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Wetpour
Get in touchAt Playground Surfaces, we specialise in wetpour surfacing, a safe, durable, and versatile solution for playgrounds, parks, and recreational areas.
Wetpour surfacing provides excellent impact absorption, reducing injury risks and creating engaging, colourful play spaces for children.
In this post, we’ll explore what Wetpour is, its cost, the installation process, and how to maintain it for long-term performance.
Whether you’re planning a school playground or a community park, you’ll discover how wetpour surfacing can transform your outdoor space with custom designs, soft tarmac, and a variety of colours.
What is the Cost of Wetpour?
The cost of wetpour surfacing typically ranges from £29–£39 per square metre, depending on several factors:
Size of the Area: Larger installations may offer more cost efficiency per square metre.
Design Complexity: Intricate designs, custom shapes, or multi-coloured layouts can increase the price.
Additional Features: Play graphics, such as hopscotch or educational games, can add to the overall cost.
While custom applications may increase the price, wetpour remains a durable and cost-effective solution for playgrounds and recreational areas.
Benefits of Wetpour
Wetpour surfacing provides numerous benefits that make it a preferred choice for playgrounds, parks, and recreational areas, including enhanced safety, durability, and low maintenance requirements.
Safety for Children
Wetpour surfaces provide excellent shock absorption, reducing injury risks by meeting critical fall height standards. These surfaces comply with BS EN 1177 safety guidelines, ensuring they absorb impact from falls while offering a soft yet durable surface for a safer play experience.
Durability and Longevity
Wetpour is designed to withstand heavy use and environmental conditions, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
It is resistant to wear and tear, able to withstand rain, UV rays, and temperature changes, while remaining a low-maintenance and easy-to-clean surface.
Versatile Applications
Wetpour can be customised to fit different spaces, from playgrounds to splash pads, supporting various designs and applications.
It is customisable with vibrant colours and play graphics, making it ideal for nurseries, primary schools, and parks. Additionally, it is suitable for running tracks, sports areas, and other recreational spaces.
Wetpour vs Bonded Rubber Mulch for Playgrounds
When comparing wetpour and bonded rubber mulch for playgrounds, both surfaces offer excellent safety and durability.
Wetpour provides a smooth, seamless surface that can be customised with colours and designs, making it ideal for schools or playgrounds with intricate layouts. It offers consistent shock absorption and is perfect for high-traffic areas. However, it requires more maintenance, including cleaning and occasional reapplication of a top coat to ensure longevity.
Bonded rubber mulch has a more natural, textured look and is quicker to install. It’s a cost-effective option that requires minimal rubber mulch maintenance.
Occasional bonded rubber mulch cleaning helps keep the surface free of debris, and bonded rubber mulch repairs are easy to perform in high-traffic areas, ensuring the surface remains safe and functional over time.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your design preferences and budget. Wetpour offers a sleek, customisable finish, while bonded rubber mulch provides a low-maintenance, eco-friendly option with a natural aesthetic.
How is Wetpour Installed?
Wetpour installation involves several key steps to ensure a high-quality, durable finish.
Step 1 - Site Preparation
The installation begins by clearing the site of debris, vegetation, and unstable soil. The next step involves levelling the ground to ensure it’s smooth and free from dips or bumps.
Once the ground is prepared, an SBR base layer is applied. This layer provides shock absorption and supports drainage, ensuring the surface is ready for installation.
Step 2 - Mixing and Pouring
Rubber granules are mixed with polyurethane resin to create the wetpour mix. This mixture is then poured evenly across the prepared surface.
This step ensures a smooth, uniform application, laying the foundation for a safe playground surface.
Step 3 - Levelling and Smoothing
After pouring, the surface is levelled using screeding tools. This ensures the surface is even and consistent.
Trowels are then used to smooth out the surface, refining it to achieve a perfect finish that’s free from imperfections.
Step 4 - Curing and Finishing
The wetpour surface is left to cure for 24–72 hours, depending on environmental conditions. Once fully cured, a sealant may be applied.
This sealant adds an extra layer of protection, enhancing durability and helping the surface retain its colour over time.
Where Do We Install Wetpour?
At Playground Surfaces, we install wetpour in a range of locations, including school playgrounds, nurseries, public parks, and residential play areas.
Our installations ensure safe, durable, and impact-absorbing surfaces for children, tailored to meet the specific needs of each space.
We install and all across the UK.
Wetpour Maintenance
Maintaining wetpour surfaces is straightforward and involves regular cleaning, inspections, and timely repairs to ensure lasting durability and safety for children.
Regular Cleaning
Routine cleaning keeps the surface free from debris and maintains its visual appeal.
Sweeping: Remove debris with a soft-bristle broom
Stain Removal: Use mild soap and water to clean stains
Pressure Washing: For stubborn dirt, use a low-pressure washer
Inspections and Repairs
Regular inspections help identify wear and damage, allowing for prompt repairs to maintain safety standards.
Check for Damage: Look for cracks, frayed edges, or uneven surfaces
Address Drainage Issues: Prevent water pooling that can degrade the surface
Repair: Patch or resurface areas that show signs of wear
Reapplication of Top Coat
Reapplying a top coat every 2–3 years is essential for protecting the playground surface from UV damage and general wear.
This process not only enhances the durability of the surface but also provides protection against environmental wear and tear, helping the playground withstand weather conditions.
Additionally, a fresh coat restores the colour vibrancy, keeping the surface looking bright and well-maintained for years of continued use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wetpour?
Wetpour is a rubber safety surface designed for playgrounds and recreational areas.
It is made from a mixture of rubber granules and polyurethane resin, creating a soft, durable surface ideal for children's play.
Why is Wetpour a popular choice for playground surfaces?
Wetpour is popular because of its soft, shock-absorbent, and slip-resistant properties.
It is also customisable with various colours and designs, making it both safe and visually appealing.
Artificial Grass and Bonded Rubber Mulch are also popular choices for playground surfaces.
How long does Wetpour last?
Wetpour can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance.
Regular wetpour cleaning and wetpour repairs help extend its lifespan, ensuring the surface remains safe and functional.
Is Wetpour safe for children?
Wetpour is a safe surface for children to play on.
Its soft and shock-absorbent properties reduce injury risks, and it complies with safety standards such as BS EN 1177.
Can Wetpour be repaired?
Wetpour can be repaired if it becomes damaged or worn.
Our team at Playground Surfaces can fix issues such as cracks, tears, or fading, ensuring your surface remains in optimal condition.