Poured in place rubber surfaces are designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. They are relatively easy to repair and don’t need to be combed out or refilled like loose-material surfaces do. There are also several products available that can be used to extend the life of a poured in place rubber surface.
What is Granulation?
Granulation will start to appear on a surface anywhere from 3 to 7 years after the installation of the poured in surface.. This is a precursor to larger problems with the poured in place rubber, like holes and cracks. Granulation is when pieces of EPDM start to separate from the rest of the surface. They can be seen clinging to children, clothes, or just around the playground area. These little pieces of rubber have broken off of the surface as the binder begins to fail. Granulation is a sign that the surface needs to be reconditioned in order for the area to remain safe.
The Shuffle Test
It can be hard to tell when a surface needs to be rebound, especially if it hasn’t been treated in several years. The shuffle test is an easy way to see if a poured in place rubber surface needs a conditioner like the Rebinder. Go out onto your playground and shuffle your feet around the area. If you can see little pieces of EPDM break free when you do this, then the surface needs to be reconditioned. The longer it has been since a surface has been reconditioned, the more Rebinder it will need to fix the granulation. Any holes and cracks in the surface should be fixed before applying the Rebinder.