Wet pour surfacing repairs

As a playground operator, it’s important that you ensure that the play area is safe and durable for children. A key aspect of achieving this goal is maintaining the playground surface. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about playground wet pour surfacing repairs. This includes when to repair, how to repair, and what to consider when choosing a repair solution.

Why Repair Playground Wet Pour?

Wet pour is a popular choice for playground surfacing because of its excellent shock-absorbing qualities and slip-resistant texture. However, over time, it can become damaged or worn, leading to safety hazards and an unattractive appearance. Such damage may include cracks, potholes, fading, and contraction away from edgings. Not only does damage increase the risk of injuries to children, but it can also make your playground less appealing to users.

When to Repair Playground Wet Pour?

The moment you notice any damage or deterioration to your playground wet pour, it’s essential to take immediate action. The earlier you address any issues, the easier and less costly the repair will be. Playground surfacing repair is a much cheaper option than replacing the surfacing entirely. If a full replacement is not necessary or possible, repairs to failing surfaces are a great option to extend the life of existing surfaces.

How to Repair Playground Wet Pour?

Repairing playground wet pour requires technical expertise and specialist equipment to ensure that the work is carried out to the highest possible standards. The process involves first cleaning the damaged surface, then removing the damaged wet pour material and preparing the sub-base. Next, a new wet pour is applied to the prepared surface and allowed to cure. For most repairs, we recommend using a different colour to the existing surface, as it is not usually possible to achieve a perfect colour match.

If you’re looking to repair a small section of your wet pour surface on a budget, you may want to consider purchasing a self-installed repair kit. These kits contain all the materials needed to carry out a repair job yourself, including binder, rubber granules and instructions. However, bear in mind that self-installed repairs may not be as durable as professional repairs carried out by trained technicians. Therefore, we only recommend self-installed repair kits for areas up to 1 square metre in size.

What to Consider When Choosing a Repair Solution?

It’s important to note that repairing old, failing surfaces is a temporary solution. It’s impossible to say how long the repair works will last as this depends on several factors outside of an installer’s control, including atmospheric conditions and the condition of the existing wet pour on site. Therefore, choosing the right repair solution for your playground wet pour can be challenging. You will need to consider several factors, including the extent of the damage, budget, and time constraints. For wet pour surfaces that have undergone multiple repairs or have extensive damage, we advise exploring alternative options. This may include installing a new surface entirely or exploring other types of surfacing materials.

Conclusion

Safe playground surfaces are crucial for children’s wellbeing, and wet pour is an excellent option. However, like all playground surfacing materials, it requires regular maintenance and repair to ensure that it remains safe and appealing. Repairing playground wet pour is a cost-effective solution to extend the life of your surface, but it’s important to understand the limitations and risks associated with this type of work. By considering these factors and consulting with a professional, you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for your needs.

As members of the API, we adhere to their code of practice for impact attenuating surfaces. If you have any questions or would like to request a quote for playground wet pour repairs, please contact us.