How to Install Wetpour Surfaces
Wetpour is a popular outdoor surface solution, but how is it actually made? In this guide, I’ll help you better understand how to install wetpour and give insight into the benefits and requirements of choosing this type of rubber surfacing. Knowing the details of groundwork, materials, and aftercare of wetpour surfaces like PlaySmart’s RubbaSmart is key to making the best decision for your playground project.
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What Groundwork Does Wetpour Need?
Wetpour rubber requires a flat, stable surface to provide the best results. In our on-site visit prior to installation, our engineers will discuss with you if groundwork is required. In many cases, you won’t need any groundwork if your surfaces are of a suitable type and quality.
Wetpour installation requires 100mm of MOT type One Base of set gravel aggregate as a minimum. This provides a stable base for the rubber wetpour mixture to settle with a flat surface. This approach also increases overall durability and lifespan for the surface. This is because the protective layer protects the rubber from root encroachment, and natural shifts in the soil over time.
Good-quality tarmac and concrete are suitable for a direct wetpour installation without groundwork. However, if your site is prone to flooding and puddling, you may require additional groundwork. This can include drainage channels to prevent excess groundwater buildup in the area.
Once the groundwork is complete, and the top layer is clear and dry, the surface is primed, and you are ready for the wetpour.
Wetpour Solution Mixing
RubbaSmart is PlaySmart’s unique wetpour mixture that uses an 18% ratio of binder to rubber granules for the smoothest lay and most effective safety. The wetpour is mixed on site by our expert installation team with a forced action mixer to avoid contaminants and ensure the right quantities of materials are available for the pour.
We use a Polyurethane (PU) Binder as the binding agent for high quality virgin EPDM rubber granules. These materials provide a higher quality end product than common alternatives like Sulphur Volcanized binder and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) which are known to degrade faster with exposure to the elements and pressure from use. Whereas RubbaSmart has a 5 year product guarantee for consistent quality.
Pouring Wetpour Surfaces
The initial base layer of the wetpour installation uses a flexible, uncoloured rubber mixture to provide the thickness of rubber that best provides the level of safety your site requires. Spending on the Critical Fall Height (CFH) of your play equipment, you may need a deeper installation with a thicker base layer in order to get the most shock-absorption to protect users. RubbaSmart has been found to provide:
- 1.2m CFH protection at 40mm depth
- 3.0m CFH protection at 140mm depth
When the correct installation depth is reached and the solution mixed, a flat layer is poured over the area. This mixture is then screeded and trowelled to the correct level for the surrounding surface and left to set. With the right conditions (dry weather with temperatures between 4-27 degrees), each layer will take 24-48 hours to fully cure ready for use.
Colourful EPDM Layer
For the finishing touches, including colours and patterns, an extra layer of EPDM crumb is added. The true-colour finish of the virgin EPDM rubber helps the wetpour last longer both as the colour does not fade, but also by providing extra protection for the surface with its higher tensile strength.
The EPDM layer is layed similarly to wetpour with the mixture poured out over the surface to add colour to the top wearing layer of the rubber. To create designs, each colour of EPDM is layed in separate patches adjacent to one another in sequence, allowing each to cure before adding the next. This allows for seamless patterns that can range from simple pathways, to more complex and fun designs perfect for playgrounds.
Wetpour Surface Aftercare & Extras
EPDM Wear Pads
EPDM wear pads are a section of surfacing that is designed to withstand high usage. PlaySmart recommends that you add wear pads in places like take-off and landing points and other impact zones. For more information visit our Guide to EPDM Wear Pads.
Accessible Ramps
For added accessibility, on request PlaySmart can install ramped edges as part of our RubbaSmart solution. These can be small rubber ramps allowing for easier transition between surfaces. Or, you can also request larger ramps for full wheelchair access to uneven ground. For more information, visit our recent blog: How to Improve your Inclusive Playground with Accessible Surfacing.
Wetpour Repair Kit
Do you need short-term repair work to get your playground back running at its full potential? Our wetpour repair kits are the best solution for small damaged areas and cracks in your wetpour surfaces. For more information you can read our Surface Repair Guide.
