Installation Method For Safer Surfacing
A Guide to the installation of Playground surfaces
Tiger Mulch
On Grass or Top Soil
Unlike rubber wetpour surfaces no expensive excavations, costly sub base work or perimeter edgings are required. In most applications the only site preparation is the removal of 25mm of turf or soil followed by the installation of a geo-textile membrane, secured by bio-degradable pegs, to prevent vegetation growth. Tigermulch is then laid directly onto the membrane.
On sites which have poor drainage additional groundworks may be required and we will be pleased to inspect the site and advise accordingly as Tiger Mulch might not the solution in certain circumstances.
Tigermulch is installed to butt up against surrounding grass, allowing the grass to grow over its edge to lock the Tigermulch into place thus preventing shrinkage around the edges which is often a problem with other rubber surfaces. This also allows for ease of maintenance around the perimeter.
On Tarmac or Concrete
Tigermulch can be laid directly on to an existing tarmac or concrete surface. The edges are tapered and secured to prepared chase cut around the perimeter to prevent trip hazards.
Play Safe Synthetic Surface (including Artificial Grass)
Playsafe and Artificial Grass are delivered to site in rolls (similar to domestic carpet)
On Grass or Top Soil
The existing turf is removed to a depth of 10mm and geo-textile membrane, to prevent vegetation growth, is installed on to the bare earth. Treated timber shuttering is installed flush to the ground around the perimeter and the Playsafe is secured to the outside edges of the shuttering.
On Tarmac or Concrete
Playsafe can be installed directly on to an existing tarmac or concrete surface. The edges are secured into a channel cut around the outside edges of the area.
Playfall Wetpour Safety Surfacing
On Grass or Top Soil
Playfall is installed on a prepared base surrounded by a perimeter edge in either precast concrete or rubber. Were Playfall is 40mm thick or less the base is excavated to a depth of between 125mm and 150mm plus the depth of the Playfall, MOT Type 1 is then laid and compacted to a depth of 50/70mm followed by a screed of 75mm no-fines concrete.
Were Playfall is 41mm or greater the base is excavated to a depth of 100mm plus the depth of the safer surface to be laid. MOT Type 1 is then laid and compacted to a depth of 100mm Playfall is laid flush to the surrounding surface to
prevent any trip hazards.
On Tarmac or Concrete Playfall can be installed directly on to an existing tarmac or concrete base. Drainage holes are drilled at 500mm centres over the entire area using pea gravel to fill holes to ground level. The surface is tapered to the edge to eliminate as far as possible any trip hazard. The edge is secured into a perimeter channel cut to a minimum size of 600mm wide * 15mm deep.
Grass Mats
On Grass or Top Soil
Grass Mats can be installed on to existing Grass surfaces after being compacted sufficiently. Areas that are damaged and worn out will require the laying of new turf or seeding prior to the installation of the mats.
Areas without grass require top soil to be added and leveled combined with re-seeding prior to the installation of the mats. Installation of the mats in areas of deep soil will require the additional compacting of the ground.
In areas where the ground may be waterlogged or suffering from poor drainage additional mesh underlay is applied to ensure that the mats remain level and do not sink or subside over time.
The Grass mats are secured into position with plastic pins and the outside edges of the mat are then covered with earth creating a smooth finish to the surrounding grass.
Loose Impact Absorbing Surfaces (L.I.A.S)
On Grass or Top Soil
Unlike other synthetic safer surfacing options Bark needs to be contained to ensure that it does not spread beyond the desired area thus reducing it impact attenuating qualities. Installation of a bark surface can be achieved by two methods both of which are designed to contain the surface. Both methods require the laying of a Geo Textile membrane to prevent vegetation growth.
Method 1. Bark can be installed onto Grass or Tarmac providing it is surrounded by shuttering or half round timbers in order to contain the surface and reduce spillage when in use. Although simple to construct the stuttering or half round timbers can create trip hazards for children when enter and exiting the play area.
Method 2. The second installation option for Bark is to excavate a pit with timber shuttering around the edges that sits flush with the existing ground. The bark is then in filled up to the pre existing ground level. Initially this method provides an even surface that is pleasing to the eye, the bark will inevitably be pushed and spill out through use. This can create a hazard if not maintained as the Critical Fall Height will be impeded as the Bark is dislodged. On sites which have poor drainage additional groundworks may be required and we will be pleased to inspect the site and advise accordingly as Bark might not the solution in certain circumstances.