps
1
Preparation of the mixture
Stir the dye powder with the crumb rubber. Add Tapping polyurethane binder and mix until smooth.
2
Material application
Apply the mixture to the surface 1.5 times the required thickness. Smooth with trowels. Compact to the required coating thickness with crumb rubber rolls.
3
Drying
Pedestrian traffic is possible after 24 hours. Completely dry after 72 hours.
Which coverage should you choose?
Sport
Budget coating in green or terracotta color
EPDM
A more sustainable coating. Vivid saturated colors
Combi
Double layer coating with bright Epdm topcoat