Wetpour Safety Surfacing - Wetpour Repair

Wetpour safety surfacing provides a safe, durable, and versatile solution for playgrounds and recreational areas.

Wetpour is known for its seamless and impact-absorbing qualities and is ideal for reducing injury risk while offering design flexibility through various colours and patterns.

Wetpour’s low maintenance and long-lasting nature make it a preferred choice for areas where safety and durability are paramount.

What is Wetpour Surfacing?

Wetpour surfacing is a two-layer system consisting of a base layer made from recycled SBR rubber particles and a top layer of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber granules.

The polyurethane binder holds these components together, forming a continuous, porous surface ideal for outdoor use.

The key features of wet pour surfacing include:

Wetpour is a seamless surface installation
Wetpour is a porous system for efficient permeable water drainage
Wetpour is customisable with EPDM colours and designs
Wetpour is installed to variable thickness for different fall height requirements
Wetpour is called polymeric surfacing on MUGA courts
Wetpour is laid in-situ onsite to any size or shape

What Are the Benefits of Wetpour Safety Surfacing?

Wetpour safety surfacing offers a range of benefits that make it a preferred choice for various applications.

Enhanced Safety: Wetpour surfaces are designed to absorb impact and cushion falls, reducing the risk of injuries. The rubber crumb layer effectively mitigates the shock from falls, making it ideal for playgrounds where children risk falling from play equipment.
Durability and Longevity: Made from robust materials, wetpour surfaces are known for their long-lasting durability and resistance to wear and tear, even in high-traffic areas. This makes them a cost-effective solution over time.
Non-Slip Properties: Wetpour surfaces provide excellent grip and traction, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls, even in wet conditions. This is particularly beneficial in areas with frequent rainfall or where water play features are present.
Customisation Options: Wetpour surfaces can be customised with various colours, patterns, and designs, allowing for creative playground themes, branding, or aesthetic preferences. This makes them a versatile choice for many settings.
Low Maintenance: Wetpour surfacing requires minimal maintenance, as it is resistant to weathering and does not require frequent replacement or repair. Regular cleaning is usually sufficient to maintain its appearance and functionality.

How Does Wetpour Safety Surfacing Protect Against Injuries?

Wetpour surfacing primarily aims to reduce the risk of injuries in playgrounds and recreational areas. Here’s how it achieves this:

Impact Absorption: The rubber crumb material used in wetpour surfaces is designed to absorb shock from falls, significantly reducing the risk of head injuries and fractures. The thickness of the surface can be customised based on the fall height of specific playground equipment to ensure optimal safety.
Cushioning Effect: Unlike hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt, wetpour surfacing offers a soft and cushioned landing, which can reduce the severity of injuries from trips or falls.
Compliance with Safety Standards: Wetpour surfaces meet or exceed various international safety standards, such as the EN 1177 standard in Europe or ASTM F1292 in the United States, which specify requirements for impact attenuation of surfacing materials.

How To Install Wetpour

Installing wetpour safety surfacing involves several steps to ensure a durable and practical surface.

Site Preparation: The existing ground must be cleared of debris, vegetation, or old surfacing material. The area is then levelled and compacted to create a stable base.
Base Layer Installation: A sub-base layer, often made of crushed stone or compacted gravel, is laid down to provide a stable foundation. This is essential for preventing settling or shifting over time.
Pouring the Wetpour Surface: The rubber granules are mixed with a polyurethane binder and poured onto the prepared area. This mixture is spread evenly and troweled to create a smooth, seamless surface.
Curing Time: Depending on weather conditions, the surface requires adequate time to cure and harden, usually between 24 and 48 hours. The area should be protected from traffic or weather disturbances during this time.

What Are The Maintenance Requirements for Wetpour Safety Surfacing?

Wetpour safety surfacing requires regular cleaning, annual inspections, and prompt repairs to maintain its condition and extend its lifespan.

Regular Cleaning: Wetpour surfaces should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, debris, and organic material. A stiff brush, leaf blower, or mild detergent and water can be used for stubborn stains.
Annual Inspections: It’s advisable to conduct yearly inspections to check for signs of damage, wear, or displacement. Small cracks or punctures should be repaired promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Repairing Damages: If damage occurs, such as cuts or holes, these can often be repaired with a patch kit designed for wetpour surfaces, restoring the area to its original condition.
Moss and Algae Control: Applying a mild moss or algae inhibitor in shaded or damp areas can prevent slippery surfaces.

Maintaining wetpour safety surfacing is relatively straightforward, but regular care can extend its lifespan and keep it looking new.

How Much Does Wetpour Cost?

Wetpour surfacing costs range from £55-75 per square meter, excluding base works.

Wet pour supply and installation costs vary depending on project size, colour specifications, chosen graphics, and location. For a precise estimate, it is best to request a free quote tailored to your installation needs.

Additional details on cost influences are available on our dedicated wetpour costs page.

While the initial cost of wetpour safety surfacing can be higher than other materials, it offers long-term value due to its durability, low maintenance, and safety features.

Wetpour surfaces require minimal maintenance, reducing ongoing cleaning, repair, and replacement costs. Over time, these savings can offset the initial installation expenses.

What Wetpour Colours Are Available?

Wetpour is available in a range of colours, including:

Red EPDM Rubber
Green EPDM Rubber
Yellow EPDM Rubber
Blue EPDM Rubber
Beige EPDM Rubber
Black EPDM Rubber

Bespoke blended colour options are also available and include Earth Blend, Fire Blend, Water Blend, and custom mixes (e.g., 50% Black and 50% Earth Yellow).

Colour choice can impact wetpour pricing, so consider obtaining a free quote for accurate costs. For more information, visit our wetpour colours page.

Wetpour Graphics

Wetpour graphics transform playground surfaces with colourful designs that stimulate children’s minds through play and education.

Schools often choose graphics like hopscotch, number and letter grids, roadways, and geometric shapes to enhance learning and engagement.

Popular options include adding coloured graphics to black EPDM rubber, creating vibrant areas for games such as ‘What’s the Time Mr. Wolf?’ and phonics activities.

Educational graphics, particularly numbers and letters, help pupils practice skills from lessons.

For more details on options and how to customise your surface, see our wetpour Graphics page.

How can wetpour surfaces create themed playgrounds that enhance imaginative play?

Wetpour surfaces can be used to design themed playgrounds that enhance imaginative play by incorporating custom graphics, colours, and patterns that reflect specific themes, such as jungle, space, or underwater environments.

These designs can include shapes, characters, and games (like hopscotch or treasure hunts) that engage children’s creativity and storytelling abilities. Themed wetpour surfacing can also incorporate educational elements, such as numbers, letters, and roadways, allowing for learning through play.

This flexibility enables playgrounds to offer immersive environments that inspire physical activity and imaginative exploration.

What are the Recommended Sub-base Materials for Wetpour?

The recommended sub-base materials for wetpour safety surfacing include MOT Type 1 stone and porous macadam.

Type 1 stone and Macadam materials provide a stable and compact foundation that prevents settling or shifting over time.

The wetpour sub-base must be levelled appropriately and compacted to support the wetpour surface, ensuring durability and longevity effectively.

Because wetpour is a porous surface, a porous sub-base is essential for proper water drainage.

Using the correct sub-base materials is crucial to maintaining wetpour safety features, such as impact absorption and drainage capabilities, and ensuring that it complies with safety standards for playground installations.

Can wetpour be installed over existing surfaces, like concrete or asphalt, and what preparation is needed?

Wetpour can be installed over surfaces like concrete or asphalt, but proper preparation is essential. The existing surface must be clean, level, and free of cracks or loose material.

A primer or adhesive layer is often applied to ensure strong bonding between the wetpour and the underlying surface.

Any significant unevenness or drainage issues should be addressed before installation to maintain the wetpour’s safety and durability.

Proper preparation helps ensure the surface meets safety standards and performs effectively over time.

What Safety Certifications or Standards Does Wetpour Surfacing Comply With?

Wetpour surfacing in the UK complies with British Standards BS EN 1177, which sets out safety requirements for impact-absorbing playground surfacing materials.

Wetpour falls under architects’ NBS Q26 360 specifications, which provide detailed guidance on installing safety surfacing for playgrounds and recreational areas.

The NBS specification outlines the requirements for types of safety surfaces, including wetpour surfacing. It covers materials, sub-base preparation, impact absorption, drainage, and installation methods to ensure the surface meets safety and performance standards.

What wetpour thickness options are available, and how do they meet safety and critical fall height standards?

Wetpour thickness options range from 20mm to 100mm or more, depending on playground equipment’s critical fall height requirements.

Thicker wetpour surfaces provide excellent impact absorption, aligning with safety standards like BS EN 1177, to minimise fall injury risk.

For example, a thickness of 40mm is suitable for a fall height of up to 1.35 metres, while 80mm is required for a height of up to 2.4 metres.

Choosing the correct thickness ensures compliance with safety regulations and adequate user protection.

How Long Does Wetpour Safety Surfacing Last?

Wetpour safety surfacing typically lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions.

High-traffic areas or exposure to extreme weather may reduce lifespan, while regular cleaning, inspections, and prompt repairs can help extend it.

Proper installation and a suitable sub-base also play crucial roles in longevity. Choosing a reputable installer and following maintenance guidelines ensure the surface remains durable and practical throughout its expected lifespan, maintaining safety and aesthetic appeal in playgrounds and recreational areas.

What are the warranty options and typical lifespan guarantees for wetpour surfacing?

Wetpour surfacing warranties are commonly one year, as most issues appear within the first few weeks after installation.

While some companies offer 5 to 10-year guarantees, verifying their credibility by checking their length of business and reviewing customer feedback is essential.

A more extended guarantee may only be valuable if the company has a solid reputation or track record. Always choose a reputable provider to ensure your warranty is reliable and worth the investment.

What Materials Are Used For Wet Pour?

Materials used in wetpour typically include:

SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) for the base layer, which provides shock absorption and strength.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) for the top layer, offering UV resistance, durability, and vibrant colours.
Polyurethane (PU) Binder binds the rubber granules together, ensuring a seamless and long-lasting surface.

Some poured-in-place rubber crumb suppliers provide TPV® coloured rubber granules (thermoplastic vulcanizate granules) for the wetpour-wearing course.

However, most of the best wetpour installation companies install a 15-20mm depth wearing course of 1-4mm EPDM rubber chippings.

Is Wetpour Environmentally Friendly?

Wet pour surfacing is environmentally friendly because it often uses recycled materials:

Sustainable Materials: Many wetpour surfaces use recycled rubber, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. EPDM and SBR rubber granules are often made from recycled tyres.
Permeable Surface: Wetpour surfaces are permeable, allowing water to drain through. This reduces runoff and helps prevent flooding in urban areas.
Long Lifespan: Due to their durability and resistance to wear, wetpour surfaces do not need to be replaced frequently, reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal.