Rubber mats are versatile floor coverings used for protection, cushioning, and traction. Safety mats add friction to prevent slipping, while athletic mats absorb weight and shock. Rubber mats are also common in commercial kitchens due to their durability and ease of cleaning.
Rubber mats are flat indoor or outdoor floor coverings that can serve several purposes, but are mostly used to protect flooring, cushion sports flooring, or add traction to potentially slippery areas. Rubber refers to synthetic rubber, first produced by Germany in World War I. This durable material has the elastic quality that it can take stress without permanent deformation, making it ideal for use in a mat.
Safety rubber mats usually refer to mats meant to add traction to areas that may skid, such as a ramp, bathtub, or steps that are exposed to ice or rain. These mats generally have raised parts or ribs to add friction and therefore reduce the chances of slipping when walked on. Water or snow acts like a lubricant on the floor which can cause slipping. When walking on a surface with a thin layer of water, the tread allows the displaced water to escape through the indentations so the raised parts can cause friction and rub against the shoe. These mats are often made with a softer rubber to increase adhesion with shoes or other items that may be placed on the mat. They are especially common in warehouses and industrial buildings where slipping is particularly dangerous.
Rubber athletic mats are used to absorb weight and shock, both to deaden sound and promote joint health. A rubber mat is useful in a weight room where heavy weights are dropped, to protect the floor and prevent vibration and noise from heavy metal. In a gym used for activities such as gymnastics or wrestling, the elastic properties of the rubber mat cushion falls, prevent joint damage from constant jumping, and protect against slipping. Rubber yoga mats are also used for traction and bearing joints during practice. Ice rinks often have rubber mats on the outside of the rink to protect the floor.
Commercial kitchens are also often equipped with rubber mats in front of food prep stations and sinks. These mats cushion workers’ feet, helping to relieve fatigue. Kitchens are also high-risk areas for spills, and a mat can help drain spills and add traction to the floor surface. These mats usually have holes for water to drain to the floor underneath where it won’t slide off, and are made of highly durable, mildew-resistant rubber. The mats can be made to withstand high temperatures when used near a stove or low temperatures when used in a freezer.
People often choose to use rubber floor mats over other types because they are easier to clean and more durable. A rubber mat, unlike a fabric mat, can be washed out and doesn’t need to dry before being reused. Chances are the mats can simply be shaken clean, and for this reason they are commonly used on car floors. Chain restaurants often use a rubber mat instead of a fabric logo mat for traction in their entryways because they’re so easy to clean and so much more durable. The rubber mats can also be printed with a logo.
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