EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

ADVANTAGES

• Initial low maintenance.
• ADA/Wheelchair accessible.
• Totally seamless surface.
• Water permeable surface allowing water to drain completely through.
• Designs/Logos can be incorporated into the play surface adding play value.
• Can be installed over a hard base or crushed stone base.

DISADVANTAGES

• Wide variations in quality of materials.
• Sunlight (U.V.) changes physical properties of the system and will make the granular hard and brittle.
• Colors fade/discolor rapidly.
• High maintenance.
• After 1-3 years, EPDM systems lose their impact attenuation properties causing failure to meet ASTM F1292 standards.
• Requires professional installation.
• EPDM rubber becomes worn and brittle over time creating tears and loose rubber particles.
• Due to color fading, repairs are easily noticeable.
• Loose rubber particles can make the surface slippery.
• Worn areas create tripping hazards.
• To keep the cost low, many EPDM surfaces use black in the mix which makes surface temperatures become very hot.
• High installation costs.
• SBR buffing used in the cushioned layer have been found to contain harmful chemicals.

“TPV”

Ethylene Propylene Rubber

ADVANTAGES

• Low maintenance.
• ADA/Wheelchair accessible.
• Totally seamless surface.
• Water permeable surface allowing water to drain completely through.
• Designs/Logos can be incorporated into the play surface adding play value.
• Can be installed over a hard base or crushed stone base.
• Better U.V. stability than EPDM.

DISADVANTAGES

• Rosehill TPV is only marketed as a Thermoplastic Vulcanized Rubber.
There are no thermoplastic characteristics and it is not a true thermoplastic rubber.
• Variety in quality of materials.
• Single component aliphatic and aromatic binders used depending on installer.
• High installation costs.
• SBR buffing used in the cushioned layer have been found to contain harmful chemicals.

EWF

Engineered Wood Fiber

ADVANTAGES

• Fairly Durable.
• ADA/Wheelchair accessible (when properly maintained).
• Low initial cost.
• Easy to obtain.
• Natural appearance.

DISADVANTAGES

• Decomposes and compresses over time.
• Attracts fungus and microbial grown when wet/damp.
• High humidity and freezing temperatures can reduce its effectiveness. *Due to moisture freezing throughout the surface, engineered wood fiber should not be used in cold weather.
• High maintenance.
• Can easily be displaced to areas outside of the play area.
• Parents report that children pick it up to play with or put it in their mouth.
• Can cause splinters.
• Raking is required under wear areas to keep the proper system depth.
• The depth should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure the surface meets ASTM F1292.
• Wood Fiber will need to be topped off every 1-3 years.
• Can conceal animal excrement or dangerous sharp items.
• Conditions could occur that may be prevalent for weed growth.
• Flammable.
• Limited design options.
• Studies by the National Center of Accessibility (NCA) found that playground sites with engineered wood fiber require "greater work force needed to move across the surface".

Rubber Mulch

ADVANTAGES

• Low cost.
• Eco-Friendly – Made with 100% recycled tires.
• Easy to install.

DISADVANTAGES

• Variety in quality, metal from tires may be left in some rubber mulch.
• Made from recycled tires containing carcinogens/toxic chemicals.
• Mostly black rubber, creating a hot surface in warmer climates.
• High maintenance.
• Can easily be displaced to areas outside the play area.
• Raking is required under wear areas to ensure the proper depths are maintained.
• Surface should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure the depth of the surface meets ASTM F1292.
• Highly flammable.
• Not effective at controlling weeds.
• In hot temperatures rubber mulch may smell and let off harmful fumes.
• Can conceal animal excrement or dangerous sharp items.
• Requires greater work force needed to move across the surface.