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The specification of wall base has frequently been a cause of confusion
for architects and specifiers. Until a few years ago there were only two
types of standardized cove base: rubber and vinyl. However,
technological developments added another category of
wall base to the mix, the vinyl/rubber blend,
also known as thermoplastic rubber (TPR).
Until
TPR was standardized in 1998, both TPR and rubber were categorized as
rubber. The result was often the specification of thermoplastic
rubber wall base when it was thermoset vulcanized rubber that was
desired. However, the two categories couldn't be more different Rubber is rubber; most thermoplastic rubber content is at least 95 percent vinyl. Of course, manufacturers believed it was paramount that architects and designers received rubber when rubber was specified, vinyl when vinyl was specified and TPR when TPR was specified. That led to the standardization of TPR. All three types of wall base vinyl, thermoset vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic rubber are similar in appearance and design function but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Thermoplastic vinyl (TV) base is the least expensive option and is made primarily of PVC. The top layer resists scuffs, scratching, cracking and chipping. The top lip design helps the base fit tightly against the wall and its ribbed backing allows for positive adhesion. The base is available in two thickness: .080 inch and 1/8 inch. Disadvantages of TV include telegraphing wall irregularities (.080 inch option) and possible shrinkage problems. The base also needs to be acclimated to room temperatures and unrolled 24 hours prior to installation. However, it is a popular and economical choice and is manufactured by the major players: Roppe, VPI, Burke Mercer, Flexco and Johnsonite. |
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| A step up in quality from vinyl cove base is thermoplastic rubber,
which can be classified as a middle of
the road
option. It is more flexible than vinyl and its 1/8 inch thickness
hides many wall imperfections. Another advantage is its solid color throughout the base. Like TV, the
top lip design helps it fit snugly against a wall, and it also features a
ribbed back. "TPR has many of the benefits of thermoset vulcanized
rubber base but at a lower price" said John Truitt,
Marketing Manager, "It has good flexibility, dimensional stability,
uniform height, but it's cheaper" Many of it's disadvantages mimic those of vinyl base. It cuts and installs like a vinyl product yet is more expensive. TPR users can also encounter shrinkage problems, and the base must be acclimated to room temperatures and uncoiled at least 24 hours before installation. Thermoplastic rubber manufacturers include the same five listed above. When cost isn't a factor, architects looking for the highest quality wall base choose thermoset vulcanized (TS) rubber. Made of 100 percent virgin synthetic rubber, this option is extremely flexible and easy to install. "Type TS is the highest quality," said Dee Dee Trumpler, advertising/promotions manager, Roppe. "It's homogenous, where as vinyl base is co-extruded with a top and bottom layer. TS contains no PVC's and is easy to install Color is inherent throughout the base, and its low gloss finish resists scuffing, gouging and chemicals. Furthermore, many manufacturers guarantee the product will not shrink or cup. Like thermoplastic rubber, it's 1/8 thickness hides wall imperfections, and most suppliers produce three different sizes: 2,4, and 6 inch formats. But, unlike it's competition, TS can be installed immediately at any room temperature Installers don't have to wait 24 hours to uncoil the rolls and acclimate the base to room temperature. "The installer wants to use a product that installs easily, and the end user wants a product that is easy maintenance," Flexco's Truitt said. "That is just one reason why you would choose a premium rubber wall base." And for environmentally friendly architects, the product is PVC free. Flexco, Roppe, Burke Mercer Flooring Products, Nora and Allstate Rubber currently manufacture TS rubber Although TS is considered the premium wall base product, it's not necessarily suitable for all applications. In cases where the base needs to be changed frequently, such as tenant improvement, end users will opt for a lower quality product. "A lot of times you have people moving in and out frequently and you need that base to be changed sometimes monthly," Trumpler said. "Thermoset vulcanized rubber base is made to be put on the wall and left there for 10 to 15 years." Want to know more about vinyl and why you should avoid using it? PVC Fact Sheet
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