Playgrounds are places of endless joy, laughter, and memory-making. But behind every fun-filled moment lies careful planning and maintenance, especially when it comes to the ground beneath every kid’s feet. Rubber surfacing, widely used for its safety and durability, might appear indestructible, but it’s not immune to the effects of weather.

By understanding how weather conditions affect rubber surfacing, you can take proactive steps so your playground remains safe, durable, and full of life year-round.

Sweltering Summers

Summer brings oodles of outdoor fun but also comes with challenges for playground surfaces. For instance, rubber surfacing can easily heat up to uncomfortable levels, so it’s important for kids to wear shoes to avoid burns when using the playground. Setting up shaded areas can also keep surfaces cooler, making them comfortable for running feet or tumbling knees.

Expansion is another issue. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause rubber surfaces to expand. Over time, the repeated expansion and contraction cycle might lead to minor buckling or uneven surfaces. Regular maintenance checks help identify small changes early, preventing long-term damage.

Of course, the sun doesn’t shine all day every day in the summer. Rain can also pose an issue to your playground. Without proper drainage, heavy or consistent rainfall might lead to pooling water on rubber surfaces—a recipe for long-term problems. Standing water can weaken the integrity of rubber surfacing over time, causing it to deteriorate or shift.

Installing good drainage systems and addressing pooling issues immediately ensures that the surface remains safe and durable.

Cold Winters

Another way that weather conditions affect rubber surfacing is during relentless winters. Freezing temperatures cause rubber to contract, which may lead to cracking or small gaps in the surface over time. Pay attention to these changes during cold spells to catch minor damage before it worsens.

Frigid conditions can also make rubber more brittle and susceptible to cracking. You can mitigate this issue with attentive care and routine inspections. Acting quickly to repair even minor cracks keeps your playground surface safe for little adventurers.

And don’t forget about frost. While it looks magical in the morning light, frost that melts into water can seep into surface layers, only to refreeze and expand overnight. Promptly remove frost. Your playground also needs proper water runoff.

Lastly, there’s snow to contend with. When the snow starts piling up, take care when removing it. Metal shovels, while useful, can damage rubber surfacing with scratches or gouges. Use plastic tools or snowblowers instead to preserve the surface’s integrity.

Repair Your Playground Surface After Weather Damage

Rain or shine, summer or winter, your playground deserves care that matches its role as a gathering place for laughter and memories. When the weather takes its toll, we can help. At Discount Playground Supply, we have everything you need to restore and maintain your pour-in-place rubber surfacing.