Does Rubber Flooring Expand?

Many people shopping for new rubber mats begin their hunt curious about rubber flooring expansion. Many people think of the rubber band test when considering rubber flooring expansion. The rubber band test is a common science experiment that reveals that unlike most materials, rubber bands actually contract in heat and expand in cold. This experiment, while an interesting digression from the common assumption that heating means expansion and cooling means contraction, is an extreme and simplified example of rubber contraction and expansion. However, it isn't so simple with rubber gym flooring and other types of rubber floors.

A Brief Introduction to Rubber Flooring

Rubber Flooring Expansion

Rubber flooring is most commonly in the form of rubber rolls, mats, or interlocking rubber floor tiles. Rubber gym flooring, rubber basement flooring, and rubber floors for workshops are a few of the most popular uses. Rubber flooring is a population option because of its durability and longevity. Some rubber floors last for decades, and many come with 10 - 15 year warranties. Rubber mats can also be an environmentally friendly flooring option as mats made from recycled material are commonly available. By purchasing a rubber floor, you are helping to decrease landfill waste and can also qualify for LEED building points. Finally, rubber flooring is extremely affordable and typically easy to install.

Now, let's just get to the question at hand:

Does Rubber Flooring Expand?

When all is said and done, rubber floor mat expansion may occur depending on several factors, a few of which are outlined below.

Moisture

At Greatmats.com, rubber gym flooring and other types of rubber flooring are often made from recycled materials by mixing rubber particles with a glue-like binder. If during the manufacturing process the rubber is not melted down into a solid, and instead just reground and combined, the rubber floor is slightly less porous. The denser a rubber flooring product is, the less porous it is. These air pores are susceptible to moisture infiltration. If a rubber floor is exposed to ample amounts of moisture over an extended period of time, it may end up warping or buckling. With that in mind, GymRubberFloor recommends that rubber flooring not be installed in areas with high levels of moisture or direct water exposure. If you are set on rubber flooring in areas where moisture is present, we highly recommend our vulcanized rubber products as they are completely waterproof.

How the Product is Made

Further, it depends on the product. Many rubber flooring products are made with vulcanized rubber, which makes rubber products less susceptible to expansion and contraction. If the product has a strong seal against moisture, then rubber flooring expansion is less likely to occur. Many of Greatmats' rubber flooring products are designed and manufactured to limit the amount of expansion and contraction that occurs. Most customers report back that their rubber gym flooring or other rubber floor did not in fact expand upon installation.

Exposure to the Elements

Even products with the strongest rubber flooring expansion prevention may be affected by extreme exposure to the elements. High temperatures, freezing temperatures, and direct exposure to sunlight will increase the likelihood of rubber floor mat expansion or contraction.

Does rubber expand in heat?

Steps to Take to Ensure a Successful Installation

Maintain a Stable Climate

The best way to prevent expansion or contraction of rubber flooring is to keep the temperate stable where the flooring is installed. Greatmats highly recommends that rubber flooring be kept indoors in stable climates.

Acclimatize Product Before Installation

While many products will not typically expand and contract in a steady, mild climate, it is still important to acclimatize rubber gym flooring or other types of flooring before proceeding with installation. In addition to possible climate changes experienced by the rubber flooring, the manufacturing and shipping process often streches rubber product, particularly rubber rolls and sheets. Thus, one must let rubber flooring relax into its natural shape over a period of 12 - 48 hours. Doing so at a steady temperature of 70 F - 75 F will help support the rubber to take its natural shape.

Leave Some Wiggle Room

When installing rubber flooring, it may be helpful to leave a 1/2 inch gap between the edge of the rubber flooring and the wall. This acts as a wiggle room buffer just in case expansion does in fact occur. Also, if installing rubber gym flooring tiles or more than one mat, it is key to install them all with the same side down unless stated otherwise in your product description.

Get All of Your Questions Answered

If rubber flooring expansion or contraction is a concern in your space, or you just want more information on the options when purchasing rubber flooring, let the flooring experts at Greatmats.com help lead the way. Over the course of their nearly 20 years in business, they have seen it all. The friendly and knowledgeable team is at the ready to talk you through your concerns and assist you in finding a product that suits your needs perfectly.