What is Rubber Safety Surfacing and Why You Need It
Rubber safety surfacing is one of the most multipurpose surfacing solutions available on the market today. Additionally, it is one of the few types of surfaces that is able to blend beauty, safety, and durability in one marvelous bundle.
A typical rubber surface is made up of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate), and/or recycled rubber granules. For the safety surfacing process, it is combined with a polyurethane binder and poured directly over the existing cracked and uneven concrete surface without the need for expensive demolition.
Apart from concrete, rubber safety surfacing can be performed on asphalt, interlock brick, wood, steel, tile, flagstone, limestone, gravel, and even dirt. Thus, it is super versatile with numerous residential and commercial applications.
In fact, rubber safety surfacing is commonly used for school playgrounds, daycare centers, recreation facilities, golf clubs, gyms, running tracks, driveways, wheelchair ramps, and even places like pool decks, dog parks, theme parks, water parks, and senior facilities.
The rubber safety surfacing is skid-resistant when wet, akin to your bath mat, which makes it ideal for wet deck applications. What’s more, it stretches to accommodate most substrate cracks caused by ground movement and expands/contracts with temperature changes.
So, why exactly is rubber safety surfacing so popular and why should you opt for it?
Safe
First and foremost, due to the extra grip that rubber provides, the chances of slipping, falling, and injuring oneself is negligible. Rubber surfacing boasts a higher safety rating than vinyl and PVC flooring and is virtually slip-resistant.
And if slips and falls do occur on the rubber surface, the landing impact will be substantially lower than falling on concrete or wooden surfaces. The rubber surfacing provides a shock-absorbent material that helps ensure the safety and well-being of users. Plus, it does not emit any harmful chemicals that may cause skin or health concerns. That’s why rubber surfacing is the preferred choice for schools and playgrounds.
Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting
Rubber safety surfacing is practically maintenance-free, as it can readily withstand wide temperature differences and seasonal elements without cracking. Other surfacing areas with vinyl and concrete may have a lower initial cost, but they are not manufactured to last long.
For instance, in severe winters, your snow shovels and snow blowers will not damage rubber surfaces. Plus you can easily remove the snow and ice from the surface. Salt and other deicers do not impact the rubber surface, unlike concrete which will deteriorate and crack.
The rubber safety surfacing is also stain-resistant and can be made spotless with normal soap and water cleaning. While rare, any surface imperfections can be easily filled and eliminated without jackhammers or other heavy equipment. Moreover, rubber surfacing prevents fungal or bacteria growth.
So, think of rubber safety surfacing as a one-time investment and once installed, would need little-to-no maintenance + would last perfectly well for years to come.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Last but not least, your rubber safety surfacing can be easily customized to give any look, such as a classic stone or asphalt look. You can get creative with your color selection, choosing from shades of black, grey, brown, red, blue, green, and more to suit your business or personal preferences.
Simply put, the rubber surfacing is visually appealing and noticeably more colorful, vibrant, and welcoming than conventional surfacing materials. Thus, it makes for a fun playground material for the kids. Not to mention, rubber surfacing is one of the most environmentally-friendly and cost-effective surfacing options available today. Thus, more and more people are realizing these benefits of rubber safety surfacing and you should certainly consider rubber for your existing or future surfacing/flooring needs.
