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Wetpour
Get in touchAt School Playground Surfacing, we are experts in installing durable, high-quality wetpour surfacing designed for safety and longevity.
Ideal for school playgrounds, parks, and community spaces, wetpour offers excellent impact absorption, helping to reduce injury risks and creating vibrant play areas for children.
In this guide, we’ll explore what wetpour surfacing is, its costs, the installation process, and how to maintain it for optimal performance.
For school play areas or community park projects, wetpour surfacing transforms outdoor spaces with custom designs, smooth finishes, and a wide range of colour options.
What is the Cost of Wetpour?
Wetpour surfacing generally costs between £29 and £39 per square metre, depending on factors like:
Area Size: Larger projects may be more cost-effective per square metre.
Design Complexity: Custom shapes, multi-colour schemes, and intricate layouts can increase the overall cost.
Additional Features: Adding play graphics like hopscotch or interactive designs can add to the expense.
Special applications can raise prices, but wetpour remains a durable, cost-effective choice for educational and community play areas throughout .
What Are the Key Benefits of Wetpour for Schools?
Wetpour surfacing offers an ideal combination of safety, durability, and ease of maintenance, making it perfect for school playgrounds, parks, and recreational areas.
Safety for Children
Wetpour provides excellent impact absorption, meeting critical fall height requirements to reduce injury risks.
It complies with BS EN 1177 safety standards, offering a soft yet resilient surface that keeps children safer during play.
Durability and Longevity
Wetpour is engineered for high-use, outdoor settings. It endures heavy foot traffic and fluctuating weather, retaining its form and colour even under exposure to rain, UV rays, and varying temperatures.
This low-maintenance material is easy to clean and built for long-term resilience.
Versatile Applications
Wetpour is adaptable to various environments, from playgrounds and sports areas to splash pads and recreational paths.
With a wide array of colour options and custom designs, it’s well-suited to primary schools, community parks, and more.
Wetpour vs. Bonded Rubber Mulch: Which is Better for School Playgrounds?
When choosing between wetpour and bonded rubber mulch for school play areas, each option offers unique advantages.
Wetpour provides a smooth, seamless surface that’s ideal for schools and playgrounds with detailed layouts or design needs. It offers excellent shock absorption and performs well in high-traffic areas, though it may need periodic maintenance to retain its vibrancy.
Bonded Rubber Mulch has a natural, textured look that’s often quicker and more cost-effective to install. It requires minimal maintenance—simple cleaning and small repairs keep it functional and safe.
Choosing between the two depends on design goals, maintenance preferences, and budget considerations.
Our Wetpour Installation Process
Our wetpour installation process follows a systematic approach to ensure the best results.
Step 1 - Site Preparation
We begin by preparing the area, removing debris, and creating a smooth, level foundation. An SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) base layer is applied, which enhances shock absorption and promotes proper drainage.
Step 2 - Mixing and Pouring
Rubber granules are mixed with polyurethane resin to create the wetpour material. This mix is then poured over the base for a uniform and consistent application.
Step 3 - Levelling and Smoothing
The wetpour surface is levelled with screeding tools and smoothed using trowels for a seamless finish.
Step 4 - Curing and Finishing
The surface cures for 24 to 72 hours, depending on conditions. A protective sealant may be applied to guard against UV damage, ensuring the surface’s colour and durability are preserved.
Where Do We Install Wetpour?
School Playground Surfacing installs wetpour surfacing for various settings, including school playgrounds, nurseries, public parks, and community spaces.
Our installations provide safe, long-lasting, impact-absorbing surfaces tailored to meet the unique needs of each location across , , and the UK.
Wetpour Maintenance
Maintaining wetpour surfacing is straightforward and involves routine cleaning, inspections, and timely repairs to keep the surface safe and resilient.
Regular Cleaning
Clearing the surface of debris enhances both safety and appearance.
Sweeping: Use a soft-bristle broom to remove leaves and dirt.
Stain Removal: Use mild soap and water for any spots.
Pressure Washing: For stubborn dirt, apply a low-pressure washer.
Inspections and Repairs
Routine inspections allow us to address issues before they become more significant.
Damage Checks: Look for cracks, worn edges, or uneven areas.
Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water pooling.
Wetpour Repair: Patch or resurface areas showing wear or damage to restore safety and appearance.
Reapplication of Top Coat
Applying a new top coat every 2 to 3 years helps protect against UV damage and general wear, preserving the vibrant colours and structural integrity of your school’s playground surfacing.
Is Wetpour Safe for Different Weather Conditions?
Wetpour surfacing is designed for year-round durability in all weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for school playgrounds, parks, and community areas.
The rubber and polyurethane blend creates a slip-resistant, flexible surface that maintains safety and usability in rain, heat, and cold.
Rain and Moisture: Wetpour’s porous design allows rainwater to drain efficiently, reducing slippery spots and preventing puddling. This feature keeps play areas safe, even after heavy rainfall.
UV Resistance: Wetpour surfaces are UV-stable, meaning they resist fading and deterioration caused by sun exposure. This UV stability helps preserve vibrant colors and surface flexibility for longer, ensuring lasting visual appeal and safety.
Temperature Resilience: The rubber composition naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes, which helps prevent cracks or warping in hot summers and freezing winters. This flexibility enhances the surface’s durability in diverse climates.
Overall, wetpour is an all-weather surface that offers schools and community areas a reliable, safe, and low-maintenance solution for outdoor play spaces.
Summary
Wetpour surfacing is a versatile, weather-resistant, and safe solution for school playgrounds, parks, and community spaces. Known for its impact-absorbing properties, wetpour helps reduce injury risks, ensuring a reliable, slip-resistant surface for children in various outdoor settings.
This guide covers essential information about wetpour, including its installation process, maintenance needs, costs, and benefits.
Wetpour’s durability makes it well-suited for high-traffic areas, while its UV and temperature resistance allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions without cracking or fading.
Additionally, customizable design options, such as vibrant colours and playground graphics, make it an appealing choice for any outdoor play area.
Schools, parks, and communities seeking a low-maintenance, cost-effective, and visually appealing surface will find wetpour a valuable long-term investment promoting safe, active play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wetpour?
Wetpour is a rubber safety surfacing created from rubber granules and polyurethane resin, designed for play areas to provide a durable, shock-absorbent surface ideal for children’s play.
Why is Wetpour popular for play areas?
Wetpour’s shock-absorbent, slip-resistant properties make it a popular choice.
Its customisable colours and designs enhance safety and add visual appeal to school playgrounds and other play areas.
How long does Wetpour last?
With regular upkeep, wetpour can last up to 10 years. Routine cleaning and repairs extend its life, keeping it functional and visually appealing.
Is Wetpour safe for children?
Wetpour is safe and meets BS EN 1177 safety standards, offering excellent shock absorption to reduce injury risks.
Can Wetpour be repaired?
Wetpour can be repaired. Our team at School Playground Surfacing can address cracks, fading, or damage, helping to keep the surface in optimal condition.