When it comes to basement floor treatments, there is a dire need to go with choices that are heavy-duty, resilient and most importantly, capable of withstanding moisture damage. And among the few floorings that tick all boxes, rubber flooring is the ultimate best choice, offering both performance and durability. Plus, it won’t disappoint you in terms of aesthetics either.
However, choosing rubber flooring for basements requires some level of thought and plenty of research as well, so as to reap maximum benefits. Parquet Texture Dubai is at your service with an all-inclusive guide on said undertaking. With this precise info, you will be landing on the most perfect and well-suited rubberized floorings for your basements.
Everything To Consider When Choosing Rubber Flooring For Basements
Following is a range of factors that you need to evaluate when treating your basement floors with rubber flooring Dubai. This way, you will be able to decide on a version that provides well for your everyday as well as occasional requirements.
1- Consider Area Utilization
- How you use or plan on using your basement has a lot to do with the type of flooring required for it.
- This also goes in terms of the usage extent of the area, i.e. whether it’s going to be a busy space with lots of foot traffic and impact or not.
- One common example in this regard is that you will need thicker rubber flooring sheets if you wish to create a gym in your basement.
- Choosing a dedicated gym or sports-grade rubber flooring (30 mm to 40 mm thick) is particularly necessary in the case of high-impact workouts.
- On the other hand, if your basement does not receive any intense or extensive foot fall/activity, you can opt for basic options like rubber floor mats that are 8 to 10 mm thick. Besides, you may also not need to cover the entire floor in such cases.
2- Prioritize Comfort Levels
- Though basements are seldomly used, they should be comfortable enough to be able to provide accommodation whenever needed.
- Not to mention that having a functional and cozy basement will also prove helpful in extending storage space in the house. If you do relate with this aspect, it’s important that you choose rubber flooring versions that are soft and warm underfoot.
- Natural rubber floorings are the most comfortable ones and you can also enhance their cushioning with the use of right underlayments, such as those made of fabric, foam or cork. This idea also proves beneficial when installing rubber gym floorings.
- Other than sheet rubber flooring, low-density and thick rubber mats and tiles are also good options to try out. Choose thickness between ⅜’’ and ½’’ and your basements will stay well-insulated, leading to lesser energy expenses.
- Such floorings will provide shock absorption and traction too, factors that prevent injuries and fatigue and also ensure floor protection in case of accidents, e.g. stuff falling.
3- Contemplate Moisture Conditions
- Another greatly crucial factor to take care of is the existing condition as well as occasional challenges of your basement spaces, most important of which is moisture problems.
- If your basements are also prone to groundwater problems or moisture damage in some other form, you should go with versions that are non-porous and water-resistant or at best, waterproof.
- As for the material, prioritize vulcanized rubber; it resists water the best and is also not likely to get subjected to mold or mildew growth. Moreover, there will be no odors.
- Besides, it is recommended to use high-end vapor barriers as well as dedicated underlayments, preferably closed-cell ones, to prevent moisture buildup. These essentials also stop moisture damage from extending and reaching other rooms.
- Vulcanized rubber mats, tiles and sheets also stay tough against drastic temperature fluctuations, making them a great fit for every residential and commercial basement.
4- Think About Types
- Choosing the right format type of rubber flooring is equally important. The three main options you get are tiles, mats and rolls or sheets.
- Starting with rubber tiles, they are quite easy to deal with (install and remove), especially interlocking styles. Also, you can get different shape and size options to create your preferred patterns. The color and design variety is adequately versatile too. But, they should not be used in exceedingly moisture prone basements because of their seams.
- Rubber rolls or sheets create a floating floor system and make an excellent choice if you need to cover your entire basement’s floor. They generate a seamless surface and are the best choice for basements with high moisture and/or humidity levels.
- Lastly, we have rubber floor mats which are relatively smaller in size and primarily designed for individual usage. They are the right choice if you need to cover your floors partially (specific areas only). Also, they make a good temporary floor covering.
- If you have kids and pets, and/or you need to perform any high-impact workouts in your basement or maybe any other heavy-duty activity, it is advised to choose recycled or plyometric rubber flooring. Both these options offer incredible cushioning and are durable and eco-friendly too.
5- Mull Over Maintenance
- Accurate and timely upkeep are essential to benefit from every kind of floor treatment and rubber floorings aren’t an exception.
- With that said, a greatly important part of rubber flooring purchase is to gain complete info about all its maintenance needs and procedures, so as to keep up with them.
- Though most rubber flooring types are easy to care for, it is a good idea to strive to get those that have high stain-resistance. Try choosing manufacturers that offer floorings with stain-resistant and chemical-resistant topcoats, sealants and treatments.
- A few foolproof options in this regard are EPDM and vulcanized rubber floorings. Moreover, opt for high-density versions; more density means more toughness against buildups or stains, because there are no or very little pores for debris to accumulate.
- In addition, you can consider getting rubber tiles or sheets in darker colors. They will hide stains and marks better and continue giving off a presentable look.
Some More Aspects To Bear In Mind While Buying Rubber Floorings For Basement
This bonus advice will make your basement rubber floors last long and function optimally, ensuring a good worth for your money.
- Avoid DIY Fittings: Getting professional installation services for rubber flooring, no matter the type, can guarantee years of hassle-free usage for you. Even if this makes the project costly upfront, the convenience you will get will justify the expenses. Expert work also involves proper subfloor treatment, which is crucial for flooring longevity.
- Have Proper Ventilation: Some rubber floorings can emit a strong odor right after installation, so arranging enough ventilation is important. Even if the one you get does not have any smell, good ventilation will prove beneficial in maintaining a healthy and pleasant air quality and prevent congestion or chances of mold growth after cleaning.
- Make Eco-friendly Choices: Look for green, eco-friendly and/or sustainability certifications when choosing rubber floorings. Such options are not just good for the environment but are also favorable for health, particularly if you have kids or anyone with allergies in the family.
- Ensure Regular Upkeep: Keeping your rubber floorings clean will not just prolong their life but also ensure the fact that your indoor air quality does not get compromised. Try cleaning spills right away, as any delay will simply worsen the damage. Use mats at entrance points to stop debris transfer. Use mild and rubber-specific cleaning products.
- Get Attractive Styles: Your basement floors don’t have to be boring or bland, so do look for appealing color options when choosing rubber floorings. You can also find many decent print options or get design customizations. Doing so will help create a space that’s agreeable to be in and also adds to the overall curb appeal and value of your property.
Final Thoughts
Rubber flooring is, by far, the most befitting treatment for basement floors, thanks to its incredible resilience against every other damaging factor. Having our meticulous guide at the ready will make the correct rubber flooring selection a literal breeze for you and you can enjoy peace of mind at every stage of your basement flooring project. And certainly in the long run as well. From everything to take into account to post-installation care, we have talked about every aspect to make your floor upgrades successful and beneficial. In the end, we strongly hope that you find the entirety of this info to be efficacious.
