Rubber flooring is indispensable in private and commercial gyms. It makes training safer and more comfortable, as it protects the joints and the equipment. It is also worth noting that the fitness floor serves as a floor protection, because it protects the surface from cracks and damage. In addition, flame-retardant rubber floors meet the strict requirements for a gym in some German-speaking regions. But what to look for when buying these floors in general? Here are the answers.
The most important purchase criteria when buying rubber mats
A rubber floor for a fitness center should be carefully selected to ensure lasting enthusiasm. Basically, you should pay attention to a sufficient density, which should be at least 900 to 1,100 kg/m³. Otherwise, the floor will have to be replaced after a short time. Another criterion is the thickness. For equipment surfaces, cardio areas and functional fitness, a thickness of 6 to 10 mm is sufficient for rubber mats. For cross-training, exercises with heavy weights or intensive training sessions with the user's own body weight, the mats should be even thicker. For dumbbell zones, where heavy weights regularly fall down, a thickness of 20 mm or more is even required for rubber mats. In addition, it is possible to choose between rubber mats on a roll, puzzle mats and rubber sheets. The installation of Puzzle Mats, Rubber Sheets and Rubber Floors on Rolls is not complicated and can be done by yourself with a little manual skill.
Also thought about fire protection?
A floor that is flame retardant is always a good choice. For example, in the online store Bodenschutzmatten.store these are offered. With them, the user thinks a bit further, because these mats guarantee an increased level of safety. It is also worth noting that the flame-retardant floor covering is also approved for object areas, trade fairs and commercial premises, for which the legislator sometimes prescribes such a floor. Note: In some parts of Austria, flame-retardant rubber flooring is mandatory in fitness studios for optimized fire protection. If you want to be on the safe side, you should use such a high-performance floor covering, regardless of its location. According to DIN EN 13501-1 classification, it complies with fire behavior Cfl-s1. This means that it is a flame-retardant floor covering with a low smoke emission.
These are the advantages of floor coverings made of rubber granulate
- cheaper than floor coverings made of new rubber or comparable materials
- extremely slip resistant
- dampens sound and thus reduces background noise
- extremely hard-wearing and durable
- easy to clean and requires almost no maintenance
- excellent protection against mechanical stress
- available in a flame retardant version
Don't save at the wrong end with rubber flooring
It is strongly advised to pay attention to good quality rubber flooring. Otherwise, the flooring will turn out to be a cost trap. Suppliers of inexpensive products offer mats without grade-specific granules and with an inexpensive PU adhesive, as a result of which after just a few months the mats are badly torn or at least rubbed off. Quality controls are also not carried out on these items. High-performance floors of excellent quality are accompanied by increased purchase prices, but their durability allows you to save money in the long term. If the fitness floor is chosen skillfully with the help of tips, it can be enjoyed for a long time.
Published on: 27 July 2017