Sealed vs Unsealed Rubber Flooring: What Should You Specify?

What is the difference between sealed and unsealed rubber flooring?

REGUPOL everroll is naturally porous to an extent. When the flooring is left unsealed, dirt, sweat and other contaminants can work into the surface over time. This does not prevent the flooring from being cleaned, but it means that the cleaning and maintenance regime needs to account for the characteristics of the unsealed surface.

A penetrating sealer works by closing these surface pores, creating a surface that is easier to maintain through routine cleaning.
REGUPOL PUR 21-306 is a water-based polyurethane sealer specifically developed for REGUPOL everroll rubber flooring. It is applied as a two-coat system and produces a matt finish.

Is sealed rubber flooring easier to clean?

Yes. Sealing REGUPOL rubber flooring can make routine cleaning significantly easier by reducing the amount of dirt and contaminants that can penetrate the surface.

Unsealed REGUPOL flooring requires a more intensive maintenance regime. Because of the porosity of the surface, dirt and contaminants can become embedded and periodic cleaning may require mechanical cleaning equipment such as a rotary scrubbing machine.

Sealing closes the surface pores and reduces this ingress. Routine maintenance can therefore be simpler, with regular mopping generally able to play a much greater role in maintaining the floor.

This can be particularly important in facilities where flooring is exposed to sweat, dirt and frequent foot traffic, such as gyms and fitness facilities.

What about hygiene?
Cleaning and hygiene are closely related considerations.
Where sweat, dirt and other contaminants are regularly introduced to the floor, reducing their ability to enter the surface can make it easier to maintain an appropriate cleaning regime.

Does sealing rubber flooring affect slip resistance?

Yes. Applying a sealer can reduce the slip resistance of REGUPOL rubber flooring; however, where a higher slip-resistance classification is required, an additive can be incorporated into the sealer to help achieve the required rating. 

According to ABS West’s technical experience, unsealed REGUPOL everroll classic can achieve a P5 slip-resistance classification, while applying the standard sealer can result in a P4 classification.

Where a sealed floor needs to achieve P5, a silica bead additive can be incorporated into the sealer to increase the slip resistance of the finished surface. This means that the choice does not necessarily have to be between easy maintenance or higher slip resistance. The sealing system can potentially be adapted to meet the requirements of the application.

Slip resistance is just one part of the flooring specification. Before making a final decision, speak with an ABS West product expert to review the requirements of your specific application and ensure the flooring and sealing system are appropriately specified.

When should you consider sealing REGUPOL rubber flooring?

A sealed finish may be worth considering where ease of cleaning and maintenance is a high priority, particularly in facilities exposed to frequent foot traffic, sweat or dirt.

It may be particularly relevant where:

• routine cleaning needs to be straightforward;
• hygiene and ease of maintenance are important;
• the floor is likely to receive regular exposure to moisture and contaminants;
• access to specialist rotary cleaning equipment is limited;
• P4 slip resistance meets the project’s requirements; or
• a higher slip-resistance requirement can be achieved using the appropriate additive.

When should you consider sealing REGUPOL rubber flooring?

Leaving REGUPOL flooring unsealed may be preferable where the natural appearance and characteristics of the rubber surface are priorities and the facility can accommodate the appropriate cleaning regime.

For example, an unsealed finish may be considered where:
• the natural appearance of the rubber is preferred;
• retaining the intensity of coloured EPDM granules is important;
• minimising the visual prominence of joins is desirable;
• the required slip resistance is already achieved by the unsealed flooring; and
• appropriate equipment and procedures are available for maintaining an unsealed rubber floor.

What should you consider before choosing sealed or unsealed rubber flooring?

Before making the decision, consider these questions:

1. How will the floor be cleaned and maintained?
2. Will the flooring regularly be exposed to sweat, dirt or other contaminants?
3. How important is ease of routine cleaning and hygiene management?
4. What slip-resistance classification does the project require?
5. Is maintaining the original colour and appearance of the rubber important?
6. How acceptable will visible joins and natural surface variations be?
7. Is the flooring being installed in an indoor dry environment suitable for the sealing system?

For commercial projects, these considerations are best addressed during specification rather than after the flooring has been installed.

So, should you seal REGUPOL rubber flooring?

It depends on the requirements of the project.
Sealing can significantly simplify routine cleaning by closing the surface pores and reducing the ingress of dirt and contaminants. This can be particularly valuable where maintenance and hygiene are important.

Leaving the flooring unsealed retains its natural surface appearance and can provide higher inherent slip resistance in some REGUPOL flooring systems, but requires an appropriate cleaning and maintenance regime.

Where both easy maintenance and high slip resistance are required, a sealing system incorporating a slip-resistant additive may provide an appropriate solution.

So, should you seal REGUPOL rubber flooring?

It depends on the requirements of the project.
Sealing can significantly simplify routine cleaning by closing the surface pores and reducing the ingress of dirt and contaminants. This can be particularly valuable where maintenance and hygiene are important.
Leaving the flooring unsealed retains its natural surface appearance and can provide higher inherent slip resistance in some REGUPOL flooring systems, but requires an appropriate cleaning and maintenance regime.
Where both easy maintenance and high slip resistance are required, a sealing system incorporating a slip-resistant additive may provide an appropriate solution.