Hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers can see heavy foot traffic 24/7. Besides heavy foot traffic, patients can be rolled on stretchers, wheelchairs, and hospital beds at any given time. Flooring for hospitals is very important, not only in terms of functionality but also for ease of cleaning and aesthetics.
Hospitals can be huge complex structures; one has to consider durability and install flooring that will last several decades. Installing flooring every few years could cause a great deal of inconvenience to both staff and patients.
Thankfully, today, there are at least half a dozen types of flooring that would be suitable for healthcare institutions. Chief among these is one that has been rapidly gaining popularity and it is a rubber flooring hospital.
Rubber flooring is not new at all and it is widely used in many businesses, including hospitals, gyms, spas, exercise rooms, field houses, and weight rooms. Now, rubber flooring for medical centers is gaining traction as well as used in hospitals and clinics. As experience with rubber flooring increases, it is becoming evident that perhaps this is the best flooring for hospitals for many good reasons.
Benefits of Rubber Flooring
Durability:
One of the best features of rubber flooring is its durability. Rubber flooring in hospitals can withstand significant foot traffic, including wheeled traffic (e.g., stretchers, wheelchairs, hospital beds). Rubber flooring is quite tough and will not form cracks. Only with heavy equipment can rubber flooring show some compression or dents, but this will quickly reverse back to normal when the load is off because the rubber has excellent resilience.
Stretchability:
The natural stretch of rubber is what makes these floors so durable and resilient. Rubber flooring in hospitals can easily absorb all types of impacts, which is the reason why it is popular in weight rooms and gymnasiums as well. The ability to absorb impacts also makes rubber flooring in hospitals an excellent option because people are constantly on their feet.
Longevity:
If rubber flooring for medical centers is well maintained, it can easily last several decades with no major issues.
Water-resistant:
In a hospital environment where spillage of food and other liquids are common, if the wrong flooring is installed, it could be ruined in no time. Thankfully, rubber flooring is very water-resistant and will not rot even if the spill is not immediately cleaned up. Even in a hot and humid environment, rubber flooring will not be adversely affected.
Patient-friendly:
Another great advantage of rubber flooring, compared to many other floorings, is that it is not hard like marble, tile, hardwood, or stone. Rubber flooring tends to provide more cushion and softness compared to other floorings; therefore, if a patient were to fall, the rubber flooring can help cushion the impact somewhat and hopefully reduce or prevent any injury. The cushioning effect of rubber flooring in hospitals can also help reduce stress, injuries, and fatigue on legs and feet.
Easy to clean:
Rubber flooring is relatively easy to clean. Rubber flooring for medical centers can be mopped with water and a mild soap to maintain cleanliness and aesthetics. It is important not to use any chemicals to clean rubber flooring as this can destroy the material. All spills should be mopped up as soon as possible to protect the flooring.
Slip-resistant:
Many patients in hospitals have difficulty walking and it is essential to have slip-resistant floors. The latest rubber flooring has small grooves or treads which help make it slip-resistant. This is the key reason why rubber flooring is used in sports arenas, gyms, and exercise rooms. The high slip resistance may also be a great option for nursing homes.
Ecofriendly:
Unlike most other flooring materials, rubber is naturally occurring. The sap is extracted from the rubber tree in a way that does not harm the growth potential of the tree, plus rubber can be recycled and has many other uses. Recycled rubber flooring is often cut into small pieces and used to pad playgrounds for children as well as create new products.
Soundproof quality:
Rubber has excellent soundproofing qualities and is very desirable for a hospital environment, where privacy is of utmost importance. When patients walk on the flooring or are transported on a stretcher, rubber flooring won’t create extra noise.
No shrinkage:
When rubber flooring is installed, it will maintain its original dimensions for years. Shrinkage is very rare with rubber flooring.
Stain-resistant:
In the hospital, spillage of fluids, food, and other dirt is very common, and this can easily ruin some types of flooring. This is where rubber flooring shines again as it is both water- and stain-resistant.
Hypoallergenic:
Rubber is also hypoallergenic and resists the growth of germs or bacteria. The composition of rubber makes it resistant to mold, fungus, and other organisms; this is ideal in a hospital environment where there are many people with asthma and all types of allergies.
Scratch-resistant:
Rubber is very tough and even when heavy objects are dropped on it, it will not scratch or develop scuff marks, which is ideal for a hospital environment.
Color uniformity:
Another great feature of rubber is that it is uniform in color. Fading is very rare with rubber flooring, and it will maintain its aesthetic appeal for many years.
Versatile:
Rubber flooring is so versatile that it can be installed almost everywhere in the hospital, including the entrance, hallways, patient rooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, rehabilitation unit where patients exercise, and the kitchen.
Free of chemicals:
Another positive of rubber flooring is that it is free of plastic polymers and other chemicals. The flooring is made from naturally occurring rubber and is considered to be very safe for use in a hospital environment.
Many styles:
Rubber is versatile in terms of its colors, styles, texture, thicknesses, and designs. Rubber flooring is available as tiles or sheets, which can be plain or patterned, and it is available in many colors so it matches the decor of the hospital.
Conclusion
Rubber flooring hospital has many advantages compared to other flooring materials. It is a versatile flooring material that can be installed in most places in the hospital and rubber flooring for medical centers is also quite popular.
Installation is relatively easy, and it is durable. If you are considering flooring for your clinic or hospital, consult with an East Coast Flooring & Interiors representative at 1-954-626-8053 or 1-954-266-0789 to learn more about your options with rubber flooring.