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1. What is SBR?
SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) is the most widely used type of synthetic rubber. Its manufacturing involves copolymerization of three parts butadiene with one part styrene. Perhaps, the most widely used application is tires. SBR is INFINITY FLOORING’S chief raw material. The SBR used in the production of INFINITY FLOORING is recycled black scrap tire. The scrap is cleaned to remove fiber, metal and other impurities. Additionally, the SBR is ground to specified sizes for use in manufacturing.
2. What is EPDM?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is an organic synthetic elastomer which, when cured, has many properties equivalent to or better than those of natural virgin rubber. During the production of the EPDM polymer, there are several additives which are used to enhance color stability, wear characteristics, durability and flexibility. The original state of this EPDM is actually scrap derived from the manufacturing of virgin EPDM. This scrap material is contaminated with water, metal and other by-products suitable only for landfill disposal. In order to take advantage of this available scrap, the EPDM is thoroughly cleaned and re-processed in order to remove all contaminants and meet the strictest of quality assurance standards. The color for the EPDM originates primarily from carefully selected organic dyes and, for a few special colors, inorganic pigments.
3. From where do your tires originate?
Our rubber is supplied by industrial facilities that originally obtain the tire from landfills all over the country. We receive two types of tire rubber: whole tire from passenger vehicles, which comes in round granules; and truck retreads, which comes in shredded form. The blend of rubber (round or shredded) utilized varies by each product. The rubber is triple distilled in order to ensure all dirt, fiber and metal is removed from our INFINITY FLOORING rubber flooring.
4. How do your rubber flooring products do in terms of IAQ/emission of VOCs?
INFINITY FLOORING rubber flooring and rubber flooring systems conform to the criteria established by the State of Washington for indoor air quality. Our flooring products do NOT contain PVC or formaldehyde.
5. Can you describe the "Green" properties of your manufacturing process?
- We use minimal water
- Scrap is reused to eliminate waste
- We do not "heat" our product during the manufacturing process
- Air quality of our plant is good – minimal odor
- No smoke stacks
6. What is the percentage breakdown of recycled content of your rubber flooring product?
- SBR tire rubber is 100% post-consumer content.
- EPDM chips are 30% post-industrial.
- The exact composition of post-consumer/post-industrial make up varies on the particular product (INFINITY FLOORING or PuzzleLock) and color. Please see our green technical data sheet entitled "INFINITY FLOORING and LEED" for a detailed breakdown of recycled content.
7. Can INFINITY FLOORING rubber flooring contribute to obtaining LEED credits?
YES! INFINITY FLOORING rubber flooring can assist in obtaining a total of 5 points in 2 out of the 6 categories of LEED-NC (LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations). Please refer to our INFINITY FLOORING and LEED document.
8. What are the benefits of LEED certification?
LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. All certified projects receive a LEED plaque, which is the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work. There are both environmental and financial benefits to earning LEED certification. LEED-certified buildings: - Lower operating costs and increased asset value.
- Reduce waste sent to landfills.
- Conserve energy and water.
- Healthier and safer for occupants.
- Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
- Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
- Demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
9. How does INFINITY FLOORING test in terms of slip resistance?
- The ADA standard for coefficient of friction is .5
- The higher the coefficient of friction, the better.
- The coefficient of friction for INFINITY FLOORING products range from .85 - .90
- For SBR and EPDM
- For both leather and rubber soles
- Wet and dry
- Overall our coefficient of friction is 80% better than the minimum standard
10. What are the basic installation steps?
- Install the nylon dowel pins in the sides of the tiles.
- Align the dowel pins of one tile with the adjoining holes of the tile next to it
- Join the tiles together
- Cut the perimeter to fit the room with compression against the walls
- Adhere our transition ramps in the doorways.
11. How do you clean your rubber flooring product?
- Vacuum/sweep
- Damp mop with using a PH neutral cleaner (we recommend Taski cleaner – Profi)
- Periodic extraction cleaning
12. In what sizes is INFINITY FLOORING rubber flooring offered?
INFINITY FLOORING is only available in 24” x 24” tiles in a 1” thickness.
13. How much is your rubber flooring product?
The price varies by market, location, color selection and size of the project. You can receive pricing by contacting us directly.
14. Are there any areas where INFINITY FLOORING rubber flooring should NOT be used?
- Garages (petroleum based solvents break down rubber causing it to swell)
- Kitchens/food prep areas
- "Clean" rooms
15. What is your turn around time for: Standard orders, custom color, custom logos?
- Standard: If product is in stock – as little as 1 week; non-stocked item – 2-3 weeks
- Custom: 2-6 weeks
- Logos: 2-6 weeks
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