The task of choosing the perfect garage floor tiles goes far beyond mere aesthetics.
Factors such as quality, durability and the environmental impact of the material play a significant role.
Sleek Space is an industry leader in garage flooring solutions. Our range of premium tiles made from 100% virgin polypropylene include ULTRAGRID™ and ULTRATUFF™.
To help you understand why these surpass the alternative, recycled plastic tiles saturating the market, we've crafted a guide detailing the major differences between these two types of material.
Section 1: Material
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
Our tiles are manufactured using virgin polypropylene, a pure form of plastic that hasn't been recycled. According to the comprehensive literature review outlined in the article, "New Lightweight Construction Material", virgin polypropylene is recognised for its superior characteristics. It boasts a high density, melting point, tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural modulus and melt flow index.
These qualities ensure our tiles' durability and resilience, making them a lasting investment for your garage.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
In stark contrast, tiles constructed from recycled plastic display significantly diminished characteristics. The same literature review reveals that most of the material properties of recycled polypropylene are approximately halved.
Furthermore, as highlighted in the article, "Comparison of Properties in Mechanically Recycled and Virgin Polypropylene", these tiles frequently contain impurities, including traces of other polymers such as PA, PE and PET, contributing to their subpar performance.
Section 2: Weight
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
Each ULTRAGRID™ tile weighs a solid 630 grams, embodying the quality and robustness of the high-grade virgin polypropylene. This weight, a direct result of the tile's dense composition, reinforces its strength and durability.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
Conversely, recycled plastic tiles often weigh less due to the use of inferior material. The cost-saving measures employed in their production undermine their robustness and longevity, which are crucial aspects to consider for any long-term investment like flooring.
Section 3: Construction
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
Sleek Space's virgin polypropylene tiles are designed with resilience in mind. Our engineering focuses on ensuring each tile can endure high levels of wear and tear, providing you with a product that stands the test of time.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
In contrast, the construction of recycled plastic tiles leaves much to be desired. Their manufacturing often overlooks the importance of durability in a bid to cut costs. Consequently, these tiles are prone to brittleness and a significantly reduced lifespan.
Section 4: Resistance
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
The ULTRAGRID™ and its siblings from Sleek Space are carefully engineered to exhibit a unique kind of resistance. Though they flex under pressure, they resist breaking. This quality is no accident. Virgin PP is known to have higher resistance to breakage due to its higher molecular weight, as outlined in the article "Comparison of Properties in Mechanically Recycled and Virgin Polypropylene".
Recycled Plastic Tiles
Sadly, the resistance scenario with recycled plastic tiles is bleak. The diminished structural integrity resulting from the use of recycled material makes these tiles stiff and more worryingly, prone to snapping.
Section 5: Finish
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
A distinguishing feature of Sleek Space tiles is the pristine finish. Our tiles are clean, smooth and uniform, reflecting the pure, high-grade material from which they're made.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
On the other hand, the finish on recycled plastic tiles often appears dirty and uneven. This is a direct outcome of the poor-quality recycled material used, which impacts not just the aesthetics but the tile's overall performance.
Section 6: Texture
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
The texture of our virgin polypropylene tiles is fine, offering a pleasant underfoot experience. This is yet another testament to the premium quality material used in their construction.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
Recycled plastic tiles often exhibit a coarse texture, a result of the compromised quality of the recycled material used in their manufacturing process.
Section 7: Colour
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
The colour of our virgin polypropylene tiles is deep and matte. The consistency and vibrancy of the colour are indicative of the quality and purity of the material used.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
Recycled plastic tiles often display dark, shiny colours. The lack of uniformity and richness in colour is a direct reflection of the substandard, recycled material used.
Section 8: Toxins
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
One of the greatest benefits of using virgin polypropylene in our Sleek Space tiles is the absence of toxins. Our tiles are free from harmful substances like lead and endocrine disruptors, ensuring that your garage environment remains safe for all.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
However, the story is quite different for recycled plastic tiles. According to a report by Greenpeace published in The Guardian, recycled plastics often contain higher levels of chemicals, including toxic flame retardants, benzene, other carcinogens, and numerous endocrine disruptors. These harmful substances can lead to serious health risks over time.
Section 9: Environmental Impact
Virgin Polypropylene Tiles
By using virgin polypropylene in our manufacturing process, Sleek Space ensures not only superior product quality but also a positive environmental impact. Virgin polypropylene is a recyclable material. By choosing our tiles, you're investing in a product with a lower carbon footprint, contributing positively to our environment.
Recycled Plastic Tiles
Recycled plastic tiles may seem eco-friendly at first glance, but the reality is quite different. The import of such tiles from overseas, often made from unregulated, unknown and low-quality recycled plastics, can turn Australia into a dumping ground for global waste. These tiles not only have a higher carbon footprint but also can harbour toxic chemicals, harming our local environment.
Conclusion
When choosing the right garage flooring tiles, every detail matters. While the choice between virgin polypropylene and recycled plastic may seem insignificant, our breakdown shows that it can affect everything from the product's durability to its environmental impact.
At Sleek Space, we supply ULTRAGRID™ and ULTRATUFF™ interlocking floor tiles, all made from the highest grade virgin polypropylene. Our tiles are designed to offer you the best – superior performance, exceptional aesthetics and a safe, toxin-free environment.
The next time you're in the market for garage floor tiles, don't just take our word for it. Put our tiles to the test! Contact us today to request a free sample and see for yourself why Sleek Space tiles are the best choice for your garage.
