Poured-in-Place Maintenance
Rubber Safety Surfacing Re-sealing And Repairs
Extend The Life Of Your Safety Surfacing! When Granulation Is Discovered 50% To 90% Of The Protective Layer Is Gone!
Poured-In-Place Safety Surfacing Is Not Maintenance Free!
The top color layer on poured-in-place surfaces is 3/8″ to 1/2″ thick. This color layer will prematurely break down if not maintained and repaired regularly, exposing the vulnerable cushion layer underneath. The importance of early identification, effective repairs, and competent maintenance in extending the life of your investment cannot be overstated. Call us at Playground Safety Surfacing.
Granulation Stages of Protective Color-Wear Layer
NEW
Poured In Place Surfacing Should Last Ten Years Or More If Properly Maintained Color-Wear Layer (top) and Fragile Safety Cushion Layer (bottom) with full UV protection. Cleaning on a regular basis, fixing fast, and sealing once a year will ensure that your investment lasts for years. If properly maintained, poured-in-place surfacing should last ten years or longer.
STAGE 1
UV-protected glue/sealant is fading owing to sand, debris, and grime left on the surface and exposure and use. The granules of rubber color become visible and begin to peel away from the surface. Cleaning & Sealing Surfaces Regularly Will Extend Their Life Greatly Reduce Repair Costs
STAGE 2
The glue/sealant and the ruber color grains soon fade away. The color-wear layer is now too thin, posing a safety hazard. Repairs for cracks and holes are frequent and costly. The color-wear layer is weak and too thin. On top of it, a new color-wear layer must be applied.
STAGE 3
Rip hazards include three holes and the peeling of the Color-Wear coating. The delicate Safety Cushion layer is exposed and deteriorates quickly. Rot happens and spreads. There are numerous and major safety concerns. Constant maintenance becomes too expensive. The surface must be torn out and replaced.
Re-sealing Will Restore Most Of The Original Color!
| Rubber Safety Surfacing Maintenance: | Avoid: |
|---|---|
| Re-Sealing | Tear Out & Replacement |
| All Repairs | Expensive Repairs * |
| Pressure Washing | Non-Compliance, Lawsuites |
| Hot Water - Non Chemical Extraction | That "Old Worn Out" Look |
| No residue Vacuuming | |
| Water Reclamation |
Do you have the ideal PIP surface in your home or office? If this is the case, you must ensure that it is properly maintained so that it remains as stunning as the day it was installed. You can extend the life of your PIP surface with proper care. Because PIP is such a long-lasting surface, some people believe that no care is necessary to maintain it in good shape. To guarantee that your surfacing lasts at least ten years, you will want assistance and the services of an experienced business to maintain it.
The following are the general maintenance procedures. The first step is to clean the surface, eliminating any loose dirt and loose portions of the surface. Cleaning the poured-in-place surface is critical for its life and should be done on a regular basis. When cleaning, remember to stay away from strong chemicals; otherwise, your surface will be ruined. Resurfacing and resealing, which should be done periodically to renew the surface and provide further UV protection, is another aspect of regular maintenance.
Any dirt and filth left on the surface wear away the adhesive, sealer, and UV protection. The surface can also be damaged by exposure and usage. The rubber color granules will eventually become revealed and begin to peel away from the surface. This is why cleaning the PIP surface on a regular basis is so important. Spending money on periodic maintenance like this will help you avoid big problems and save money on repairs in the long run since any concerns will be handled before they become more serious. If you don’t know how to properly maintain your PIP surface, you might wind up having to replace the entire surfacing.
The greatest thing you can do for your PIP surface has it maintained and cleaned by a competent provider on a regular basis.
It is an investment that will safeguard the surface and ensure that it remains in excellent shape at all times. This frequent care will keep the colors vibrant and the surface in good shape. Repairs and complete replacements might be significantly more expensive than routine maintenance. Professional PIP maintenance services will ensure that your investment is protected.
Everything You Need To Know About Maintaining Poured-In-Place Rubber Surfacing
Because it’s robust, soft, slip-resistant, shock-absorbent, and doesn’t splinter, poured-in-place (PIP) or wet-pour rubber surface is a popular surfacing solution for high-traffic and high-activity areas. The newly built Surface is ADA-compliant and suitable for children and the elderly.
Plus, there’s more. Rubber flooring poured in situ can be simply adjusted to meet one’s specific requirements. You may, for example, match the color and style of the Surface to a certain theme or brand. Similarly, the surface depth may be adjusted based on the critical fall height, which defines the playground flooring’s safety. In the event of a fall, a thicker surface functions as a cushion, minimizing the chance of major injuries.
Rubber surfaces that have been poured in situ are unitary. As a result, they don’t move and are simple to clean and maintain. It’s no surprise that poured-in-place rubber flooring is a popular choice for playgrounds, gyms, daycares, equestrian centers, pool decks, recreational facilities, and other high foot traffic and activity locations.
A properly placed and maintained PIP surface can last up to ten years. As a result, understanding how to maintain poured-in-place rubber surfaces is crucial. Here are some helpful hints!
Clean The Surface Regularly
The first step in maintaining a poured-in-place rubber floor is to remove any loose sand, mud, tiny stones, or moss that may have accumulated between the EPDM granules. This loose material on the unitary surfacing can pose slip risks and gather in porous pores, compromising the rubber granules’ connection. These particles can irritate the Surface and block drainage systems. Simply said, it is critical to clean the Surface regularly.
To clean the area, use a nylon broom that is gentle on the Surface. Metal bristle brooms and shovels should be avoided since they can dislodge the rubber granules.
Avoid using powerful detergents or solvents that may harm the Surface while cleaning or washing. Chemicals that dissolve glues, such as xylene, should be avoided since they can cause the rubber surface to degrade and discolor. A basic garden hose, a microfiber mop, a push broom, and a light detergent may regularly be used to clean the house.
Power-washing the Surface will likely dislodge EPDM granules, erode the polyurethane binder, and weaken the Surface. Finally, apply one of the several poured rubber floor sanitizers available if you want to sterilize the Surface.
Know How To Tackle Stains
Stains are a necessary component of every form of flooring. Pressure-washing with a light soap is usually sufficient to remove stains on poured-in-place rubber floors. On the other hand, a few tenacious stains may require particular attention. Using severe procedures to remove them may shorten the life of the PIP surface.
Here are a few fast ways to remove stains without causing damage to your flooring.
Graffiti may be erased by using a soft brush and a mild detergent to clean the Area. Alternatively, remove the paint using medium-grade sandpaper, taking care not to harm the Surface.
Acids, alkalis, gasoline, solvent-based solutions, pine sol, WD-40, and paint thinner, among other harsh chemicals, can degrade the Surface. Rinse the area with water and contact a rubber surfacing professionally once to minimize the damage.
Organic materials such as blood, animal feces, and urine may be readily removed without causing damage to the Surface. Using a cleaning brush, scrub the deposit away and soak the residue with a moist disposable rag. Allow the area to air dry after cleaning it with a vinegar and water solution.
Dry ice can be used to remove chewing gum adhering to the Surface. Simply chip the gum off after it has frozen.
Keep It Safe from Sharp Objects
Objects having sharp edges, such as metal chairs, ladders, metal bristle brooms, and shovels, can harm poured-in-place rubber flooring. These surfaces are made to endure the shocks of high-intensity exercises while also protecting children and the elderly from major injury in the event of a fall. Because the Surface is soft and springy, anything with sharp edges, such as pencil-heeled shoes, might harm it.
Reseal The Surface Once In Two Years
A top color layer (typically 38″ to 1/2″) protects the fragile cushion layer from wear and tear and sunshine on poured-in-place rubber surfaces. This layer, which includes the sealant, adhesive, and UV protection, can wear away without proper cleaning and maintenance, causing the rubber color granules to fall off (granulation). The rubber surface will degrade further if not recognized and addressed promptly, necessitating extensive repairs in the future.
As a result, extending the life of your poured-in-place safety surface requires early diagnosis and timely repair and maintenance. We recommend applying a sealer every 1-2 years to revitalize the Surface and keep its vibrant hues. Early resealing of this layer can help it return to its former state and increase the life of the PIP rubber surface. A sealer strengthens binders that have been degraded by UV radiation.
Conduct an Annual Inspection
The lifespan of poured-in-place rubber flooring is influenced by a number of elements, including climate, foot traffic, and potential vandalism. As a result, there are additional symptoms of damage to be aware of in addition to granulation. This might jeopardize the flooring’s integrity and safety in the long run.
A yearly inspection by a licensed specialist can help you keep the area in good shape by allowing you to address small concerns before they become major problems. Also, when checking the Surface, use these questions as a reference.
- Are tree roots causing damage to the Surface?
- Is there a sinking layer under the Surface?
- Is the rubber surfacing’s border in excellent working order?
- Is there any evidence of wear and tear on the transitions from one safety surfacing to the next? The shift from poured-in-place to loose-fill, for example. Is there any damage or cracking in this Area?
- Is there any evidence that the Surface has been defaced or damaged?
Know When To Involve An Expert
Cleaning and maintaining poured-in-place rubber flooring is simple if you pay attention to all of the guidelines mentioned above. However, certain problems require prompt attention from an expert, or they may escalate into larger and more costly repair work.
For example, if you come across a sunken surface (an area where the rubber flooring has lost its aggregate support), you should get it repaired by a local rubber flooring firm. Sunken floors are typically caused by drainage problems that impact the aggregate, leaving the rubber to rely on its tensile strength. The rubber surface may rip as a result of this. Only an expert rubber surfacing installer can take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening again.
Contact a specialist if you see small holes, granulation, spots, imperfections on the rubber surface, or any other wear or damage indicators.
Summing Up
Rubber flooring that is poured in place provides a smooth, safe, and visually beautiful surface that is suitable for practically any indoor or outdoor use. Like any other surface, PIP surfaces must be maintained regularly.
Poured In Place’s licensed installation staff inspects the poured-in-place surfacing for conformity with the American Standard for Testing Methods (ASTM), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Knowing how to care for PIP rubber surfacing, on the other hand, may guarantee that the floor is well maintained.
Use the above guidelines to keep a poured-in-place surface looking fantastic for years to come.
Maintaining A Poured In Place Rubber Surface
Some suppliers may portray poured-in-place rubber covering as a maintenance-free surface. Worse, it’s a costly surface to restore. As a result, adequate maintenance is critical. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when maintaining a rubber surface that has been poured in place.
Sharp items should not be allowed on the Surface. This comprises pointed high heels, ladder legs, chair legs, and so on. Asking parents who wear high heels to remove their shoes before going on the Surface is a wonderful policy to adopt.
Do not clean the Surface with metal bristle brooms or metal shovels. These are likely to harm the system and cause the granules to dislodge. Use nylon-bristled brooms or, better yet, leaf blowers. They function well on a rubber surface that has been poured in situ.
Refrain from power-washing the Surface. While a skilled power cleaning firm could potentially accomplish it with a broad-angle spray without disrupting the EPDM granules’ adhesive, the danger is too great to even try. We get contacted far too frequently to remedy problems caused by power-washing the poured-in-place rubber surface.
Chemicals that disintegrate lacquer and glues should not be used. (e.g. Xylene) There are playground sanitizing chemicals on a poured-in-place system that is both practical and safe to use. To clean poured rubber surfaces, we recommend using a playground sanitizer.
If at all possible, shield the systems from the sun. The polyurethane binders that keep the granules in place are the most vulnerable to UV radiation.
Every two to three years, use a Top Coat sealer to renew your Surface. The term “sealer” is misleading because it does not seal your Surface. It will remain permeable. The sealer will replace any binders that have been lost due to UV radiation. As a preventative measure, topcoats should be utilized. This strategy is especially significant when granulation is detected in the system. Playground Sealer is recommended since it is aliphatic-based and will not darken or harden your playground rubber surface.
Finally, if you see a fracture or a penetration through the wear layer (EPDM layer), fix it immediately before it worsens. Here you may get playground rubber surface repair kits to install yourself.
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