Deciding on a surface system can be quite a complicated process unless you have an engineering background. Since every surfacing system has its share of pros and cons, choosing one that best fits your needs and requirements is the only way to go. A key aspect in doing so is understanding the kind of safety features you require and evaluating the costs associated with each surfacing system.
Poured-in-place rubber surfaces are two-layered unitary surfaces, considered to be some of the most versatile and safe flooring systems for places with a high probability of slip and fall incidents. In fact, did you know that flooring systems cause more than 2 million fall injuries each year? The surface can be of varying thickness based on the fall height that you have defined and follows the guidelines set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Here are a few places where installing poured-in rubber surfacing might prove to be the ideal solution:
1. Playground
Children spend a lot of time out in the sun, playing outdoor games during their formative years. It might seem like an insignificant activity at the outset, but time spent on the playground potentially affects the social and cognitive development of children. Physical activity is also equally important for their growth, making playgrounds a crucial environment for children. But more than 200,000 children end up in emergency rooms due to playground injuries each year, highlighting the need for a safer environment.
Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber or wet-pour rubber is known to be one of the preferred playground surfaces due to the added safety and durability of the material. Since PIP rubber surfaces do not splinter and are shock absorbent, they make for an ideal playground surface. They also eliminate the scope of potential “surprises” that children might otherwise find buried in mulch surfaces. This includes discarded cigarettes, animal feces, or litter that you do not want your children to touch or come in contact with.
Moreover, considering the heavy footfall that playgrounds witness, the PIP rubber surface tends to be more preferred as once installed, it can last for more than 10 years.
2. Schools
When we talk about places that bolster the cognitive and physical development of children, schools evidently top the list. Schools witness children of all age groups walking and running, highlighting the importance of having a safe surface, more than any other place. Like playgrounds, schools also witness a heavy footfall every single day making it important for their surface system to be of good quality and long-lasting.
Schools generally have in-built gymnasiums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor areas where children are likely to engage in sports, outdoor games, and activities. Covering such surfaces with PIP rubber can be the right solution to ensuring the safety of the children and young athletes in the school. What’s more, PIP rubber surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and thus a great way for schools to be more inclusive of children with disabilities.
The biggest advantage associated with PIP rubber surfaces is that it is safe for critical fall heights of up to 10 to 12 feet, and appropriate for children aged 2 to 12. It is also highly cost-effective making it the perfect fit for the limited budgets usually seen in schools. For the same reasons, poured-in-place rubber surfaces are also considered to be a suitable surfacing system for daycare centers.
3. Pool Decks
Swimming pools are beloved by people of all ages and considered to be a great source of escape from the smoldering summer heat. Since a lot of water could splash from the pool onto the deck, slip and fall accidents are highly likely. Poured-in-place rubber surfaces can also allow you to experiment with the color and aesthetics around the pool and keep the surface temperature cooler, thus amplifying the experience of swimming in the pool.
Even in the case of pool decks, the safety factor associated with PIP rubber surfaces is undebatable. Such surfaces can increase the traction if they get wet, making it easier for people to walk on the deck even if they have just stepped out of the pool.
The slip-proof and water-proof qualities associated with PIP rubber surfaces make them the ideal choice for community pools, hotels/resorts, or even professional swimming institutes. It is also highly preferred in water-themed parks where slippery surfaces can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
4. Garage Floors
Looking for a stable surfacing system for your home garage and thinking of settling for concrete? Think again. If you plan to use the garage to park multiple cars and to store hardware, you might need a sturdier surface that can handle a certain extent of wear and tear.
While rubber surfaces are great for outdoor areas, their shock-absorbent properties make them an equally viable option for garages. They are also low maintenance and inexpensive, making them a perfect choice for your home garage. You can bring your artsy side out and erect installations, or create a workshop in your garage without the fear of damaging your flooring system. However, you should be mindful of the type of rubber you use, as not all of them can hold up under the weight of parked automobiles and engine oils.
The easy-to-install process ensures that you do not need to carry out regular repairs and maintenance on your garage surface.
5. Gyms and Fitness Centers
With increased attention on maintaining fitness and agility among people across the globe, gymnasiums are more popular than ever. Some even say that getting arduous exercise regularly can be therapeutic. Regardless of the reason why you go to the gym, working out in a safe environment is important, and can even motivate you to keep going.
Even the most highly trained athletes require soft surfaces to train since something as simple as dropping weights on the floor can severely damage the flooring system. Even if you do not perform any intensive exercises and just do sit ups, having a soft surface can help you avoid potential injuries. PIP rubber flooring is not only easier to clean and maintain, but its durability also makes it a cost-effective option for gymnasiums.
Since PIP rubber surfaces can handle a greater footfall, they are also more preferable for larger and more specialized gyms as they can easily handle a larger extent of wear and tear.
6. Public Parks
Public parks can be great sources of recreation and are known to have better air quality making them a preferred place for people who are looking to take a break. They are also the perfect destination for children and families to have picnics, connect with each other, and nature. Since people of all ages visit and enjoy public parks, they should be equipped with a surface that prevents unforeseeable slip and fall accidents.
Moreover, public parks house play areas for children where a sturdy rubber flooring system is almost a necessity. In addition to protecting children from having accidents and any serious injuries, you can add a lot of aesthetic appeal to the PIP rubber flooring making it more attractive and appealing to kids and adults alike. And yes, they are UV-stable in most cases, which means that they are unlikely to dry up as a result of overexposure to the sun.
Wrapping up
Selecting the right surface for a property is no easy task, and requires a lot of deliberation and consideration. Poured-in-place rubber surfacing can be the perfect flooring solution for many commercial, public as well as private properties. With salient features such as cost-effectiveness, easy installation, slip-resistance, water-proofing, and low maintenance, it is perfect for areas that witness heavy footfall and extensive wear and tear. Also known as a playground surface, it is a great way to ensure safety without compromising on aesthetics.