All You Need To Know About EPDM Wet Pour Rubber Surfacing
What wet-pour rubber surfacing is, where it works best, how long it lasts and what to watch out for.
What is EPDM wet pour?
EPDM wet pour, also called rubber safety surfacing or rubberised playground surfacing, is a seamless, impact-absorbing floor used mostly in play areas. It is made from rubber granules mixed with a polyurethane binder, laid over a shock-absorbing base layer of SBR granules, which are often made from recycled tyres. The colour, pattern and thickness can all be chosen to suit the site.
Benefits
- Impact absorption: it cushions falls, which is why it is the usual choice for children's play areas
- Versatile: many colours, and suitable for schools, nurseries, parks and gardens
- Accessible: the smooth finish suits bikes, buggies and wheelchairs
- Slip resistant, including on slopes and in wet areas
- Durable: it can last more than 15 years in good conditions
- Low maintenance: the porous surface does not hold standing water
- Weather resistant: the binder stands up to rain, wind, wear and UV fading
- Made to meet the BS 7188 and EN 1177 safety-surfacing standards
- Uses recycled tyre rubber, keeping it out of landfill
Questions we are often asked
| How do I clean it? | Sweep off debris, scrub with a mild soap solution, rinse and let it dry. |
|---|---|
| Is it waterproof? | The rubber is, but the finished surface is porous, so water drains through it. |
| How long does it last? | Usually 10 to 15 years, longer when it is installed and maintained well. |
| How long does it take to cure? | Usually 6 to 24 hours, depending on temperature and weather. It can be laid in damp conditions, but not in rain. |
| Does it get hot? | It holds some heat, but less than asphalt, artificial grass or sand. Lighter colours are better in full sun. |
| SBR or EPDM? | SBR is the base layer. On its own it is rougher and only comes in black, so EPDM is used on top. |
Things to consider
- Heat: choose lighter colours in sunny spots and add shade where you can
- Joins: large areas laid over several days can show seams, so use an experienced installer
- Hardening: without maintenance the surface can harden over time, so inspect it regularly
- Workmanship: a smooth, even finish needs a skilled team
- Cost: it costs more upfront than loose fill such as rubber mulch
Materials
We supply EPDM granules, TPV granules, SBR granules and PU binder for wet-pour surfacing. See the 21 colours, or read which granule do I need?
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