Are you a member of a council, local authority or educational establishment? Are you noticing cracks and gaps or fading in your surfaces in your local park or school playground? You may be in need of a playground resurfacing, refurbishment, repair, or replacement. Don’t let your playground go unloved and become neglected – in this article we will show you how to look after your surfaces with a playground refurbishment from PlaySmart.
This blog covers our expert solutions to common problems that require attention from our repair team. We also cover how you can undertake repairs yourself with our specialised wetpour repair kits.
Grass Mat Surface Subsidence
Grass mats are a popular choice for playground surfaces due to their low-disruptive installation and ability to blend seamlessly with grassy areas. However, instability after wet weather or heavy use can cause surface subsidence. This means that mats begin to sink into the ground as soil moves and shifts.
Top causes of subsidence include:
- Overuse
- Low-quality soil
- Inadequate ground preparation
- Poor drainage
- Uneven ground
Replacing your old grass mats with heavy-duty EcoSmart mats can help reduce the impact of major and minor subsidence in your playground. PlaySmart’s playground resurfacing team uses our patented installation technique to limit subsidence. The process consists of ensuring the ground is properly levelled and compacted before installation, and then recessing the mats into the surrounding turf to create extra security.
Additionally, a SmartPlay underlay helps maintain the safe surface for longer, providing an extra layer of protection and shock absorption, decreasing the stress on the soil and grass below. As a result, the SmartPlay grass mat system creates a heavy-duty safety surface with durable mats while also reducing the risks of subsidence for many years to come.
Slip and Trip Hazards
Cracks, lifting edges, and other surface irregularities are common issues that can develop over time on playgrounds. These can become slip and trip hazards over time if not addressed early on. Regular inspection in high-traffic areas and edges is crucial to identifying where and when intervention is required.
When cracks, worn-down areas, and lifting edges do occur they are repaired or secured to ensure the playground remains safe. Some simple maintenance and cordoning off unsafe areas can reduce risks in the short term. However, resurfacing or patching repair options are ultimately the best choice for long-term safety assurance.
If heavily worn areas of surfaces begin to lose grip or develop small cracks, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) wear pads are a great repair option to improve traction and cover gaps. EPDM is virgin rubber mulch with high tensile strength and durability perfect for adding extra protection to rubber installations.. By covering cracks and creating a flat surface, EPDM wear pads prevent water from getting into gaps in the surface and causing more damage.
PlaySmart recommends a proactive approach to wet pour repair with EPDM elements. Long-term rubber repair costs are decreased when installation includes this extra protection. In addition to improved traction and shock absorption, EPDM rubber comes in a variety of vibrant colours and can form exciting designs to enhance fun on the playground with engaging aesthetics.
Wet Pour Shrinkage
A common issue in the industry on wet pour repair projects is shrinkage at the edges. As the weather changes with the seasons, wet pour rubber surfaces expand and contract. Concrete edges can also move over time creating a gap between old wetpour and an edge. This can lead to the surface creating gaps at the edges that can become potential trip hazards and impact the playground’s aesthetic value.
To address this, PlaySmart uses EPDM wear strips to effectively seal these edges with a rubber material with a higher tensile strength, allowing for more natural movement of the rubber surface. With this surface repair technique, we prevent further shrinkage and maintain a safe, even surface around the perimeter of the playground.
Wet Pour DIY Kits
Additionally, PlaySmart offers wet pour DIY kits for you to renew and refresh your surfaces. Each kit contains the material to repair one metre square at a 20mm thickness. Therefore, you are able undertake simple repairs to cracks, holes, and weaknesses in your surfacing. We recommend this kit as an essential element of your surface maintenance equipment in storage to use where required. As wetpour cracks can appear rapidly and unexpectedly, DIY kits are a handy tool for your maintenance team to have on hand.
For more on our wetpour DIY kits, contact us at info@playsmartuk.co.uk.
Colour Fading- Carbon Residue Build-Up
School playgrounds and local parks are often designed with vibrant, colourful designs for kids to enjoy. However, over time, UV exposure, wear-and-tear, or harsh weather can cause fading. SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) surfaces that are often used in wet pour surfaces releases carbon residue over time, making the playground look worn-down and unappealing after only a number of months. You can learn more about the potential risk factors and harms associated with carbon residue, you can learn more in our Full Carbon Residue Guide.
Resurfacing with EPDM rubber is the best solution for a fresh-looking playground with colours that last. The virgin rubber mulch doesn’t release carbon residue due to its UV protection treatments and colouring process. By addressing color fading, we help ensure your playground remains a bright, appealing space for children to enjoy.
Resurfacing, Surface Repair, and Refurbishment from PlaySmart
If you are in need of a playground repair and refurbishment team that is reliable as they are experienced? PlaySmart has worked for over 20 years with a wide range of surfaces, and repair options.
Don’t wait for small issues to become major problems- contact PlaySmart for all your playground refurbishment needs.