Can I use wear layer patch material to repair the base layer as well?
Absolutely not. The wear layer consists of EPDM ganules that offer very little impact attenuation. They are designed to create a tight fit in order to protect the base layer from wear and tear, hence the name “wear layer”. The base layer is made up of shredded rubber. The size and shape of the rubber traps air between the strands and that’s what creates the cushy feel to the surface and provides the right impact attenuation for the existing fall height.
Will your patch kit work with gaps between my playground rubber surface and the concrete around it?
Yes it will. This is a common issue. Over time, the rubber surface will contract and separate from the concrete and create a gap. That gap needs to be filled, otherwise it might present a tripping hazard. Other debris often gets lodged in the gap making the maintenance of your playground harder. Our patch kits will work perfectly to fill that gap. Note that you will have to fill both the base and wear layer of the gap. So make sure to order both.
What is the difference between an aliphatic and aromatic binder?
The vast majority of installs are done using aromatic binders. Aliphatic binders are used in splash pads and pool decks and where certain colors are used and ambering is not desired.
I was told that my playground rubber flooring was beyond repair. Can you help?
If the poured in place rubber system has been left without maintenance for too long, holes will become simply too big to patch, and another wear layer will have to be installed. In that case, our patch kits or rebinder won’t help. You will need the entire surface to be redone professionally. Send us pictures and we will tell you if we’ll be able to help.
Can I use the playground rubber patch kit in the rain?
We do not recommend you patch while it’s wet in your playground. The binder will not work.
Can I use base layer binders for the wear layer?
Absolutely not. Base layer binders have less binding agents than aromatic or aliphatic binders. Therefore they are not appropriate to be used for a cap or wear layer that is designed for more wear and tear.
Can I patch my rubber surface if it is really cold?
You should not use the patch kits if the temperature is below 40 degrees F. The hotter and more humid the faster the patch will cure.
What is the poured in place rubber “Rebinder?”
It’s a specially formulated binder that will rejuvenate your existing playground rubber surface and prevent granulation. It’s considered to be a preemptive maintenance measure that should be done biannually, or whenever granulation occurs. Our Rebinder is simply rolled onto the rubber surface as if you are painting it. The analogy we use all the time is: think of your playground rubber matting as a granite surface. If you don’t seal it every once in a while, it will crack.
How do I fix my damaged rubber playground surface?
The easiest and cheapest way to fix playground rubber surfaces is to use our patch kits. However, if the damage is extensive, the best thing to do would be to hire a local commercial playground company that is trained in installing rubberized surfaces. If you are not in the Connecticut area, please call us at 203-659-0456 and we would be happy to recommend someone close to you.
Does the top seal harden my poured in place rubber surface?
No, our top seal rebinder is specifically formulated not to harden the rubber surface. There are other products that can stiffen the wear layer because they use acetone and other harsh chemicals.
Can I install the patch kit myself?
Yes. Watch our DIY instructional video. If you still have questions or concerns about the install, we would be happy to walk you through it.
How many rubber patch kits do I need for my damaged playground area?
First calculate how much square feet need to be patched. Divide that number by four and that is the amount of patch kits you will need. We always suggest that you round up, so you have extra. The worst thing that can happen is to not have enough material for the rubber patch while installing it.
How long does it take before the kids can play on the playground rubber surface after a repair?
24-48 hours assuming the temperature is over 40 degrees F. If the temperature is to cold, we do not recommend you use the rubber patch kits because the binder will not dry easily and it will be too tough to apply.
How much will a value base layer kit cover?
Our base layer patch kit is enough material to patch approximately 5 sqft at a depth of one inch. The base layer depth is a determined by the fall height of the playground equipment sitting on the rubber surface. For example, if there is a deck height of 4 ft the base layer needs to be at least 1.5 inches thick (we recommend 2 inches).
How much will a value wear layer kit cover?
Our wear layer patch kit is enough material to patch at least 5 sqft at a depth of ½’’.
How fast does the patch kit ship?
If you order the patch kit by noon Eastern time, it will ship the same day. Orders coming in after noon Eastern time will ship the following day. Transit time is usually two to three days. If you need faster delivery, please call us at: 203-659-0456
How long does the patch kit take to install?
Each repair kit installation takes less than an hour.
Do I have to power-wash my playground surface before I use the top seal?
If your playground only has granulation then you do not need to power wash prior to top sealing. However, if your playground surface has grime, embedded objects, or a lot of debris, than you should power wash. Note: make sure to use a wide angle nozzle when washing so you do not damage the surface.
How often do I need to use the “Rebinder?”
The rebinder should be used whenever the beginning stages of granulation are observed. UV ray exposure causes granulation. Most outdoor playground surfaces should be sealed biannually.
How often do I need to sanitize my playground?
As often as possible. Our sanitizer uses no harsh or damaging chemicals and it is easy to use.
Is your playground sanitizer environmentally friendly?
Yes it is
Does patching a rubber playground surface cause the area to become slippery?
No it doesn’t. If you follow the directions and use the same proportion of binder to the granules, you will achieve the desired porousness and the surface will not be slippery.
Does top-sealing my rubberized surface make it become non-porous?
No. Our rebinder (TM) top sealer is formulated not to seal your rubberized surface. It simply penetrates between the rubber granules to provide the right bonding they have lost to UV rays.
What’s the difference between Aromatic and Aliphatic binder?
Aromatic binders amber over time. Aliphatic binders are clear and won’t amber. Aliphatic binders are also resistant to chlorine, so they are recommended for use around pools and splash pads.
What damages my playground rubber surface?
UV rays, vandalism, and high traffic areas (slide exits, under swings).
Can you send me pictures of some playground patch jobs other people have done?
People don’t usually send us pictures of patches they have done, but here is a gallery that includes some repairs we have done. You can view the pictures here.