While most purchasers recognize the significant main- tenance costs associated with loose fill systems, few realize that some synthetic surfaces also require significant ongoing maintenance for optimal performance.
In fact, given the higher initial purchase price, it is often assumed that the initial investment in a synthetic surface will be more than offset over time due to a lack of maintenance requirements.
The Truth About Maintenance
A largely unknown truth is that some synthe-
tic surfaces, particularly poured-in-place
systems, require ongoing maintenance in
order to maintain optimal fall protection and
structural integrity of the surface over time.
Why?
Poured-in-place is a very porous material, and
the cushioning properties of the system are derived
from the air voids within the surface. The presence of
foreign material and deposits, however, can quickly diminish
the performance of the system.
As fine particles accumulate in the porous openings, the
systems air pockets become plugged and the surface is no
longer capable of flexing and absorbing shock as originally
designed. In addition, some materials are very abrasive
which will accelerate wear and shorten the surface life.
Common contributors affecting the performance of some
synthetic surfaces include, sand, dirt, small stones, leaf
litter, tree sap, and bird droppings. The longer these items
are left on the system, the deeper they can penetrate into
the body of the surface making removal unlikely.
Due to the inherent design of some synthetic surfaces,
most reputable manufacturers recommend a series of
maintenance procedures required to maintain optimal
performance. The most common requirements include
periodic vacuuming of the system using a gas
powered landscaping vacuum, or high-pow-
ered industrial ShopVac.
Additionally, many manufacturers will
recommend that poured-in-place
surfaces be recoated with a protective
polyurethane layer every two years.
This application, while effective in
preserving the longevity of the surface,
can cost over $2.00 per foot to complete
and invariably diminishes the surfaces
cushioning properties; negating it’s fall height
performance and safety characteristics with
each application.
But That’s Not All...
Unfortunately, vandalism can be a real concern on many
playgrounds. When most unitary synthetic surfaces are
vandalized, they require the use of specialized installation
crews to execute repairs. A small vandalized area can
cost upwards of $1000 to restore.
The Solution
SofTILE’s approach to safety performance is completely
different when compared to a poured-in-place system (PIP).
Unlike PIP, SofTILE is impervious and does not contain air
pockets that are susceptible to clogging. The SofTILE
system has been designed to rely on a carefully engineered
impact pedestal which acts as a series of independent shock
absorbers. Because SofTILE is virtually impervious, the
body of the system can never become contaminated with
fine particulate, and other unsanitary and detrimental deposits.
The end result is a system that maintains its intended safety
performance without costly maintenance intervention.
SofTILE’s unique locking system has been designed to be
vandal-resistant. In fact, our surface is the favored solution
for the highest risk applications, such as high traffic areas in
inner citiy playgrounds across the country. If SofTILE is
vandalized, repairs can be executed by in house maintenance
staff with a typical repair being completed in under 1 hour
at a cost of approximately $50.00.
SofTILE’s engineered design, combined with exceptional
safety performance, extreme durability, and certified install-
ation, translates into a system that is truly maintenance free.
The End Result?
An investment into a SofTILE system will prove to
be the lowest cost surfacing investment when
projected over the life of the system - Guaranteed!
