When arranging a summer cottage, many are faced with the question of what material to make the tracks from so that it is comfortable to move along them in any weather. Usually, familiar tiles, concrete or crushed stone are used for these purposes, but recently you can hear more and more about such an innovation as rubber tracks. What is it and what are the features of this coverage, let's look in more detail.
What is a rubber garden path?
For a long time in civilized countries have found a practical use for used rubber tires. After special processing, rubber granules are obtained from them, from which mats, tiles, seamless and roll coatings are subsequently produced.
Today this technology is actively used in our country. The materials obtained in this way have been widely used, as they have a number of positive qualities.
They do not absorb moisture from the ground, are easy to clean and very easy to install, and thanks to the extensive range of colors andvariety of shapes and patterns serve as an excellent interior decoration.
You can notice rubber tracks in gyms, offices, shopping centers, playgrounds and tennis courts, on the territory of industrial premises, cottages and summer cottages.
Products are available in the form of square tiles, rolled and seamless tiles.
Rubber Granule Tiles
Rubber tile is made by soldering small granules, making it endowed with high strength and wear resistance. It is laid in rows on any hard surface and fastened together with special bushings.
Rubber tile for paths is considered the best option for arranging country paths. This is due to the fact that it is not afraid of moisture, is not susceptible to damage by bugs and rodents, is resistant to temperature extremes and, if necessary, can be dismantled and laid in another place.
Its important feature is softness and roughness, which allows you to comfortably move on a wet path with bare feet, without fear of slipping.
The porous structure of the material ensures rapid absorption of water, so there are no puddles on such a path after rain or watering.
Rubber tile for tracks does not form cracks and chips, and if necessary, elements that are out of order can be easily replaced.
Roll Coating
Production of roll coatings is not much different from the process of manufacturing rubbertiles. The crushed rubber particles are mixed with coloring pigments and polyurethane, after which they are poured into a special form, where the material undergoes heat treatment. After drying, it is cut to a certain size in length and width.
The rubber track in rolls is convenient because it fits not only on flat surfaces, but also on stairs, slippery and traumatic areas, in front of the house and near the pools.
It is advisable to use this cover in recreation areas with small children, as the rubber surface will cushion falls and prevent serious injury to the child.
It should be noted that this material is completely safe for people, pets and plants, because even when heated it does not emit harmful substances and unpleasant odors into the air. In winter, rubber tracks do not form frost, their surface can be easily cleared of snow.
It is recommended to use this type of coating exclusively for straight paths, as winding paths will cause most of the roll to be cut.
Seamless coating
Seamless coating is made directly on the site where laying is planned. The advantages of this option are that the area on which the rubber mixture is laid out can have absolutely any size and shape.
Seamless flooring is ideal for patio floors, patios, small irregular areas andother recreation areas. The absence of joints makes the surface of the track smooth and uniform. The use of different colors allows you to visually distinguish between individual territories and make the site more attractive.
The process of mounting rubber tracks
Is it possible to independently arrange a site with rubber tracks? Of course you can! As mentioned above, rubber garden paths are very easy to install, anyone can make them. The exception is seamless coverage, which requires special equipment and certain skills.
Tile rubber tracks can be laid on a solid base or directly on the ground, which is most often done in summer cottages. In this case, it is necessary to choose a thicker tile, with a width of 3 to 8 cm.
First you need to remove the top layer of soil (8-10 cm), then lay a drainage layer at least 7 cm wide. The necessary layer of sand is laid and compacted on top of the rubble. Rubber curbs are installed on both edges of the path, which will securely fix the tile and protect its edges from destruction.
Tiles are laid on the sand and fastened together with specially designed bushings.
For laying on a flat concrete base, material 2 cm thick can be purchased.
The rubber track in rolls is laid in a similar way, the only difference is that the width and length of the trench must correspond to the dimensions of the previously purchased material.
Conclusion
Tracks fromrubber is a relatively new technology that has already proved itself well in various fields.
Long service life, practicality, color retention, environmental friendliness and beautiful appearance are far from all the qualities that rubber tracks are endowed with. The price depends on the type and thickness of the coating. So, one square meter of tiles will cost the buyer from 1300 to 1500 rubles, and the cost of a seamless coating ranges from 700 to 1000 rubles.
When choosing a certain type, it is necessary to take into account the purpose of the site on which it will be located. On recreational areas and paths, you can use both tiles and roll coating, and for recreation areas with young children, it is better to purchase a seamless coating.
