A dirty, muddy, or broken pathway leading your guests from the street to your doorstep where your beautiful, warm, and welcoming home awaits them — don’t you find something wrong with this picture? Say the aforementioned driveway, for instance?

The fact that we groom our houses to match our personalities and then completely forget about the path leading up to it is unfortunate but true.

However, now that we are here and addressing it, why not explore some options to replace that broken driveway?

Let’s begin.

Top Alternatives To Replace Your Concrete Driveway

The following list is specially curated to index the top choices available when you want to replace your old and damaged pathway.

Gravel

Gravel isn’t just a common but highly preferred driveway material in many regions that experience exceedingly low temperatures. This is because while it looks beautiful all laid out and leading to your porch, it does not allow ice to build up on its surface. You may need additional gravel on the path during those snowy days, but it will nowhere be near as slick as the concrete might get.

Simultaneously, it is very economical and easy to install and can be purchased at any nearby home depot or gardening store. There is also little to no maintenance required with this material as compared to the existing concrete pathway you have.

Asphalt

A frequently used option in lieu of concrete is asphalt. It is similar to concrete in some ways but uses tar instead of cement as an adhesive, thus making it black in color and much rougher than concrete in both look and feel. It is cheap and quite simple to repair and maintain but has a shorter lifespan due to its tendency of cracking and splitting easily.

However, depending on the length of your driveway, it can actually turn out to be a good alternative to concrete.

Brick

Driveways made of brick are quite popular in a lot of circles due to the vivid personality they add to the house. With a lasting of over two decades, if installed and maintained properly, they come in a lot of color options that let you design the entire look. You can even match it with the exterior of your property for a put-together picture-perfect image.

On the other hand, the downsides to this kind of pathway are simply the time and money you’ll have to input for their construction and maintenance.

Rubber

Yes, you read that right. Now, with the new innovations coming up, rubber surfacing can also be used to pave your driveway beautifully in as many as 40 colors. It can be easily installed above your existing concrete and/or asphalt pathway and is easy to maintain. It is durable and needs little maintenance over its lifespan to look as pretty as it did on day 1.

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Additionally, since the rubber used here comes from the tires and shoe soles that have already gone to waste, it ends up being great for the environment. Because this way, this rubber is not laying waste in landfills somewhere.

Timber

Timber, as you already know, comes from trees which makes it extremely eco-friendly right from the first stance. Simultaneously, this also lowers the prices attached to its acquisition and installation. Mixed with soil, sleepers, both new and recycled, can be laid out to present you with a beautiful driveway that has a rugged yet natural look. They need very little effort to be maintained over the years and even those fallen autumn leaves won’t make your pristine pathway look messy.

The only cons to this kind of driveway are that they are susceptible to both vermin and fire, and have a relatively shorter life than concrete.

Final Thoughts

A beautiful driveway is all you want in front of your equally gorgeous abode, and the concrete alternatives we shared above are sure to give you a lot to think about. Explore all your options well and we hope you make the choice best suitable for you and your residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eco-friendly options for paving a driveway?

There are several environmentally friendly options available today when it comes to paving a beautiful driveway. Timber, rubber, and mulch are some of the most preferred choices amongst them.

What is the most common surfacing option for a driveway?

Although the material for the driveway can vary a lot from place to place depending upon the region, climate conditions, and availability of materials, etc. But gravel has been found to be one of the most used alternatives across climatic and geographical barriers.

How to decide between repairing and replacing a concrete driveway?

The decision of whether your concrete driveway simply needs a fix-up or a complete replacement is a crucial one and depends extensively on the kind of damage your current pathway has suffered. However, if you are still unable to conclude what your next step should be, asking a professional surfacer for help might be your best option.

Spalling concrete is dangerous, trust us.

For those unaware, the spalling of concrete, in layperson terms, can be described as flaking or breaking apart of the concrete from its structure, as a result exposing the interior reinforcing materials to the atmosphere.

Although an occurrence most frequently observed in places with colder climates, no part of the world has found itself untouched by it.

And the threats posed by this scaling have been felt all around the globe. Some examples of the same have been discussed below.

How Is Concrete Spalling Dangerous?

There is a whole slew of risks involved with the breaking off of concrete walls and floors and proper care is required on a regular basis to eliminate them. But what troubles it may cause, you ask?

Let’s have a look.

• The falling of broken concrete debris on people, as well as objects below, poses the threat to one’s life and property. While the damage done to property can be reimbursed, there is no compensation one can offer for a lost life or a disabling injury.
• The reinforcing structure upon which a building stands, when exposed to the atmosphere, becomes highly susceptible to corrosion, once the concrete starts flaking. This can lead to the weakening of the construction’s strength.
• The aesthetic value and visual appeal of the building decrease significantly with spalling concrete. This also means a direct fall in the value of the property. While not as harmful to one as a threat to life, no one wants to lose the extra income either

Causes Of Concrete Spalling

There can be a number of reasons that can cause the concrete in your construction to start cracking and scaling, including the following:

Freezing Seepage

Most common in cold climate regions, this is when the water seepage inside a wall freezes and turns to ice. Since the volume of ice is much more than that of water, the concrete starts cracking in an attempt to accommodate the new product being formed.

Inadequate Water Usage

On the one hand, the use of less than the required amount of water may allow air pockets to form unintentionally that can later result in cracks. However, on the other hand, too much water can work in significantly reducing the concrete’s strength, which can then result in the formation of microcracks at a later date.

High Temperatures

Both fire and high climatic temperatures can be exceedingly terrible for concrete constructions leading to explosive spalling scenarios. This is owing to increased pore pressure that develops due to oversaturation.

Others

Other causes of spalling concrete may include improper structural cover, high alkali content in cement, and increased exposure to sulphate compounds. Pollution can also have an adverse effect on the lifespan of concrete construction.

Tips To Prevent Spalling Concrete

To prevent the spalling of concrete in your property, you can follow the tried-and-tested tips shared below.

Recheck your Concrete Mix

Just like the proper water content required to ensure a strong and durable construction, the right concrete mix is also of utmost importance. For the same, you can get in touch with your supplier to work on the mix that will carry you through the various seasons and temperatures in your region.

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Keep an eye on the w/cm ratio, the 28-day concrete strength as well as the air content requirement for your building while developing an effective approach towards accelerants needed.

Revisit your Finishing Procedure

Proper placing and setting of concrete are essential to any construction project, before it may move on to the finishing part. While carrying out the finishing procedure prematurely can seal the water used within the concrete, thus making it vulnerable to seepage. Overworking the wet slab of concrete can also weaken the building by destroying the air bubbles specifically placed there.

Cure the Flatwork

Curing is a necessary step when dealing with concrete construction, and it is especially true when laying flatworks. Both sprays and paint rollers can be used for this purpose so that the concrete may gain some much-needed strength and moisture. This curing can be done with any curing compound of your choice or even a water-repellent covering. It is also important that you let it dry before carrying out the next step with the defrosting or deicing salts.

Wrapping Up

As we’ve already established, spalling concrete is a hazard that needs to be either prevented or repaired at the first sign of damage. The threats it poses to both life and property are extensive and thus, no carelessness can be afforded.

You can also choose the option of switching to safer material options like rubber, wherever possible, for instance, the driveway leading to your doorstep and your garage and basement floors. Playgrounds can also be paved with the same for further safety. It is both durable and easy to maintain as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spalling Concrete?

Spalling or as it is popularly known as flaking concrete is when the concrete construction starts cracking and breaking off the structure, thus exposing the reinforcements used in its internal structure.

Can damage caused by spalling concrete be prevented?

Yes, the damage caused by spalling concrete can be prevented with proper care during the construction of the same as well as regular maintenance. Usage of good quality tools along with monitoring each step of the process like reviewing the concrete mix is a good start in that direction.

What to do if the concrete has started flaking already?

If you can see the cracks spreading through your concrete construction, get in touch with your builder or the nearest contractor at the earliest.

Home gym flooring is an important decision for each and every home gymnasium owner.

Most of them keep on wondering about the perfect surface that can provide enough comfort, is highest in resilience, possesses durability, is not slippery, and can bear an unlimited amount of weight.

Well, they now don’t need to think much as wet-pour rubber surfacing emerges as the ultimate choice.

Here’s why:

1. Gyms need a stable and durable surface solution

Wet-pour rubber surfacing or poured in place (PIP) rubber surfacing is more reinforced and will give you a uniform finish and durability that your gym ground demands. Plus, it is designed in such as way that your surface doesn’t have splinters.

If you look at loose-fill rubber surfacing, its quality and finish are such that it demands regular maintenance though they are durable. Loose-fill surfacing also keeps getting dissipated. This means you’ll have to constantly work to rake it back in place.

2. Wet-pour rubber surfacing can reduce risks of injury

Wet-pour rubber flooring is dual-layered and offers a shock-pad base. In case you fall during your workout sessions, the rubber floor will reduce the force of the impact.

Rubber materials also have a high coefficient of friction. Thus, they offer traction and are anti-skid. Instead of breaking a bone, you may end up with a bruise, which also results in a reduced risk of injury.

On the other hand, you will most likely end up with a fracture if you fall on a concrete floor.

3. Gyms need a surface that can withstand the weight.

Gym weight equipment such as dumbbells and free weight is heavy. There are thick rubber flooring materials that can withstand the weight of even the heaviest weight equipment.

The flooring thickness you choose will depend on the weight you use. If you are using lighter handheld weights, a rubber flooring thickness of ¼ inch will usually be sufficient. But for heavyweights that typically end up getting dropped on the floor, go for rubber floors that are at least ¾ inches thick.

4. Rubber floors keep your gym fresh and moisture-free

When it comes to setting up a home gym, homeowners usually select their basement because of space issues. Basements are notorious for breeding mold and mildew since they are typically dark and damp.

Installing wet-pour rubber flooring can help solve this issue as rubber floors are resistant to mold and mildew and will keep moisture at bay.

5. Rubber floors are noise absorbent.

Since you are building a home gym, you want to create a soundproof room. Rubber can offer floor soundproofing by reducing the sound impact of the heavy equipment or the dropping of weights.

Rubber has noise-absorbing properties that remarkably lessen the transmission of impact sound and airborne sound, thus making it a good flooring option for your gym.

6. Rubber surfaces can improve the aesthetic.

You can find plenty of options for rubber surfaces today based on factors like colors, textures, and patterns. Depending on your taste, you can even customize the rubber floor of your gym. It renders an aesthetic appeal to any space.

7. Rubber surfaces are easy to clean and need little maintenance

It is easy to clean and maintain rubber surfaces. All you need is a vacuum cleaner or broom, mop, bucket, sponge, and mild detergent. You will need to get rid of the dirt, dust, and debris. If you have a tot, go for daily vacuuming. Or else cleaning the floor weekly is just fine.

In case of any damage, you can easily re-pour the safety rubber-resin mix in the affected area to mend the damage. A rubber surfacing expert can assist you in getting the surface repaired quickly. You should not be able to see any trace of wear or tear after the repair.

8. Rubber surfaces are cost-effective.

Wet-pour rubber surfaces are the most expensive as compared to other rubber flooring types. It usually costs anything between $7 to $15 per square foot. That being said, it is a highly cost-effective option in the long term. Though the initial cost may seem high, it is durable, safe, mold-resistant, and maintenance-free.

Over to You!

A home gym is an integral part of any building or house. Wouldn’t it be good if you could work out and train your body using all your strength and energy? Well, there is an advanced product that comes with the promise of making your home gym perfect – it’s wet-pour rubber surfacing.

This article explored the benefits of wet pour rubber surfacing for gyms, sports halls, and other fitness areas. If you’re still in doubt, make sure to go have a talk with a professional in your vicinity.

Every year, thousands of people are involved in accidents due to surface-related incidents.

As the demand for amenities and amenities increases, companies are constantly on the lookout for materials that can add both values and appeal to their sports surfaces. Industries, such as healthcare, offices, and gyms, will benefit from recreational sports facilities that provide high levels of safety and comfort.

While there is no general rule that can prevent you from suffering an injury, the idea of installing safety rubber surfacing may lessen the impact. Safety rubber surfacing has different properties such as its shock-absorbing properties, water drainage system, and slip resistance.

These qualities make it the most effective type of surface in today’s market.

This article will outline how you can use these qualities to muffle injuries and provide safer sports facilities.

1. It has shock-absorbing properties.

One of the things that make safety rubber surfaces a better choice is their shock-absorbing qualities.

Safety rubber’s shock-absorbing capabilities lessen the impact of injuries from falls and blows because it slows the rate of energy transfer to your body, whether you’re a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a motorist.

The name “Safety Rubber Surfacing” says it all. The surface is made up of materials that have shock-absorbing properties. The use of this material in residential entryways, walkways, patios & decks ensures that if there are any accidents or injuries occurring in the home or other places where it’s installed, accidents are reduced by the floor.

What’s more, the shock-absorbing properties of safety rubber surfacing flooring can reduce the level of injury that results from jumping or falling, which is why it’s often incorporated into the design of sports facilities like playgrounds and athletic courts.

2. They have a softer surface.

Envision falling on a hard surface or concrete? You’re correct – it often results in hands and knees getting scrapped.

And that’s where safety rubber surfacing comes into the picture. Durable rubber flooring offers the best protection against surface injuries due to falling, slipping, tripping, and sliding. And you can thank its soft surface for it.

The great thing about this surface is that, even if the kids are using the playground very rough, they will not get hurt much. It is because the texture is soft and has no stiff edges that could hurt the kids.

With this in mind, rubber matting has become the material of choice for use in schools, medical facilities, factories, football fields, and sports courts worldwide.

3. Non-Slip Surface.

When working in the workplace, you are at risk of being injured because of falls or slips that can occur. However, safety rubber surfacing is one of the best materials available when it comes to providing a slip-resistant flooring surface that can lessen the impact of surface injuries.

Safety Rubber Flooring, with its non-skid surface, provides good traction even during wet conditions making it ideal for low impact activities, such as aerobics or dance class.

As a result, safety Rubber Surfacing is highly recommended for Gymnasium, Playground, School, Training Center, Factory and other Industrial Use.

Rubber also has the ability to have non-skid properties across its entire life span, which allows workers to maintain their balance while traversing various work areas. The non-skid surface makes it easier for workers inside industrial plants to work on scaffolding, ramps, and elevated platforms where stairs would be typically used.

Wrap-Up

It’s a familiar scenario: a young child slips on a wet tile in the bathroom and is sent face-first to the floor. A teenager trips on a basketball court and twists his ankle. An adult trips on a raised sidewalk and breaks their wrist. These injuries can be caused by many different types of surface accidents, but all have one thing in common: they could have been prevented with an appropriate safety surface.

It is good to make use of modern technology to lessen the impact of such injuries.

Safety rubber surfaces can be a suitable material to lessen such injuries. Even though safety rubber surfaces do not completely remove the risk of injuries, they can help by simply reducing their impact and severity.

The safety rubber surfacing is often used in schools, hospitals, sports venues, and many more places for its extensive safety benefits. It is important not only because it offers grip when wet, but when combined with its anti-slip properties, it’s even more effective.

Having proper pool deck maintenance in your residential or commercial place can ensure that your place looks aesthetically appealing, safe for you and your family, and at the same time, keeps the value of your asset intact.

However, when you are in charge of this maintenance, or when it is being outsourced to a contractor who is not aware of the best practices in maintaining pool decks, one can easily make some undesirable mistakes.

Here are some of the common pool deck maintenance mistakes that you must avoid at any cost:

1. Not considering your flooring options

Your pool deck surfacing is bound to gain heavy foot traffic. Plus, it is going to be constantly splashed with chlorinated water, subjected to high UV radiation and moisture damage, and there are several other factors that will compromise its durability, safety, and functionality in general.

It is thus crucial to consider your pool’s flooring options carefully. Many homeowners or even commercial establishments that own a swimming pool use rubber flooring.

It is because rubber surfaces are easy to install, skid-proof, waterproof, moisture-proof, absorb shocks, resistant to mild and dew, durable, and can be easily cleaned and maintained. High-quality rubber surfaces can even offer superior UV protection

Plus, there are different types of rubber flooring options with appealing aesthetics to choose from.

2. Hard and fast deck cleaning

The worst thing you can do during the maintenance procedure of your pool deck is to conduct a hard and fast cleaning. This includes implementing power tools and over-cleaning.

When you scrub or blast your pool too harshly, it will strip off the top surface. If you are using wood, you will notice patchy and uneven color. It will also increase the risk of water damage as it will allow moisture inside. Your wood will rot and ultimately your deck will have a bending shape. Even if you are using a sealant, vigorous rubbing and blasting will strip away the sealant.

For those pool owners who use jet washers while cleaning your deck, see that you are standing back from the deck. Also, use a fan tip. Don’t use wire brushes. They may damage the delicate wooden surface. And avoid using very strong chemical cleaners. They are notorious for corroding wooden surfaces if used for prolonged periods of time.

3. Neglecting the chemistry

You might have hired the services of professionals to do the cleaning job for you. Or you might be managing the maintenance yourself. Either way, it is crucial to stay on top of every chore.

Apart from cleaning your pool, you need to test the water chemistry and add the required chemicals at least weekly or more if the pool water is changing color from clear blue to a funky green.

If you maintain proper water chemical balance, your pool will always be clean and crystalline. Use algaecides like Yellow Treat to get rid of algae in the pool water.

Most algaecides are known to lessen your chlorine level when applied. Thus, you should see that there is a high level of chlorine in the pool before you start the treatment.

Low chlorine levels combined with the algaecide will make your pool even greener in color.

Make sure to go through and follow the instructions left by the manufacturer. At the same time, check your pool pump to ensure the algaecide reaches every corner of your pool.

4. Not going for the resurfacing

After some good years of use, your pool deck will wear out and need refinishing. If you don’t look into it at the right time, you will incur heavy property loss.

Remember, pool deck resurfacing is not a simple task. It is not just repainting the oil on and leaving it to dry off. It involves a demanding process, and the job is best left to a professional.

First, you need to deep clean the entire deck. If there is dirt, it will block the oil from penetrating the wood. You will thus have a patchy finish. The process also demands deep sanding in some areas.

You can also consider installing rubber surfaces while resurfacing your pool deck. It is a cost-effective option, and you have plenty of design choices. You can either use natural rubber or synthetic rubber. These are the two major rubber types used in rubber surfacing.

That’s a Wrap!

If you are someone who has to take care of their pool deck, then you know how much you need to pay attention to it. This is your main entrance to your house, so you want to make sure it is always looking its best. The simple truth is that there are things that must be taken care of in order to take care of your pool deck.

Follow these points mentioned above to make sure you avoid all the major pool deck maintenance mistakes.

Impeccable surfacing is an instant game-changer in areas like playgrounds or gyms that experience a lot of footfall and physical activity. Finding the right surfacing solution that can handle the ‘pressure; and pay off, in the long run, is important in such cases.

This is where EPDM surfacing comes in.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) surfacing, also known as poured-in-place rubber surfacing, is made of two layers of synthetic rubber. The base layer is made of bulky rubber scraps, whereas the top or the “wear” layer is made of EPDM, TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate), and/or recycled rubber granules mixed with polyurethane binders.

The mixture poured by professionals leaves no seams and results in a uniform, joint-free surface eliminating the chances of rubber splintering. EPDM surfacing enhances the utility of outdoor and indoor spaces through reliable shock-absorbent properties, integrated with a visually pleasing design.

Still mulling over the advantages? Here’s the lowdown of why EPDM surfacing is considered to be a great surfacing option by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

1. Maximum safety

One of the top attributes that any surfacing system should possess is safety. EPDM surfacing effortlessly checks off that box. For children aged 0 to 19, falls can prove to be one of the leading causes of nonfatal injuries. With EPDM surfacing, you don’t have to stress about any major injuries while your child plays around to their heart’s content or have excruciating pain in your soles due to impactful exercises.

The synthetic rubber has an inherently high coefficient of friction which leads to anti-slip and anti-skid properties, making it quite difficult for any individual to trip or fall over the surface. Despite this, if you happen to encounter an inglorious fall, the multiple surfaces work befittingly to attenuate the impact by absorbing the shock.

2. Versatile

Another great part about an EPDM surface is that its use is not restricted to outdoor areas like playgrounds, gyms, and sports centers. There are many applications of EDPM surfaces as they fit in quite easily. The cushion-y material can be installed in kitchens, for example, where you may need to stand for longer durations while cooking, thus making the activity ergonomically comfortable.

The EPDM rubber surfacing is also known for its resistance to moisture, making it an ideal choice for your pool decks and bathrooms. The aesthetic appeal and compliance to ADA requirements make it the perfect solution for public places like hotels, schools, and offices as well.

3. Durable

Expecting the flooring surface to be durable in the long run is only justified. Well, rest assured, as EPDM surfacing wins with flying colors in that department as well.

Allow us to get into a bit of technicality here — EPDM is an elastomer composed of single bonds. The elastomer proves to be a pro at resisting the UV rays due to this property. This provides the synthetic rubber an edge over its unsaturated natural rubber step-siblings. This rubber surface can brace for all kinds of extreme weathering conditions and varying temperatures.

The high density and tensile strength of EPDM rubber make the surface tenacious resulting in minimal wear and tear and no splintering of the rubber particle. The EPDM rubber and other materials used for surfacing adhere to the ASTM standards that result in the longevity of the final product.

4. Pocket-friendly option

EPDM rubber surfacing proves to be cost-effective along with being durable in the long term. The maintenance of this surface is fairly easy and cost-efficient. The installation can be done directly on a crushed stone foundation and does not need a separate substructure.

Plus, EPDM surfaces are highly moisture-resistant eliminating the possibility of mold or mildew. The colors seldom fade over time which further eliminates the need for touch-ups or polishing to keep the surface looking splendid.

5. Personalized aesthetic

EPDM surfacing stands apart from other surfacing solutions mainly because it brings along the freedom to customize the design and colors according to your liking. The granules are available in plenty of colors and can be mixed and matched to create the desired color.

You can have vibrant designs when you are incorporating it in the playground or of a darker color based on the place you are selecting a surface for. The colors will not fade because of EPDM’s high stability under prolonged exposure to UV rays. You can get as creative as you want and implement the latest design trends with the colors, patterns, and textures.

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Parting thoughts

Considering the varied advantages and applications of EPDM, there is little doubt that it can prove to be a great surfacing solution for many indoor and outdoor spaces. It is cost-effective, of excellent quality and proves to be durable for a long time making it perfect for commercial as well as residential applications.

Are you considering installing rubber surfacing in your home or outdoors?

Then, you will be interested to know the types of rubber used in rubber surfacing. It will help you to choose the best rubber type that suits your requirements.

There are many different types of rubber that are used in rubber surfacing. However, rubber can be classified into two main types – natural rubber that is, as the name suggests, procured naturally, and synthetic rubber that is made with petroleum.

Let’s compare the two rubber types to find out which rubber will best suit your requirements.

Natural rubber

Natural rubber is made out of the latex sap derived from the rubber tree. It consists of long isoprene polymer chains that are connected loosely. Rubber is elastic in nature and has tensile strength. It is also resistant to wear and heat.

Pros:

• Flexible and Elastic – Natural rubber is used in rubber surfacing mostly owing to its flexibility, elasticity, tensile strength, and wear and heat resistance.
• Anti-bacterial properties – Natural rubber is also anti-bacterial and anti-dust mite. So, it is a hygienic solution for homeowners looking to install rubber floors.
• Eco-friendly – Natural rubber is biodegradable, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Natural rubber flooring is also suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
• Added safety – It provides added safety as it is anti-slip and absorbs impact. Plus, it is noise-absorbent as well.
• Great for gyms – Due to the high coefficient of friction in the material, rubber flooring is a great option for workstations, home gyms, or any place where you have to stand for a long period of time while being efficient.
• Affordable – Natural rubber is affordable, easy to maintain and install.

Cons:

• The natural rubber has natural impurities and is susceptible to environmental conditions, oil, fuel, and non-polar solvents.
• It is less resistant to heat, light, and ozone, unlike synthetic rubber.
• Latex can induce allergic reactions.

Synthetic rubber

Synthetic rubber is a man-made rubber. It is made using petroleum and other minerals. This rubber type is more durable than natural rubber and gives many of the same benefits that natural rubber provides.

The most popular synthetic rubber surfaces include EPDM rubber, recycled rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, and butyl rubber.

Pros:

• More durable – Synthetic rubber is more durable and resilient than natural rubber. High-quality synthetic rubber floors can withstand extreme weather conditions and can last for up to 20 years if you maintain them properly.
• Higher shock-absorbing impact – It has a high shock-absorbing impact and is anti-slip, and thus offers added safety during accidents or falls. It also absorbs noise – which is a great option if you are designing an inclusive home or inclusive play area for kids.
• Serves as a cushion – Synthetic rubber floor serves as a cushion under your feet and will keep your room warm during the winter.
• Moisture Resistant – Since synthetic rubber is moisture-resistant, water or fluid spills will not damage it.
• Pathogen Resistant – It doesn’t breed pathogens like bacteria and fungi. Thus, it is a hygienic flooring option for those looking for one.
• Wide variety to choose from – There are plenty of synthetic rubber floor designs and colors to choose from. Naturally, it will improve the aesthetic appeal of your home.
• Cost-effective – Synthetic rubber flooring is cost-effective and is more readily available.

Cons:

• When new, synthetic rubber floor emits an odor. Though harmless, it can be very unpleasant as well.
• To install a synthetic rubber floor, you will need the help of a professional. Don’t go DIY unless you are an expert yourself.
• You need to install a subfloor prior to rubber floor installation.
• It is not nearly as biodegradable as natural rubber.

Natural rubber vs. Synthetic rubber: Which one is better? 

It all boils down to its application. Synthetic rubber is a better choice if you are going to use it in high-traffic areas or outdoors as it has a higher temperature, aging, and abrasion resistance. It is also cheaper to produce.

Conversely, natural rubber is sturdy, flexible, and heat-resistant. It is also a bio-degradable, sustainable, and eco-friendly option.

However, note that synthetic rubber manufacturers also make recycled rubber floors out of items like automobile tires that otherwise could have ended up in the landfill.

You can choose the rubber type depending on where you are going to use it.

Playtime is a critical part of childhood development. It teaches children several life skills, relieves stress, stimulates creativity and exploration, and boosts confidence.

All kids, regardless of their abilities, have the right to stay active, learn, make friends, and socialize. Inclusive play areas do just that! They allow kids of all abilities to connect with others positively and enjoy their playtime.

In this post, we will share a few interesting tips to create a well-designed playground to meet the developmental needs of all kids.

1. Aim for Accessibility 

When we talk about individuals with varying abilities, it also includes those facing mobility challenges. The play area should be designed such that kids and adults with a wheelchair, a walker, a cane, or another mobility device should be able to access the space.

The ASTM F1951 standards and ADA regulations require playgrounds to be accessible to mobility devices. Hence, one of the important considerations when designing an inclusive play space is safe and accessible surfacing. An ideal surface ensures easy access and safety for all users.

Grass and materials like wood chips, sand, and pea gravel make it challenging for people with disabilities to navigate the area.

On the other hand, a firm yet shock-absorbing surface like poured-in-place rubber is perfect in such settings. The surface also offers adequate protection in case of a high-risk fall. 

2. Include Multi-Sensory Elements

Sensory play is one of the most critical features of an inclusive play area. These elements appeal to and stimulate the main senses, namely touch, sight, hearing, balance, and movement.

Here are a few sensory elements that you can include in the play area to make it inclusive.

• Auditory
  

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Auditory processing is all about how the brain captures, interprets, and recognizes sound stimuli. Children love sounds and music and elements, such as musical instruments and talking tubes.

• Visual

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Visual perception is how the brain processes what the eyes see. Including visual activities in the play area, namely adding flashlight tags, telescopes, shadow puppets, and brightly colored play panels can help kids interpret and understand visual information and compare them with the experiences made earlier in life.

• Tactile or Touch

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The sense of touch results from the stimulation of neural receptors in the skin and hair follicles. Activities involving experimenting with textures can help stimulate this sense.

For instance, climbing rocks, play panels, or walls covered with a variety of textures can generate tons of stimulation and enhance a child’s playground experience.

• Proprioceptive

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The proprioceptive system relates to the stimuli produced by the contraction and stretching of muscles during activities like bending or pulling.

Equipment and activities involving climbing, namely climbing walls, ladders,  freestanding climbers, net climbers, and trampolines can help stimulate the proprioceptive senses.

• Vestibular

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The vestibular system is found in the middle ear. It relates to the perception of our body and the surrounding factors like gravity, movement, and balance.

The products that stimulate the vestibular system include spinners, swings, and balancing activities. 

3. Make Safety a Priority 

The probability of accidents and injuries is high in play areas. Hence, it’s critical to take adequate safety measures to make the play area safe and enjoyable for all.

• Inspect the area regularly. Check for dangerous items like broken glass or unsafe equipment that could cause serious injuries.
• Make sure all the equipment is safe and up-to-code. For instance, protruding bolt heads, sharp edges, and hooks can lead to serious injuries. The playground equipment is free of these.
• Avoid abrasive and hard surfaces. Instead, go for a shock-absorbing and anti-skid surface like poured-in-place rubber surfacing.
• Include equipment-to-surface transition areas, such as ramps and slides that can help kids with all abilities access the area with ease.

4. Don’t Miss Out on the Fun Part 

Adhering to the ASTM and ADA requirements is core building an inclusive play area. But remember not to miss out on adding a fun element to the space.

Integrate these requirements into the playground design and create an exciting visual path that will engage all the little users. Enhance the area with varied colors, shapes, and materials.

Source

Finally, add innovative equipment like a no-transfer inclusive swing that enables kids in wheelchairs and other mobility aids to explore and have fun. 

5. Plan Spaces That Offer an Opportunity for Calm

Children tend to feel overwhelmed when they experience sensory overload. Hence, they need a secluded and quiet space to catch their breath and re-calibrate.

Make sure the play area has a few multi-play structures or playhouses that feel secluded and enclosed, yet are within the view of parents and guardians.

Wrapping Up 

Parks and play spaces are an integral part of childhood development. Hence, we need to break down the barriers that make it tough for kids with varying abilities to access the area.

The information shared above will guide you as you build an inclusive playground. If you are looking for more guidance, get in touch with the River Rock Surfacing team. We have been designing and building playgrounds for over 3 decades. Call us now!

Safety is a prime concern for daycare and childcare center owners. From the furniture to the outdoor spaces, daycare providers do everything in their capacity to create a safe and enjoyable environment for kids.

Whether they are playing, crawling around, or simply exploring, flooring is where kids spend most of their indoor time. Hence, it’s important to provide them with a surface that’s safe and won’t cause rug burns.

In this post, we have shared useful tips on how to select an ideal surfacing for your daycare. Later in the post, you’ll also find the not-so-ideal options.

Daycares Safety Surfacing Features

Children, especially toddlers and young kids, spend a lot of time crawling, sitting, roughhousing, or moving around on the flooring. That’s a normal day for them. It helps them learn new skills, socialize, and have fun. Hence, when choosing a safety flooring for a childcare center, it’s important to pay attention to their needs.

Consider these features when opting for a suitable surfacing for your childcare center. 

1. Comfort 

Not all the surfaces are easy on the little feet. For instance, a tiled surface or the conventional ceramic is inflexible and leads to a lot of strain on the feet.

Since your daycare members like to be on their feet at all times, they deserve a soft, cushiony, and comfortable surface. Soft surfaces cradle the feet and reduce the strain on their delicate feet muscles and joints. 

2. High Traction

Children are naturally curious and tend to climb on everything they find intriguing. Hence, slips and falls are a part of their overall development. But when these falls result in serious injuries and fractures, the daycare staff is held liable as they are responsible for the child’s safety.

Hence, it’s important to apply a surfacing material that offers adequate grip underfoot. For instance, rubber is one surfacing material that has a high coefficient of friction. Hence, it can significantly reduce the chances of children slipping or injuring themselves, even on wet surfaces.

Thus, installing a safe surface like rubber can help in creating a safe environment where kids can practice and develop new skills.

3. High Shock Absorbing Potential 

As mentioned above, falling and stumbling is a normal part of a child’s growing years. But there are two factors that determine the seriousness of a fall, namely –

• The height from which a child falls. The lesser the height the lower is the risk.
• The surface on which the child falls. Hard surfaces like concrete or ceramic tiles can be unforgiving, causing serious injuries. On the other hand, a springy surface like rubber has the capacity to absorb the shock and reduce the severity of the impact.

The surface you choose should possess excellent shock-absorbing potential.

4. Quiet Surface 

Daycares tend to have kids of all age groups. On one hand, we have toddlers and infants who need their share of sleep, and on the other, we have school-going kids who may want to finish their homework with minimum disturbance. As a daycare provider, you need to ensure a peaceful and productive environment for all.

Hence, daycares should install a quiet surface that has the potential to absorb and prevent the transmission of sound waves. Rubber and cork are excellent choices when it comes to quiet surfaces, except that cork is porous and prone to moisture damage. 

5. Hygienic 

With their hands and feet on the floor, your childcare center needs a surface that’s inhospitable to pathogens. Moreover, with kids, accidental spills are quite common. And not to forget, the mess they create when they play with clay or sand.

So, the surface should also be easy to clean and non-absorbent, allowing the caretakers to easily wipe off the spill before it penetrates and damages the subfloor. 

6. High Durability

Daycare and kindergarten floors take most of the battering. The flooring needs to be versatile and durable enough to play the role of a car racetrack, a dance floor, or a cartwheel zone.

You need a hard-wearing surface that can withstand the foot traffic of the kids and the caretakers.

Rubber Surfacing: The Most Recommended Surface for Daycares

When we consider the above features, the only option that ticks all the boxes is poured-in-place rubber surfacing. Rubber is a versatile flooring material that’s ideal for the following reasons.

• It’s hard-wearing and can stand up to heavy traffic and intensive activities.
• It’s a springy surface that’s comfortable underfoot. Hence, rubber surfaces do not cause feet fatigue.
• It’s an anti-skip surface. Hence, it reduces the risk of slips and falls.
• It can absorb shocks. Hence, even if a kid falls from a height they will not suffer serious injuries.
• It is a quiet surface that absorbs sound waves and their transmission. No wonder, rubber surfacing is installed in apartments and movie theatres.
• It’s easy to clean and maintain.
• It is inhospitable to disease-causing pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a hygienic surface.
• It is impervious to water. Hence, the surface doesn’t allow moisture to immediately seep into the subfloor.

Inappropriate Surfaces for Daycares

By now, you may be already convinced that rubber is a great flooring choice for childcare centers. Yet, it’s important to let you know about the flooring options that are an absolute no.

• Ceramic tile flooring – These surfaces are hard and have a low coefficient of friction. Hence, they are unsafe for spaces frequented by children.
• Carpet – Wall-to-wall carpeting may seem like a great option for childcare centers as it’s soft and offers adequate cushioning underfoot. However, carpets are home to pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and mold.
  Moreover, in case of spills, the surface tends to absorb the fluids, damaging the subfloor and giving off an offensive odor in the long term.

• Cork – Cork is soft and possesses noise-canceling properties. However, the surface is porous. Hence, any spill needs to be wiped off immediately, else it will seep into the flooring.

Moreover, cork isn’t a durable surface as it’s prone to scratches and stains.

Summing Up

For all daycare providers, the safety of kids is paramount. Hence, they need to invest in a surface that’s safe and hygienic. Poured-in-place rubber surfacing is an ideal flooring option as it meets all the criteria we’ve discussed above.

If you are considering a new surface for your childcare center, get in touch with the River Rock Resurfacing team. We have been offering residential and commercial flooring solutions for more than three decades. Call us now and we will guide you with the best flooring solutions.

Are you planning to transform your basement into a gym? Or perhaps, you might even want to turn your basement into a home office.

Though these ideas are great, basements have a reputation of being damp, moldy, stinky, and high in moisture level.

However, there’s a solid solution that can help you do away with these issues for once and all – and that is rubber flooring.

Installing rubber surfacing on your basement floor will solve a huge chunk of these problems.

Here are important things you need to know about basement rubber flooring:

Why should you choose rubber flooring for basements?

Basement moisture is one of the most common issues people face. Plus, its damp and humid environment attracts molds, mildew, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

And many online studies suggest that mold and mildew can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and breathing issues. It is especially bad for people with asthmatic conditions.

Plus, 40% of the air that fills the first floor of your house comes from your basement. This makes it even more crucial to keep your basement clean and fresh.

And that’s where rubber flooring comes into the picture.

Installing rubber flooring on your basement floor helps you keep your basement moisture-free and dry. Naturally, you will also be breathing fresher air.

Here are the popular reasons why you should choose rubber flooring for basements:

• To keep your basement moisture-free

Rubber flooring for basements is the ultimate choice as rubber floors can resist moisture better than other options available on the market. Even in case of water leaking from under the tile, the rubber will serve as a barrier and keep your property safe.

Plus, rubber floors will prevent slips and falls when the floor is wet due to its anti-slip properties.

• To keep molds and mildews at bay

Molds can give you headaches, allergic reactions, and breathing problems. You can use rubber flooring to keep molds and mildews at bay by keeping your basement dry. Without moisture, molds and mildews will not thrive.

• Because you get plenty of choices

When planning for your basement floor, you want plenty of choices so that you can choose the best option for your floor. Rubber flooring gives you plenty of options. From rubber floor mats to rubber tile and rubber floor rolls, you get to choose the best available option.

If you are planning to create a home gym, rubber mats can be an ideal option. You can lay them on any hard, flat surface for added cushioning. While thinner mats can be used for home workouts, if you are using professional sports facilities, you can go for a thicker rubber mat so that it can withstand high-impact activity and heavy foot traffic.

Rubber tiles are a popular choice for both residential and commercial areas. And if your basement area is large, you can opt for rubber rolls. They will give you a seamless floor, and at the same time, they are the most economical option.

• For its versatility

Rubber flooring offers versatility. Whether you want to create a home basement gym, storage room, or just a cozy additional room, rubber flooring can serve many purposes.

Rubber floors are resilient, resistant to moisture, shock-absorbent, durable, easy to clean and maintain and give you a comfy ground for your feet to rest. It can also keep the room warm in winter.

• For its aesthetic appeal

Basements are usually dark, cold, and creepy areas. Not to mention the musty smell that you get when you enter them. Rubber flooring can not only solve the problem of keeping your basement moisture-free and air clean, but it can also enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Modern rubber floors come in a multitude of colors, designs, patterns, and textures. Some manufacturers even create custom color mixtures. It will definitely give your basement a facelift.

• For its ease of installation and easy maintenance

Rubber flooring is one of the easiest to install on almost any subfloor type. Depending on the state of the basement surface, area shape, and so on, rubber flooring installation will take only two to three days.

You can take the help of a rubber surfacing expert, discuss your requirements, and just wait and relax. Owing to its durability and sturdiness, you can expect the flooring to last for many years.

All things considered, rubber flooring installation is an excellent investment.

And once the flooring is installed, it is easy to maintain. It is easy to clean, water-proof, and can withstand high volumes of traffic and high impact.

Things to consider while choosing basement floor surfaces

Here’s a checklist you can refer to while choosing your basement floor surfaces:

• Durability:  Your basement floor surfaces should be durable. Whether you are turning your basement into a gym, storage, or a kid’s playroom, it is going to have a high volume of foot traffic. Plus, you will be placing furniture or equipment. Since the rubber surface is able to withstand the heavyweight, it makes it a great choice.
• Ease of maintenance: You don’t want basement flooring that needs special cleansing chemicals or tools to clean. You can clean rubber floors easily just by using the items you already have. A vacuum cleaner, soap, and mop are enough.
• Easy installation: You don’t want to wait for weeks for the installation to be complete. You can choose rubber mats or rolls that are easy to install.
• Consider your requirements: This one is crucial as it will determine whether you will install thin or thick rubber flooring. Consider whether the flooring needs to meet any specific standards such as traction, stability, slip resistance, shock and sound absorption, and so on.
• The size and shape of your flooring area: You need to measure the size and shape of your floor area so that there will be no excess or shortage. A flooring installation expert can help you in this process.
• Project budget: Rubber flooring is affordable. However, you need to talk to an expert and share your requirements to make an estimate of the project.

Wrapping-Up

Basements can be converted into an attractive, functional, and health-friendly space, provided you know how to remodel it. Installing rubber flooring is a great idea if you are aiming for a home gym, kid’s playroom, storage space, or workroom.

Also, make sure that you lay out a good plan that will be able to guide your installation process before getting started.