FAQ
Q: Is the rubber made from recycled tires? NO!
Actually, our rubber is crafted from high-quality EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) synthetic rubber, offering superior performance and durability.
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Durability: EPDM is highly durable, which means it has a long lifespan. This reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of materials as it's designed to last a lifetime.
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Low Maintenance: The low maintenance nature of EPDM means that less energy and fewer chemical products are required to maintain it, which is beneficial to the environment.
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Production Impact: The production of EPDM does involve energy and resource usage, like most synthetic materials. However, advances in manufacturing processes have focused on reducing these impacts over time.
Overall, EPDM is considered a more sustainable option especially in applications where its longevity and recyclability play a significant role in reducing its overall environmental footprint.
Q: Will the rubber fade in sunlight? NO!
Absolutely not! Our rubber and binder are UV stabilized, ensuring vibrant colour and resistance to sun fading for years to come.
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UV Resistance: EPDM's main components include ethylene and propylene, which are both saturated hydrocarbons. These saturated molecules provide a stable structure that doesn’t easily break down under UV radiation. This inherent stability against UV light means that the material does not degrade as quickly as other types of rubber.
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UV Stabilizers: During the production of EPDM, manufacturers often add UV stabilizers to the compound. These stabilizers absorb or block ultraviolet radiation, protecting the rubber from potential damage and prolonging its life and appearance.
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Colour Retention: The UV resistance and stabilizers help maintain the colour integrity of EPDM products, preventing them from fading even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. This makes EPDM an ideal material for outdoor applications where sun exposure is significant.
Q: Does the rubber get hot? NO!
Not at all! It's specially designed to stay cool to the touch, perfect for enjoying poolside or patio activities barefoot, even on sunny days.
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Colour and Material Composition: EPDM is typically black, which does absorb heat; however, its material composition allows it to dissipate heat quickly compared to harder surfaces like concrete or asphalt. This characteristic helps prevent it from becoming uncomfortably hot.
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Heat Conductivity: EPDM has a lower thermal conductivity than many other building materials. This means it doesn't transfer heat as efficiently, which helps it stay cooler on the surface even when temperatures rise.
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UV Reflectivity and Absorption: While black surfaces generally absorb more heat, the specific formulations of EPDM can include UV stabilizers and other additives that enhance its ability to reflect a portion of the UV radiation. This reflection helps mitigate some of the potential heating effects of direct sunlight.
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Porous Nature: Some types of EPDM surfaces, particularly those used in outdoor flooring and playgrounds, are porous. This allows air to circulate through the material, which can help reduce surface temperature by increasing the rate of heat dissipation.
Q: Does the rubber smell? NO!
No worries about odors here! Our materials are completely free from off-gassing, ensuring a fresh environment during and after installation.
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Saturated Polymer Structure: EPDM is made from saturated polymers, which are more stable and less likely to degrade or react chemically when exposed to environmental factors like heat or light. This stability reduces the likelihood of off-gassing, which is a common source of odor in materials.
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Absence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): The manufacturing process of EPDM does not typically involve volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can emit strong odors. VOCs are often present in other types of synthetic rubbers and are a primary cause of the "new rubber smell" that can be off-putting.
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Curing Process: EPDM is cured through a vulcanization process that links the rubber molecules into a long, stable chain. This process helps lock in any chemicals used during production, reducing their emission as gases, which minimizes any smell.
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Quality of Raw Materials: The quality of raw materials and the purity of the compounds used in manufacturing EPDM also contribute to its lack of odor. Higher quality materials with fewer impurities result in a finished product with minimal off-gassing.
Q: How easy is it to clean?
It’s super easy! A quick power wash or a simple scrub with dish soap keeps the rubber looking new and pristine.
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Porous Surface Texture: EPDM typically features a porous surface, which allows for enhanced drainage and airflow. This characteristic prevents dirt, dust, and other contaminants from settling permanently, making it easier to clean and maintain with washing techniques.
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Water Resistance: Being waterproof, EPDM does not absorb moisture, which helps prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other microbial organisms that can be difficult to remove and can cause odors and staining. This makes routine cleaning effective with just water and mild cleaning agents.
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Durability: EPDM’s durable nature means it withstands frequent cleaning and harsh weather conditions without degrading. Its ability to maintain structural integrity and appearance over time reduces the need for intensive maintenance and makes regular cleaning routines more manageable.
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Stain Resistance: EPDM does not easily stain, which is crucial for maintaining a clean appearance with less effort. Spills and marks can often be removed with basic cleaning procedures without special treatments.
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