Rather than wood chips and rocks, rubber surfaces are an increasingly popular solution for parks and playsets. Rubber playground surfaces are primarily made from recycled rubber combined with a polyurethane binder. The durable, flexible, and resilient surface will withstand heavy use, UV rays, and more. Uncover the many reasons rubber surfacing is perfect for playgrounds.
1. Rubber Surfacing Cushions Children’s Falls
Rubber playground surfacing is designed to provide a much softer landing compared to traditional playground materials, like concrete or asphalt. This cushioning effect significantly reduces the impact when children fall, thereby lowering the risk of injuries, such as bruises, scrapes, or even fractures. The material's elasticity ensures that it absorbs shock effectively, making it an ideal choice for areas where children are likely to trip or fall.
Moreover, rubber surfacing can accommodate different styles of play equipment, making sure that every part of the playground remains safe. The uniform surface prevents the formation of uneven spots or holes that could become tripping hazards.
Don't forget that it's slip-resistant, too. With a reduction in serious accidents, kids can play with greater freedom.
2. Rubber Surfacing Is Durable
Wood chips and mulch decompose into sharp fragments that pose a risk to children's hands and feet. Sand and gravel often become displaced, creating uneven surfaces that pose tripping hazards. These materials can also hide sharp objects or debris, introducing hidden dangers.
Rubber provides a smooth, safe surface that prevents cuts, splinters, and scrapes. This makes it particularly ideal for younger children who are prone to tripping and falling or who enjoy playing barefoot.
Rubber surfacing is superior in durability and safety. It remains even and intact, even with heavy use, ensuring the playground stays a safe and enjoyable space for children.
3. Rubber Surfacing is an Accessible Playground Surface
Children and parents of all ages and abilities should feel welcome in the playground. Asphalt, gravel, and grass are unstable and not ADA-compliant.
Various types of rubber surfacing materials are smooth, secure, and ADA-approved to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. This forethought will create a space where everyone can play and feel safe.
4. Rubber Surfacing Has Versatile Options
One of the foremost advantages of rubber surfacing is its customizable and versatile nature. This material is available in two primary forms: pour-in playground rubber and rubber tiles, each offering unique features that cater to different playground designs.
Pour-in playground rubber involves mixing liquid rubber with a binder on-site and pouring it onto the desired area to create a seamless surface. This method allows for tremendous design flexibility and can be molded into any shape, making it perfect for themed or interactive play areas. Additionally, the mixture's color can be customized with pigments, enabling the creation of vibrant and visually appealing playgrounds.
Rubber tiles are pre-made interlocking pieces that come in various sizes, thicknesses, and colors. Playground designers can mix and match different colored tiles to create interesting patterns and designs for immense visual appeal.
5. Rubber Surfacing is Simple to Repair
Speaking of the different surfacing options, both are seamlessly repairable. For playground tiles, all you need is to repurchase the right colors and sizes, then swap out the damaged tiles for the new ones. It’s an especially cost-effective method because you don’t have to resurface the entire area.
When it comes to poured rubber playground flooring, this is easy to fix, too. A patch and repair kit is effective for mending tears, gaps, and cracks of all sizes. The solution smoothly blends in with the rest of the material for a good-as-new foundation.
6. Rubber Surfacing Can Be Altered as Playgrounds Evolve
As playgrounds change to incorporate new innovative equipment or replace worn out items, the surface beneath must adapt, too. Rubber surfacing, whether in the form of poured-in-place rubber or interlocking tiles, offers the flexibility required for such transitions. It's easy to modify the rubber to fit the new layout without compromising on quality.
With interlocking tiles, specific sections can be removed and replaced without affecting the rest of the surface. Similarly, poured-in-place rubber can be re-poured and remolded as needed. This ease of modification not only supports the evolving nature of playground designs but also ensures a long-lasting and safe play environment for children.
7. Rubber Surfacing is Easy to Clean
Parents often worry about the ever-present dirt and germs on the playground. Fortunately, rubber surfacing is quick and easy to clean to provide parents with peace of mind.
Start by using a leaf blower to disperse leaves, twigs, loose dirt, and other unwanted debris. Next, conduct a thorough cleaning. Using water and a mild detergent while scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush will dislodge embedded dirt and stains. Then, rinse with water. Abrasive tools and chemicals are damaging, so stick to a simple cleaning routine to keep the playground pristine and ready for playtime.
8. Rubber Surfacing Won’t Flood
Other playground surfaces present significant challenges when it comes to handling water. Grass becomes soggy, slippery, and muddy. Wood chips clump together and shift underfoot when wet. Sand can form compacted, hardened patches that hinder safe play.
Rubber surfacing, with its porous structure and efficient drainage channels, eliminates these issues. Water drains swiftly to prevent puddles and enable playtime even after heavy rainfall.
9. Rubber Surfacing Provides a Pleasant Appearance
Along with safety and functionality, rubber is consistently attractive. Unlike other materials that may fade or degrade over time, rubber maintains its look with minimal maintenance. Sun exposure doesn't cause its colors to dull or materials to break down.
It doesn’t matter the age of rubber tiles or pour-in rubber; the foundation sustains a vibrant and attractive appearance that will entice all kids.
Invest in Rubber Playground Surfacing Today!
The combination of durability and aesthetic versatility are the reasons why rubber surfacing is a premier choice for playgrounds. Discount Playground Supply is the shop to bring your vision to life.
We offer surface repair kits and base layers pour-in rubber in a wide range of colors. You’ll also find conditioners and top coats to freshen up the appearance from everyday wear and tear.
If you go the route of rubber tiles, our tiles come in vibrant colors to make the play sets pop! It’s a long-term investment that will exceed your expectations in strength and visual appeal.
