Selwood Products - Children's Wooden Climbing Frames & Playhouses
What is Rubber Bark
We don't supply surfacing because we specialise in ready to assemble play equipment which is designed to be assembled directly onto a lawn. However, some customers which to add a safety surface, so on this page we tell you a little more about the pros and cons of using rubber bark as a safety surface.
Rubber mulch as playground surfacing is made from recycling commercial or industrial tyres which are wire free it is shredded and cleaned this can be bonded together. Has a 3.5m critical fall height at 20cm depth which compares favourably with wood bark, sand or grass.
This means using less to cover more means less work surface maintenance. You can choose to use a resin bonding the pieces together this creates a permanent surface. Permanent surfaces are almost maintenance free in that it will take a lot for it blow away or get moved.
Resin bound rubber surfaces allow water to drain through, its often a misconception that these are completely solid creating puddles that will need clearing before play can resume. Assuming that the surface is laid with appropriate drainage it should clear and ready for play when the rain stops unlike grass that maybe water logged requiring some time to be suitable again.
Important Checks
The rubber chips and water based coatings are non-toxic and labelled as such, clearly marked by the retailer on these products. Do not be tempted to shred tyres yourself as this will contain toxins and metal that must be removed to make it safe.
If accidentally swallowed properly treated rubber chippings should pass through the digestive system with no ill effect.
However we aren't doctors, so if you suspect nature hasn't taken its natural course or a child is in discomfort do as any responsible parent will do
Benefits of Rubber Surfaces
- Low maintenance
- Rubber mulch doesn't degrade or compact like bark chippings will.
- Many Colours available
- It can be coloured limited only by your imagination. You can choose between very bright colours or natural ones that blend into the garden.
- Lasts a long time
- Years, it will still be functional so long as it's all kept it within the play area. So using a resin bond will help with this.
- Fade resistant
- It is for a long time. However each product will make claims for a number of years. Check with manufactures to see what they have claimed.
- Doesn't freeze
- It doesn't absorb water so it wont freeze. This makes it less slippery in cold weather and also remains soft and safe for kids on the climbing frame.
- Doesn't retain water
- This means it can be played on as the rain stops, or even during if the feeling takes.
- Doesn't sustain Or Attract Insects or Animals
- Rubber isn't very nutritious not having to worry about insects making a nest will mean less to clean up. Not to mention that its not somewhere cats will look at as a giant toilet unlike a sandpit or bark area.
Rubber Mulch Final Thoughts
Weed suppression blocks out the light so nothing can grow underneath anything over two inches will create this effect. However, unlike natural mulches that can turn to soil quickly if the area did grow weeds this would have to be removed and weeded by hand.
Retaining moisture in the ground, the rubber mulch prevents evaporation so water goes into the ground beneath. The mulch also not block rain from going to the soil which will always be wet, this can cause an issue if your area is flooded prone or has insufficient drainage.
It will last, 10 years or longer it won't break down or decompose which is an advantage until you want to get rid and it also means, unlike natural mulches it won't supply the ground underneath with nutrients. It can also work its way into the ground permanently if a barrier isn't used to prevent this.
It has a high cost to begin with, although it doesn't need replacing if you use resins to set the rubber permanently this increase the time and cost needed to install.
Toxic? Some concerns over the safety and long-term concerns about the ground although safety testing should put your mind at ease.
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