What type of floor covering feels pleasantly warm underfoot or when sitting or lying on it?
At the same temperature, a floor covering feels warmer when it draws less heat from the skin. This is characteristic of WARCO floor coverings made from polyurethane-bound rubber granules, such as rubber tiles, patio tiles, gym tiles, safety tiles and stable mats. They feel warm underfoot and pleasantly warm when sitting or lying on them, while concrete, natural stone and ceramic feel cool at the same temperature.
The effect depends on the combination of slow heat conduction and low heat storage. Fine pores between the compacted rubber granules reduce both. The contact zone beneath a foot, hand or back therefore warms quickly, while little heat flows away from the skin. In building physics, this is described as low thermal effusivity. In everyday terms, the covering feels warm underfoot.
During longer periods of sitting or lying down, the substrate also affects the perception of warmth. With a thicker tile, the cold of an unheated concrete base takes longer to make itself felt. The initial sensation when stepping onto the tile, however, is governed by its near-surface properties.
This is noticeable during floor exercises on gym tiles and when children sit and play on safety tiles. It is also relevant around pools and on resting areas for horses and dogs. In direct sunshine, any exposed surface can warm up. After rain or at the poolside, the covering can feel cooler because water transfers heat more readily and cools the surface as it evaporates.