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EPDM safety surfacing, such as wet pour rubber, is designed to provide maximum safety precautions with high longevity, making it ideal for parks, recreational areas, and playgrounds as a playing surface. Wet pour safety surfacing is a system with two layers including a colored layer at the top and a shock pad at the base. This playground safety surfacing is also known as soft tarmac or rubber tarmac. You can find this surfacing in a wide range of colors including green, yellow, EPDM and red, etc. The information provided in this write-up can help you to know this surfacing system for the safety of kids in the playground more precisely.
A wet pour surface is a safety surface made from rubber crumbs to absorb impact. It is made by mixing granules of rubber crumb with a resin containing polyurethane and desired colors before laying it. You can find this EPDM safety surfacing in a wide range of bright colors to choose from while installing it in your playground. In order to meet the safety standards of BS EN 1177 and get a high rating in Critical Fall Height, all of these surfaces have to be tested before introducing them into the market. They can be used with various types of playground equipment, such as climbing frames and swings.
These EPDM safety surfacing systems are gaining popularity in nurseries and schools to ensure the safety of children playing on the playground. However, while installing this rubber play surface at different depths, you will have to meet a few requirements. To make these surfaces more attractive and fun for kids, you can incorporate educational games and graphics. These surfaces consist of a 1mm to 4mm thick layer of EPDM rubber mixed with polyurethane resin, which is poured onto a shock-absorbing base installed on the ground.
On a hard sub-base, wet pour rubber safety surface can be installed directly as concrete, paving slabs, compacted stones, or tarmac is installed on a base with a minimum 100mm thickness. To bond to the surface, the edges of the surface must be secured by using timber or PC edging, etc. The open edges of this surface will be tapered if you install it on an existing base with hard standing.
The minimum thickness of the wet pour rubber surface system should be 20 mm or more while installing on a sub-base with hard standing whereas while installing on a base with a compacted stone it should be 40 mm thick.
A 20mm thick surface of wet pour can be laid at a time whereas you will have to install this surface twice if it is thicker than 20mm. To bound two layers of wet pour polyurethane resin mixed with granules is used while installing onsite as per the depth required. Before using this surface you should give it time to cure.
You can include various types of graphics, educational games, and patterns on the wet pour surfaces to make the playground look more colorful, interactive, and vibrant.
The value of the critical fall height test of the wet-pour surface depends upon its thickness as it helps in absorbing the impact and reduces the risk of fall injuries.
The main benefits of these playground safety surfaces may include;
In this way, safety surfaces made from wet pour rubber crumbs offer several benefits along with the safety of the children during physical activities.
Though these surfaces look like rubber tiles and poured rubber surfaces still they are different from them as they can be laid easily in any design and shape without wasting the materials.
As per the specifications of NBS, wet pour safety surfacing a system that includes two layers. Its base layer is made of Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and the top layer by using Ethylene Propylene Diene rubber Monomer(EPDM). To absorb impact its SBR base works as a shock pad. Its top layer is made of granules of EPDM rubber available in various designs and bright colors.
Wet pour safety surface can be installed on various types of sub-bases according to the condition of the existing ground. These impact absorbing surfaces can be installed on sub base with compacted type 1 MOT stone. As the rubber is poured to install this surface, so it is also known as poured rubber flooring. Preferably porous and solid surface with no fines or porous macadam with open texture is used as a sub-base for installing this safety surface.
So if you want to make the playground of your nursery, school, or public facility safe for children to play on then you must install wet pour safety surfacing on it. You can install it in any shape or size to cover the existing surface with a shock-absorbing layer for the kids.
The EPDM rubber granulate is artificially coloured, UV-stable and resilient and thus durable. Unlike those natural materials like wood chips or sand, EPDM keeps the cushioning consistent, doesn't spread, provides spring and is far easier to maintain.
Yes, EPDM wet pour surfaces are highly durable and ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic such as public playgrounds, schoolyards, and community parks. They are resistant to wear, making them suitable for daily use by children and adults alike.
Yes, EPDM wet pour surfaces can be laid over all types of surfaces including a slight gradient or bumpy soil. But the correct preparation of the ground and the correct installation are the key to reaching a flat, stead and safe finish.
What is special about EPDM granules is they are UV stable, meaning they do not fade in direct sunlight. But it may fade slightly over a long period of time due to prolonged exposure and cleaning. By featuring good quality papers and adhesives that resist future cracking or yellowing, the bright colors last longer.
EPDM granules are offered in various colors including red, blue, green, yellow, black, grey as well as multicolors. This ensures you can always develop inviting play areas that are tailored to a theme or your company branding.
Installation can take anywhere from 45 mins-3 hours depending on the scale of the project. Tiny patches can be done in 1-2 days, larger or more complicated works might take days or even weeks. The bottom usually takes 24-48 hours for the surface to dry and cure depending on the depth and moisture of the area.
Of course, an advantage to EPDM Safety Surfacing is that it is non-slip! It provides a secure and stable surface in dry and wet conditions that is comfortable to walk on all year round, The non-slip properties make it safe for all the family and its weather resistance keeps it looking great all year round, it is the safety surface for play areas.
Gentle power washing can be used to clean EPDM surfaces, but care must be taken not to leave imprints on the granuales or bomb off the bond. For day-to-day cleaning, it’s best to rely on mild detergents and soft brushes or low-pressure settings.
New EPDM wet pour rubber may have a slight smell caused by the polyurethane binder used in the process. However, this normally dissipates after a few days as the surface cures and is ventilated with fresh air.
Yes custom designs like hopscotch games, letters, numbers, animal prints or companies logos can be inlaid into the surface with coloured EPDM granules. This is an educational and aesthetic addition to the playground.
Yes, because EPDM rubber has a soft, cushioning surface that’s great for little ones more susceptible to falls. With its non-toxic, non-slip and shock absorption benefits, it is recognised one of the safest products for early year’s settings.
Extreme temperatures, whether it's scorching hot or freezing cold, are no match for EPDM rubber. It never becomes brittle in the cold or too soft in the heat, so it remains tough, safe and an insulating shield year after year.
Although the EPDM rubber granules themselves are synthetic, the rest is recyclable, especially the bottom layer made of recycled car tyres. Disposal options vary depending on local recycling facilities, but several providers also have environmentally friendly disposal and reuse programs.
Yes, alternatives include rubber tiles, synthetic turf, engineered wood fibre, and loose-fill rubber mulch. However, EPDM wet pour offers superior design flexibility, better long-term performance, and greater accessibility compared to many other options.
SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) is commonly applied on base surfacing as it is economical and provides impact attenuation. EPDM, however, is reserved for the top (wear) layer, as it is UV resistant, better at holding colour and more durable. Together, the two materials form a super durable, budget-friendly surface.