How hot can rubber tiles become in the sun?
Rubber granule surfacing can heat up substantially in direct sunlight. Its surface temperature depends on colour, the duration and intensity of exposure, and conditions such as air temperature, wind and shading.
In unfavourable summer conditions, an unshaded black rubber surface can reach more than 60 °C. As heatwaves become more frequent as a result of climate change, this aspect is gaining importance. When the air temperature in the shade is already 40 °C or above, no outdoor surface covering should be expected to have a cooler surface after several hours of direct sunlight.
Dark surfaces absorb more solar radiation and usually heat up more than light or flecked options. Colour selection and shading should therefore be considered early for patio tiles used barefoot, surfaces around pool edges and impact-absorbing tiles.
A shade sail, awning or natural shade limits further heat gain and helps the surface to cool. How quickly the surface cools depends on wind, air temperature and the amount of heat absorbed beforehand. In intense sunlight, check that the surface is comfortable to walk on before going barefoot or playing.