Some Basic Information On Playground Surfacing Materials
Some of the commonly used playground-surfacing materials are sand
, pea gravel, wood chips/bark mulch, engineered wood fiber, loose rubber crumb from shredded tires, etc. Most of the surfacing material can be purchased from playground equipment stores.
There are so many options with regard to surfacing materials that can be used on playgrounds and it may be difficult to choose one from among them. It is recommended that an expert be consulted to find out which playground surface would best suit your requirements. Each playground surface material has its own advantages as well as disadvantages.
A playground surface is the one that you find under slides, swings and other playground equipment. Such surfaces are made of materials that satisfy the aesthetics and child-safety considerations. A playground surface should be one such that it reduces the risk of serious injury when a child falls from the playground equipment. The surface should be such that it absorbs the impact of the fall. Packed dirt or earth, grass, cement, or asphalt are not recommended as surfacing materials because they do not absorb the impact of the fall. Proper impact testing is necessary for any playground surface material prior to laying it.
Some of the commonly used playground-surfacing materials are sand, pea gravel, wood chips/bark mulch, engineered wood fiber, loose rubber crumb from shredded tires, etc. Most of the surfacing material can be purchased from playground equipment stores.
Sand and Pea Gravel
They are both inexpensive options and easy to obtain and install. Both the materials do not support microbial growth. Sand offers great impact absorption qualities. Some disadvantages are that it is inconvenient for wheelchair mobility and sand can easily get into children's eyes and mouth. It can also hide animal excreta and sharp objects. Pea gravel can also be easily swallowed by children. Both sand and pea gravel have the disadvantage of being scattered on to other surfaces. Ongoing maintenance costs are higher for both sand and pea gravel.
Wood Chips/Bark Mulch
Bark mulch is a by-product of urban landscaping programs. They provide a natural appearance and can be easily obtained. The mildly acidic nature of bark mulch retards fungus growth as well as insect infestation. It is recommended to be installed at a minimum depth of 12 inches. Installation over asphalt does not provide very good impact results. Over time, this surface compacts and decomposes. It can get into the child's eyes or the child may even swallow it. It is flammable and encourages microbial growth when wet. Extreme temperatures and humidity can alter its effectiveness. The surface requires regular raking and inspection. The bark/chips have to be replaced periodically and maintenance costs are higher.
Engineered Wood Fiber
Engineered wood fiber is more expensive than mulch chips. The engineered wood fiber is obtained from new processed wood and does not contain twigs, barks, or leaves. As with bark mulch, it should be installed at a depth of 12 inches with adequate drainage. The surface is durable and allows wheelchair mobility. It keeps away infestation by insects and retards fungal growth. It stays in place unlike sand or pea gravel. It is less abrasive when compared to sand. Some disadvantages include higher initial costs, it decomposes and compacts with passage of time and encourages microbial growth when wet. The maintenance costs are higher with the surfacing material having to be replaced periodically.
Loose Rubber Crumb
Rubber crumb is obtained by grinding tire material. Care should be taken to see that the loose crumb fill is devoid of wires and metal. Rubber crumb is durable, not abrasive and is easy to install. The rubber should not contain lead or other allergens/toxins. It does not encourage microbial growth and proves less attractive to animals. It provides adequate mobility for wheelchairs, it can be ignited and can get lodged in nose and ears of children. It can get easily scattered and does not stay in place. The maintenance costs are higher and periodic replacement or addition of surface material is required.
Playground Turf
It s a natural looking surface and is usually installed by professionals. It comes in a variety of shades. It is easily accessible to mobility devices and easily maintained.
Tiles
Tiles are the best when it comes to indoor playgrounds. Though they come at a higher investment, the ongoing maintenance charges are low. Replacement of damaged tiles is also easy. They can be laid out in different colors and patterns.
It is important to procure playground surfacing from reputable suppliers.
by: Nicolas Breedlove
Latest News: Wonderful Way To Get Important Information Yuppee Magazine Offers Latest Information For Youth Ignou Helpline All The Information Is Just A Click Away Dog Grooming Some Information Useful Information About Cookery Classes In London Information On Nursing In Arizona Informaes De Qualidade Sobre Suplementos Alimentares E Emagrecedores? Information On The Top Digital Slr Cameras Of 2012 You May Also Get Additional Information By A Complete Information For Your Journey To Kasauli Cosmetic Dentistry Information; Know The Facts Bloemfontein Place As Well As Region Information For Events Information To Enhance Rrmprove Their Knowl