Cost Comparison Task Descriptions

EWF Cost  

In order to meet the newly adopted ADA guidelines
enforceable by the DOJ in March 2012, EWF must now
be installed in 4-6 inch lifts, wetted, and mechanically
compacted. Although this process may provide a more
accessible surface, it adds significant costs in labor and
materials. The costs shown in this table reflect the latest
EWF manufacturers installation recommendations.

Leveling  

New ADA accessible guidelines, enforceable in March of
2012, require a maximum vertical change in level of ¼ inch
within the accessible route. In order to comply with these
regulations, the maintenance requirements associated
with loose fill material will increase significantly. Although
it is recognized that many owners do not to have a routine
maintenance program, it is also recognized that the
absence of a routine maintenance program could result in
serious non-compliance issues. A non-compliant surface
may require a mandated field test. The current cost to test
a playground surface for compliance is $4000.00. Main-
tenance costs shown in this table are conservative and
reflect only 1 hour a week of raking and leveling at $25.00
per hour including wages benefits, equipment (truck), etc.

Top-Up  

Traditionally, top-up has been done in multi-year increments,
however in order to comply with ADA guidelines some top-
up will be required on a yearly basis at minimum in order
maintain both proper depth, and proper grade.

Cleaning  

Due to its porous structure, PIP requires shop vacuuming
at least once per year in order to maintain optimal perfor-
mance. Lack of a cleaning routine will result in sand and
other fine particles penetrating into the body of the PIP
which in turn will compromise it performance properties,
thus reducing safety compliance and hastening wear
characteristics.

Roll Coat  

In addition to annual cleaning, PIP manufacturers recom-
mend the application of a polyurethane seal coating every
few years as needed. The application of the seal coat is
recommended to preserve the longevity of the surface and
help reduce the penetration of sand and dirt into the pores
of the system.

Cleaning/Repairs  

Poured-in-place is a lower density material when compared
to tile products, therefore it tends to wear out faster in high
use areas such as under swings, at slide exits and entry
points. Most poured-in-place companies offer repair
services that involved patching worn out areas in high-use
locations throughout the playground.

Repairs Retop  

Poured-in-place warranties range from 3-5 years with some
companies only offering a standard 1 year warranty. In
addition, most PIP surfaces require extensive refurbishing
after the initial 5 year timeline. The application of a new top
layer of rubber is one recommendation that can help restore
the surface from a structural standpoint. Resurfacing the
top of a poured-in-place surface should never be under-
taken unless the surface has first been tested to ensure
compliance with fall protection standards.

Cleaning for SofTILE  

SofTILE is manufactured under high compression resulting
in a very dense top cap that resists any penetration of fine
particulate. Based on SofTILE’s dense composition, it
does not require annual shop vacuuming to remove fine
particulate.

Rollcoat for SofTILE  

SofTILE’s top wear layer is extremely dense and durable
and therefore we do not recommend the application of a
roll coat or sealer.

Retop for SofTILE  

SofTILE has been engineered around a ten year warranty.
An owner should expect SofTILE to continue to perform
beyond the ten year warranty, and should not expect
significant remedial costs within the initial 10 year timeline.