What is rubber paving slabs (made of rubber crumb): pros and cons, how to lay, characteristics

Made from rubber crumb, rubber paving slabs are a creative and getting more and more popular option for a variety of outdoor surfaces. These tire-recycled slabs provide a versatile and environmentally responsible substitute for conventional paving materials. Their distinct qualities render them appropriate for an extensive array of uses, encompassing driveways, pool surrounds, and walkways and playgrounds.

The longevity of rubber paving slabs is one of its primary benefits. Rubber resists chipping and cracking better than concrete, which makes it perfect for locations exposed to harsh weather or high foot traffic. Rubber slabs are also non-slip, making them a safer surface for adults and kids alike, particularly in damp weather.

They have a lot of advantages, but there are some disadvantages as well. Rubber paving slabs can cost more than more conventional materials, and prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause the color to fade over time. These early worries are frequently outweighed by the long-term advantages, though, because the slabs last longer and require less upkeep.

Rubber paving slab installation is a reasonably simple task that can be completed by homeowners with some basic do-it-yourself knowledge. Before installing the slabs, the ground must be prepared and a suitable base laid. When slabs are installed correctly, they stay safe and stable and provide a durable, beautiful surface.

In general, rubber paving slabs are a flexible and environmentally friendly choice for a range of outdoor projects. Their blend of robustness, longevity, and simplicity of installation renders them a compelling option for individuals seeking to improve their outdoor areas while simultaneously taking the ecosystem’s influence into account. Rubber paving slabs provide a useful solution with many advantages, whether you’re looking to update a playground or build a safe pathway.

Topic	Details
What are rubber paving slabs?	Rubber paving slabs are made from recycled rubber crumbs. They are flexible, durable, and come in various colors and patterns.
Pros	They are slip-resistant, easy to install, environmentally friendly, and comfortable to walk on.
Cons	They can be more expensive than traditional paving materials and might require special cleaning methods.
How to lay	Prepare the surface, lay a base layer of gravel or sand, place the slabs, and secure them with adhesive if needed.
Characteristics	Rubber paving slabs are weather-resistant, noise-reducing, and have a long lifespan.

Composition and production

Rubber crumb from recycled automobile tires is used to create the paving slab. There should be no more than 3 mm of crumb fraction. At least 90% of the final product contains it. The meticulously ground crumb is mixed with flame-retardant dyes and a unique polyurethane adhesive.

The most common manufacturing techniques for this kind of tile are vibration pressing and vibration casting. Both hot and cold processing techniques can be applied to raw materials. In order to produce tiles with the necessary size and texture, various mold types are used in the process.

Depending on the manufacturing process, the tile’s thickness can vary from 1 to 8 cm. The most often produced slab dimensions are 350 x 350 mm, 500 x 500 mm, and 1000 x 1000 mm; however, additional sizes can be ordered.

Technical characteristics

This construction material stands out due to its low hygroscopicity, or its inability to absorb moisture. It works in the following temperature range: -45 °C to +60 °C.

The tile can support large loads and is good at absorbing noise. Rubber tiles are wear resistance class K5, and they are part of the abrasion group P. This material has a conditional strength of 4.2–4.7 MPa.

Compression stress has relaxed to a degree of 40–48%. 1.83-2.95 MPa is the compression resistance index. Rubber paving slabs have a density of 900–1100 kg/m3. When the coating is dry, its coefficient of slip is 0.58, and when it is wet, it is 0.47.

The material exhibits a high level of resistance to chemicals. The slab maintains its aesthetic and functional properties even after coming into extended contact with gasoline and machine oil. Furthermore, it is resistant to brief exposure to acids and alkalis.

• concrete;
• stone;
• wood;
• asphalt.

Since the rubber plate doesn’t release any toxic fumes, it can be used both indoors and outdoors to cover surfaces. The coating has a ten-year service life.

Compliance with GOST requirements

Recycled rubber plates that don’t compromise technology are secure and meet GOST regulations.

Pros and cons

Rubber flooring offers numerous benefits when compared to alternative coating types. Tiles come in a variety of sizes and colors. There is also a substance that has an embossed, smooth surface. Rubber tiles can be used in a wide range of applications because of this. The final coating has a lot of decorative elements.

There is an anti-slip effect to this material. This lowers the possibility of getting hurt in a fall, even when it’s raining. Because it doesn’t release any dangerous materials, the tile is safe for both people and animals.

The coating requires minimal maintenance. It is easy to wash with water and detergents.

The coating can absorb sounds and has a shock-absorbing effect. Since it doesn’t absorb moisture, it dries fast after washing and precipitation. Large temperature variations won’t cause rubber tiles to break or distort. UV radiation can’t penetrate the surface. It maintains its aesthetic appeal and does not fade.

The tile doesn’t need any particular storage or transit circumstances. This coating is easy to install and doesn’t require any specialized knowledge. Because the tile is pliable and soft, there is little chance of chipping or mechanical damage. You can later disassemble and arrange the material somewhere else. The coating offers strength, resistance to wear, and an extended service life.

Rubber tiles’ significant fire risk is their primary drawback. A cigarette butt or other hot object that falls unintentionally onto the coating won’t start a fire, but it could ignite after coming into extended contact with an open flame.

As this coating burns, a significant amount of heat and toxic smoke are released. The high price of this tile is another drawback. The cost per square meter falls between 700 and 2500 rubles.

Scope

It is advised to lay rubber paving slabs when building playgrounds and sports areas because it is less painful to fall on such a springy surface. Since the coating doesn’t release any harmful substances, it can be used to decorate the area around kindergartens and schools.

Park areas and garden paths can be made with this material. These tiles are also frequently used to adorn stairs. Due to its ease of cleaning, it can be used to adorn spaces close to medical facilities, retail establishments, and other public areas.

Rubber tiles have a high moisture resistance, making them suitable for use as flooring in areas close to swimming pools and natural reservoirs. This coating can be used in the layout of agricultural facilities, including livestock farms, due to the material’s chemical resistance. Industrial workshop floors are a good fit for it.

This coating can also be used to decorate gym floors because it is non-slip. It is advised to use rubber paving stones when designing parking lots, garage and workshop floors, and neighborhood spaces.

Features of installation

Rubber tile installation can be done on a solid base or on loose tiles. The application of the coating both indoors and outdoors involves several subtleties. Indoor coating formation requires a smooth base surface. A difference of no more than one millimeter is allowed.

A 2° slope must be created before laying tiles in an open space. This will enhance surface water drainage. Furthermore, only dry weather is suitable for applying the coating to the street. Make sure the coating is intact when installing tiles in exposed areas to prevent moisture and snow from seeping in.

It is essential to prepare the base well before laying. There are various techniques for installing tiles. While some tile types are attached with metal or plastic pins, others feature locking connections that make installation easier. Furthermore, this coating can be attached using an adhesive substance.

Preparation

It is recommended to install rubber tiles at a temperature between +15 and +20 °C, with an air humidity of 70%. It is imperative that you promptly gather the required instruments and supplies, as follows:

• container for glue;
• notched trowel;
• tape measure;
• building level;
• ruler;
• chalk;
• foam sponge;
• construction knife;
• soap solution;
• rule;
• polyurethane glue;
• crushed stone;
• geotextile;
• sand;
• cement, etc.d.

DIY tiling needs to be completed on a base that has been prepared. If installation is going to happen on asphalt, concrete, or another hard surface, it needs to be thoroughly examined to find any cracks or failures. These flaws need to be fixed.

The surface should be leveled if required. More extensive preparation is needed when installing tiles on a soil base.

Rubber paving slabs are an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and flexible substitute for conventional paving materials. They are manufactured from recycled rubber crumb. These slabs are perfect for patios, walkways, and playgrounds because they have great shock absorption and slip resistance. They have certain drawbacks, such as possible color fading and a higher initial cost, but they are also simple to install and maintain. In order to assist you in determining whether rubber paving slabs are the best option for your upcoming project, this article will examine the benefits and drawbacks of the material, provide a detailed installation tutorial, and highlight its salient features.

Laying tiles on the ground

Rubber tiles are typically placed on the ground in open spaces. This method requires removing the soil layer and creating a sand cushion or substrate. Precisely leveling and compacting the base is crucial when placing the covering on the ground. The kind of soil determines the preparation technique.

Sand will effectively drain moisture, so removing a thick layer of soil is not necessary. Forming a drainage base requires removing at least 20 cm of the top layer if the soil contains clay. Installation cannot be completed until the base has been meticulously prepared.

Removing the top layer of soil

The base must be properly prepared for the coating to last for a long time. Removing the top soil layer is the installation step that requires the greatest amount of labor. You should mark out the area where the installation will be done before you begin. The next step is to pull the weeds.

The thickness of the tile, which can vary from 10 to 80 mm, and the characteristics of the base are taken into consideration when determining the depth of soil excavation. In clay soil preparation, a 70–100 mm-tall crushed stone base is created. It is advised that the sand substrate be between 50 and 70 mm thick.

Installing thicker tiles is advised when applying a coating to areas that will be subjected to heavy loads, such as areas where a car is parked. A thinner coating can be applied to garden paths for decoration. The calculations are finished, and then the site’s soil is dug up. Making sure the bottom is as level as possible is essential.

Laying on the ground with a backing

Thoroughly compacting the soil base is required prior to forming the backing. On it is placed geotextile. The next step is to apply a 7–20 cm thick layer of crushed stone. It is gently pressed down. There is another geotextile layer laid.

Following this, the site’s perimeter is lined with rubber curbs. This will delineate the boundaries of the area where the coating will be applied and stop the backing from dispersing.

A dry mixture of cement and sand in a 3:1 ratio makes up the final layer. Such a substrate ought to be at least 5-7 cm thick. You can then begin the installation process. It is best to lay in rows. A level should be used to verify that the tiles are level.

A rubber hammer should be used to adjust the coating if needed. The coating’s individual components are joined to one another using a lock or unique bushings. There are fragments of material everywhere you look between the coating and the curbs.

Sand needs to be carefully sprinkled onto the surface, making sure that it gets into all of the cracks. The coating is finally compacted.

Laying on sand

The coating is applied on sand to enhance its shock-absorbing capabilities. The soil base needs to be carefully compacted in this situation. Curbs are installed and the bottom covered with geotextile. A cushion of sand is created after that. At least 5 to 7 cm should be its thickness. It is important to level and compact this layer completely. The center of the space where the covering will be placed must be measured.

From the center outward, the tiles are then laid. A lock or unique pins are used to connect the various components to one another. Make sure every row is level with a building level. Sand fills in the remaining gaps. Water from a hose should be used to wash the completed surface.

Rubber paving slabs are an eco-friendly and adaptable substitute for conventional paving materials, as they are made from recycled rubber crumb. For playgrounds, sports fields, and walkways, they offer a softer, safer surface. Their shock-absorbing capabilities and flexibility lower the chance of injuries, which is especially advantageous in places that athletes and kids frequent.

These slabs withstand a wide range of environmental conditions without chipping or fading because they are extremely resilient and weather-resistant. In addition, they require less maintenance than surfaces made of concrete or asphalt. Furthermore, the installation procedure is simple, making do-it-yourself projects manageable with the appropriate planning and equipment.

There are some disadvantages to rubber paving slabs despite their benefits. When considering upfront costs, they may be more costly than conventional materials. They might also sustain some wear and tear over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Furthermore, there might not be as many color options as there are, which could limit design options for some projects.

Rubber paving slabs are generally a sensible option for a variety of outdoor surfaces. They are a serious competitor in the paving market because of their robust construction, longevity, and simplicity of installation. Rubber paving slabs offer a dependable option to think about, whether you’re trying to build a sturdy sports surface, a cozy walking path, or a secure play area.

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