Neoprene, also known as chloroprene in scientific terms, has a myriad of physical, chemical and mechanical properties that suit it for numerous applications. The shock-absorbent trait of neoprene is one property that is regularly utilized in the form of rubber elastomer pads wherever vibration insulation and sound isolation are necessary, namely for floating floor construction. Neoprene rubber pads are commonly used in floating floors and are a tried, tested, and true material for its shock absorption and durability. A rubber liner is actually a common item in various commercial or industrial settings.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
Recycled Rubber – 60A
Recycled Rubber – 60A
- Made in the USA
- Available in several different speckled color options
- Easily cleaned with common household soaps
- Provides better insulation against cold and damp surfaces
- Can be installed with either adhesive glue or double-sided tape
- Available for custom fabrication according to specific requirements
Durable Protective Rubber: Another important benefit of having recycled rubber sheets is that they are very durable. This is thanks to the recycled tire material used to make the product. Vehicle tires are a hard rubber product because they are expected to function in a variety of extremely abrasive conditions. This recycled rubber roll can be used for any application that is physically demanding. It can handle the repeated physical stresses of both heavy foot traffic and solid machinery. It is hard to beat this quality level of durability.
Good for Outdoor Use: These tough and reliable recycled rubber sheets can be used in outdoor applications without them suffering any environmental damage. The reason for this is actually twofold. First, the recycled rubber material, being made mostly from vehicle tires, exhibits strength against UV rays, ozone, and moisture. Vehicle tires are expected to function in various environmental conditions and this trait is passed on to these protective rubber sheets. Secondly, these rubber rolls contain a bit of EPDM material in their composition. EPDM further enhances their longevity against UV rays. Feel free to place them in the outdoors.
A floating floor is a type of floor installation method that is applied when sound isolation and vibration insulation are desired or necessary. The floor is constructed over an existing subfloor (usually concrete) and is designed to stand alone without making contact with a room’s walls or the structural base of the building. People usually use some kind of rubber padding for this task. Out of all the existing elastomers that can make a rubber pad, rubber is perhaps the best. Neoprene rubber pads are highly recommended for this section of the project. Using this rubber elastomer pads can greatly reduce the resonance resulting from any impacts or vibrating sources. The design of the floating floor itself is meant to dissipate vibrations and deaden sound. Rubber elastomer pads help reduce noise and vibrations even further. Here is a quick and basic run-down of the process:
- Rubber pads are positioned on the subfloor, spaced evenly in rows throughout. This is an important part of the project that demands the use of a durable but elastic material. Rubber elastomer pads are perfect for this section.
- Wood battens, which are large strips of wood, are laid across the rows of neoprene rubber pads in one direction and screwed into each rubber liner.
- A second layer of wood battens is then laid perpendicularly across the initial layer of battens, positioned in the gaps between each of the rubber elastomer pads and screwed into the first layer of wood.
- A third layer of wood battens is once again laid and screwed parallel to the first layer but is placed in the gaps between each pad. Neoprene blocks of rubber are basically covered in a grid, or weave, of wood battens when this is accomplished.
- Insulation may or may not be placed in the spaces between the neoprene rubber pads depending on preference.
- Once the grid of battens is in place, two layers of plywood are placed atop the battens.
- Finally, the surface layer of laminate, oak or another preferred wood material is placed over the layers of plywood.
Nitrile – Commercial Grade Black – 60A
Nitrile – Commercial Grade Black – 60A
- Able to resist ozone, making it good for outdoor use
- Our nitrile rubber sheets have a smooth finish
- Can operate in temperatures between -20° F and 170° F
- Our NBR material is available in custom gauges of up to 2” thick and 72” long
Flexible Rubber: Our Buna-N sheet has a durometer rating of 55-65. It is a medium grade rating that means the elastomer features more flexibility and elasticity than 70 durometer rubbers. It is not the hardest rubber around, but it does have decent resistance to abrasions. However, its flexibility allows it to be better used as seals, gaskets, and bumpers for a large number of different commercial and industrial applications.
Blended Material: Our nitrile rubber is actually a blend that contains amounts of neoprene and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) in addition to the nitrile. Thanks to the blended materials in this oil-resistant rubber, it brings a good level of all-round resistance to oils and chemicals, which only enhances the considerable strength of nitrile’s resistance to oil. The SBR rubber brings an added level of abrasion resistance and weathering resistance.
The neoprene rubber pads and the multiple layers of wood are meant to absorb shocks and vibrations in the skeleton of its construction. For a pad, rubber material is very well suited to handling physical impacts. It is a fairly elastic material when compared to other types of elastomers. Rubber elastomer pads also exhibit enough durability to make it able to resist severe physical indentation. The benefits of this feature are obvious when using them as a floor covering for a floating floor project. Existing flooring can be sensitive, especially if it is made of wood, laminate, or tile. Rubber elastomer pads are the perfect solution to safeguard the integrity of your existing flooring area.
Noise insulation is another sought after trait of a rubber liner. Rubber liner material is commonly used in power transformers because they are able to insulate the sound they give off. Rubber in general has great sound dampening and insulation qualities, but neoprene rubber pads are very good at this task.
As opposed to other elastomers, rubber elastomer pads are suited for this application due to its resistance to chemicals like oil and grease and cost effectiveness. The elastomer does not age or degrade quickly and maintains its flexibility and resilience over a range of temperatures. If you’re ever interested in a floating floor and are choosing a sound-isolating pad, neoprene is the prime rubber for the occasion!
