Rubber Surface Repair and Maintenance

There are several routine maintenance tasks that should be performed on unitary surfaces. These tasks need to be done for the four principal functions of the playground safety: 1) for the safety of the user; 2) to make sure the safety surfacing is effective over a long functional life; 3) for sanitation; 4) and for cleanliness and attractiveness. Because unitary safety surfacing has many positive inherent features if installed correctly at the proper critical depth for the play equipment, it is important to keep it as near to installation quality as possible. The pressure of foreign objects and deposits can quickly diminish these qualities.  These include a wide range of items, from sand, dirt, and stones to leaves, tree sap, chewing gum, bird droppings, urine, blood, scuff marks, tar, and common park maintenance products such as gasoline or grease. The longer these items are left on the surfacing, the more damage they cause, so prompt maintenance is important. Loose debris such as sand, dirt, and small stones on top of unitary surfacing can reproduce slip hazards.  In addition, fine particles can accumulate in porous openings and clod important drainage features of some surfaces, as can matting materials such as leaf litter.  These particles can also be abrasive; they accelerate wear and shorten surface life.  It is recommended that a regular periodic removal of this loose debris be done. Poured in Place (PIP) rubber can be damaged by vandalism and worn with normal wear and tear. It is possible to make effective and attractive repairs. Damaged area(s) can be removed and new PIP rubber installed. You can turn repair work into artwork by installing poured in place Fillable Friends graphics. Information in part is from “Routine Maintenance is Important for Unitary Safety Surfacing for Playgrounds By Monty Christiansen”

Persons wishing to install a unitary material as a playground surface should request ASTM F1292 test data from the manufacturer identifying the critical height rating of the desired surface. In addition, site requirements should be obtained from the manufacturer because some unitary materials require installation over a hard surface while others do not. Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely, as some unitary systems require professional installation. Rubber Surface Repair and Maintenance and Testing should be conducted in accordance with the ASTM F1292 standard.