How to Install the Best Weight Room Flooring
The best weight room flooring is made of recycled rubber. The result is a floor that not only helps to reduce or prevent injuries, but is also durable. It is also good for the environment by reusing tons of old tires and transforming them into new and attractive flooring. Rubber weight room flooring typically is available in such colors as black, red, blue, green, gray and a shade of tan.
Instructions
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1
Remove any old flooring and discard appropriately. The key is to strip the floor to the concrete sub-floor.
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2
Repair any cracks, chips or holes by troweling in floor leveler, which is a pre-mixed compound for this purpose. This is also a good time to level any larger uneven areas.
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Unroll the flooring in the actual room in which it will be installed. The flooring should be left for 48 hours or so, which will allow it to acclimate to the new environment. This is the time when you want any major contraction or expansion to take place.
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4
Use a heavy duty utility knife to carefully cut the flooring to fit the dimensions of the room. Watch for support beams and other obstacles. Make sure to cut for a snug fit along all walls.
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Spread the adhesive evenly on the concrete floor using a trowel. A thin and complete coating is the goal. Make sure to follow any time constraints associated with the adhesive. Depending on the brand and type, there may be a specific amount of time with which to work.
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Lay the pre-cut mats onto the adhesive coated concrete. Take care to tightly butt the seams together and avoid all gaps if possible. The tighter the seams, the less chance of gapping should the flooring contract further.
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When completely installed, use heavy weights evenly distributed to ensure proper adhesion. Using a large weighted roller is also a good idea.
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Tips & Warnings
This project takes time. Be prepared to invest several days to ensure a good job that will not cause problems later. Read and follow all manufacturer instructions.
Use caution when cutting the flooring with utility knives; wear appropriate gloves. Take care when applying adhesives to the floor; make sure there is adequate ventilation and wear a respirator.