FAQ - Frequent Questions and Answers
WHERE CAN PLAYTOP BE INSTALLED?
Can playtop be installed around swimming pools? Splash pads and water-play areas?
Playtop surfacing acts to maximize grip and minimize the threat of slips and falls around swimming pools. The surfacing can be extended up to cover stairs and all areas around outdoor pools, ensuring a safe surface in wet areas.
Is Playtop suitable for laying as a surface in animal houses in Zoos?
Playtop Ltd in the UK has laid 4 or 5 areas at Edinburgh Zoo including the Rhino house.
Can Playtop be laid onto roofs?
We recommend a minimum thickness of 40mm Playtop on roofs with a separation layer between Playtop and the waterproofing layer. The separation layer could be concrete slabs, PU rigid foam insulation boards, timber boarding, thick Terram or similar geotextile membrane. Please consult us for more detailed advice on specific installations.
Can Playtop be laid indoors?
We recommend that installation is preferable only on ‘new build' sites.
Can you apply EPDM to EPDM?
Yes, providing you thoroughly clean and prime the existing EPDM surfacing before installing new EPDM surfacing. It is very important to note that the Critical Fall Height only relates to the ‘new' Playtop surfacing and excludes any benefits of impact attenuation from the existing Rubber Structure.
Can Playtop be laid on top of block paving?
Yes, providing the blocks are secure and not loose and only when you are installing Playtop as a 2 layer system - base rubber & top.
Can Playtop be laid on decking?
We would recommend that the surfacing is laid within a frame at a minimum of thickness of 40mm thick (movement could occur using a 20mm thickness even if area is well primed). If the gaps in the decking are large we recommend that plywood or Terram is installed before laying the base layer.
WARRANTY
Do we offer a longer warranty than five years?
Licensees are responsible for issuing their own warranties as Playtop Licensing cannot offer a warranty for surfacing installed by others. Many licensees offer a five year warranty but this varies from country to country. Licensees may decide to reduce the warranty if the surface is in a high use area such as an amusement park.
TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES
Is it okay to lay Playtop in low temperatures during winter?
If it falls a little below the minimum temperature at night the curing will be very slow so you should allow for protecting the site for several days to allow the surface to gain a reasonable level of strength. Assuming the temperature is not below 0 in which case the surface should not be laid.
What type of foundation layer stone should be used?
The stone should be MOT type 1 (UK specification) which is a 40mm crushed rock/stone ground down to dust/fines. 20% dust/fines in the rock/stone is necessary to bind the material together.
Can Playtop be installed in the rain?
No.
Is there a paint that can be applied to Playtop to prevent staining?
In some circumstances it is possible to apply an anti-slip coating which is available in various colours including clear and black.
Why has the colour changed since the Playtop was laid?
Coloured EPDM rubber, with the exception of Orange, is quite resistant to colour change. Colour change is a feature of aromatic polyurethane binders that 'yellow' when exposed to UV causing the surface colour to look different. On colours like Earth Yellow and Red this 'yellow film' is not as noticeable. The colour change is not always consistent particularly where shadows are cast during installation and it can vary according to the weather conditions at different times of year. It is more noticeable on some of the lighter colours. It is a common industry problem, in fact so much so that the UK trade association (SAPCA) Code of Practice specifically refers to it.
The code confirms that the discolouration tends improve over time, which we also know from our own experience. This is partly due to the yellow film becoming clearer and partly due to use/wear. To try to counter this phenomenon, some time ago we introduced a UV suppressed binder. However it is important to understand that whilst this product should lessen the problem it will not remove it altogether. The only certain way to do that is to use an aliphatic binder but this is nearly 4 times the cost and in most cases commercially unviable.
Will aliphatic binder completely remove the problem of fading?
Aliphatic binder for rubber is light-fast and exhibits high colour stability. Therefore it will prevent yellowing and colour change from happening in the first place. However, it has to be stated that the rubber also plays a crucial role in this matter. Sooner or later the thin binder film on top of the granules (the binder film that usually yellows with standard binders - but is transparent and colourless with light-fast binders) will get abraded from the granules by usage and weathering. At this point in time the naked granules will be exposed to hard UV radiation. It is crucial, that the rubber is also light-fast and resistant to UV degradation and thermal decomposition that can be encountered at extreme temperatures. Any polymer (granules as well as binders) are affected by UV radiation and temperature degradation. Although light-fast binders and light-fast rubber will not yellow, they might still be broken down over time by these extreme conditions. In more temperate climates this is a process of many years. In extreme conditions the process might be faster, so it is difficult to predict the service life of such a surface, especially if other factors (e.g. sand and dirt abrading the surface) also contribute to this.
Which colours are most susceptible to colour change?
The colours that are most susceptible to change are Grey, Beige, Turquoise, Orange, Eggshell and Blue.
The least affected colours are earth yellow, red, yellow, beige and brown.
Is the top layer always the same thickness from 20mm to 150mm thickness?
The top layer of the two layer system from 40mm to 150mm is always 15mm thick. 20mm is a single layer system using 20mm of top layer material.
POOL SURROUNDS
Can you use Playtop as a pool surround?
Yes. Our licensee in Iceland has great experience in this area and has installed red, earth yellow, blue, brown, beige and bright green with no difficulties.
How does the coloured EPDM resist the disinfectant chlorine that is always used in pools?
The chlorine does not affect the EPDM, but actually helps cleaning and sanitizing the rubber together with the UV-lighting - so no additional disinfectant is needed for cleaning the EPDM.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Is there a cleaning agent suitable for severe mould growth?
Playtop and Melos are currently working together to identify the best product for removal / prevention of mould growth on Playtop surfaces.
How should graffiti be removed from the surface?
If the paint is brittle it may be possible to abrade off with a wire brush or with a high pressure power washer. Another alternative is to paint out the graffiti with a paint that matches the original colour or to paint a design that covers the offending marks.
How do you repair areas of Playtop surfacing?
Playtop can be repaired in localised spots by cutting out the affected area and replacing. It is better to cut the surface in a shape or design and install a different colour so that it does not look like a patch. If the area is crumbing or breaking up due to excessive wear the area can be skimmed and this means reinstalling the top layer. The existing layer does need to be suitable and the area will need to be 100% primed.
SPHERES
Are the ground anchors for the small and large spheres the same size?
The ground anchors for the 350mm are smaller than the ground anchors for the 450mm and 600mm (the 450mm and 600mm are the same). Further details are available on the website.
Can spheres be fixed to concrete?
A surface mount plate can be ordered at an extra charge to fix spheres onto a concrete surface.
What is the material on the inside of the sphere?
Black rubber granulate, the EPDM on the outside is approximately 40mm thick.
Is there a minimum distance that should be allowed between the spheres?
Spheres must be treated as a piece of playground equipment. As they are no more than 600mm tall they do not need to be assessed for impact surfacing but the clearance (minimum space) would be as normal between two items of playground equipment.
Can playtop be installed around swimming pools? Splash pads and water-play areas?
Playtop surfacing acts to maximize grip and minimize the threat of slips and falls around swimming pools. The surfacing can be extended up to cover stairs and all areas around outdoor pools, ensuring a safe surface in wet areas.
Is Playtop suitable for laying as a surface in animal houses in Zoos?
Playtop Ltd in the UK has laid 4 or 5 areas at Edinburgh Zoo including the Rhino house.
Can Playtop be laid onto roofs?
We recommend a minimum thickness of 40mm Playtop on roofs with a separation layer between Playtop and the waterproofing layer. The separation layer could be concrete slabs, PU rigid foam insulation boards, timber boarding, thick Terram or similar geotextile membrane. Please consult us for more detailed advice on specific installations.
Can Playtop be laid indoors?
We recommend that installation is preferable only on ‘new build' sites.
Can you apply EPDM to EPDM?
Yes, providing you thoroughly clean and prime the existing EPDM surfacing before installing new EPDM surfacing. It is very important to note that the Critical Fall Height only relates to the ‘new' Playtop surfacing and excludes any benefits of impact attenuation from the existing Rubber Structure.
Can Playtop be laid on top of block paving?
Yes, providing the blocks are secure and not loose and only when you are installing Playtop as a 2 layer system - base rubber & top.
Can Playtop be laid on decking?
We would recommend that the surfacing is laid within a frame at a minimum of thickness of 40mm thick (movement could occur using a 20mm thickness even if area is well primed). If the gaps in the decking are large we recommend that plywood or Terram is installed before laying the base layer.
WARRANTY
Do we offer a longer warranty than five years?
Licensees are responsible for issuing their own warranties as Playtop Licensing cannot offer a warranty for surfacing installed by others. Many licensees offer a five year warranty but this varies from country to country. Licensees may decide to reduce the warranty if the surface is in a high use area such as an amusement park.
TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES
Is it okay to lay Playtop in low temperatures during winter?
If it falls a little below the minimum temperature at night the curing will be very slow so you should allow for protecting the site for several days to allow the surface to gain a reasonable level of strength. Assuming the temperature is not below 0 in which case the surface should not be laid.
What type of foundation layer stone should be used?
The stone should be MOT type 1 (UK specification) which is a 40mm crushed rock/stone ground down to dust/fines. 20% dust/fines in the rock/stone is necessary to bind the material together.
Can Playtop be installed in the rain?
No.
Is there a paint that can be applied to Playtop to prevent staining?
In some circumstances it is possible to apply an anti-slip coating which is available in various colours including clear and black.
Why has the colour changed since the Playtop was laid?
Coloured EPDM rubber, with the exception of Orange, is quite resistant to colour change. Colour change is a feature of aromatic polyurethane binders that 'yellow' when exposed to UV causing the surface colour to look different. On colours like Earth Yellow and Red this 'yellow film' is not as noticeable. The colour change is not always consistent particularly where shadows are cast during installation and it can vary according to the weather conditions at different times of year. It is more noticeable on some of the lighter colours. It is a common industry problem, in fact so much so that the UK trade association (SAPCA) Code of Practice specifically refers to it.
The code confirms that the discolouration tends improve over time, which we also know from our own experience. This is partly due to the yellow film becoming clearer and partly due to use/wear. To try to counter this phenomenon, some time ago we introduced a UV suppressed binder. However it is important to understand that whilst this product should lessen the problem it will not remove it altogether. The only certain way to do that is to use an aliphatic binder but this is nearly 4 times the cost and in most cases commercially unviable.
Will aliphatic binder completely remove the problem of fading?
Aliphatic binder for rubber is light-fast and exhibits high colour stability. Therefore it will prevent yellowing and colour change from happening in the first place. However, it has to be stated that the rubber also plays a crucial role in this matter. Sooner or later the thin binder film on top of the granules (the binder film that usually yellows with standard binders - but is transparent and colourless with light-fast binders) will get abraded from the granules by usage and weathering. At this point in time the naked granules will be exposed to hard UV radiation. It is crucial, that the rubber is also light-fast and resistant to UV degradation and thermal decomposition that can be encountered at extreme temperatures. Any polymer (granules as well as binders) are affected by UV radiation and temperature degradation. Although light-fast binders and light-fast rubber will not yellow, they might still be broken down over time by these extreme conditions. In more temperate climates this is a process of many years. In extreme conditions the process might be faster, so it is difficult to predict the service life of such a surface, especially if other factors (e.g. sand and dirt abrading the surface) also contribute to this.
Which colours are most susceptible to colour change?
The colours that are most susceptible to change are Grey, Beige, Turquoise, Orange, Eggshell and Blue.
The least affected colours are earth yellow, red, yellow, beige and brown.
Is the top layer always the same thickness from 20mm to 150mm thickness?
The top layer of the two layer system from 40mm to 150mm is always 15mm thick. 20mm is a single layer system using 20mm of top layer material.
POOL SURROUNDS
Can you use Playtop as a pool surround?
Yes. Our licensee in Iceland has great experience in this area and has installed red, earth yellow, blue, brown, beige and bright green with no difficulties.
How does the coloured EPDM resist the disinfectant chlorine that is always used in pools?
The chlorine does not affect the EPDM, but actually helps cleaning and sanitizing the rubber together with the UV-lighting - so no additional disinfectant is needed for cleaning the EPDM.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Is there a cleaning agent suitable for severe mould growth?
Playtop and Melos are currently working together to identify the best product for removal / prevention of mould growth on Playtop surfaces.
How should graffiti be removed from the surface?
If the paint is brittle it may be possible to abrade off with a wire brush or with a high pressure power washer. Another alternative is to paint out the graffiti with a paint that matches the original colour or to paint a design that covers the offending marks.
How do you repair areas of Playtop surfacing?
Playtop can be repaired in localised spots by cutting out the affected area and replacing. It is better to cut the surface in a shape or design and install a different colour so that it does not look like a patch. If the area is crumbing or breaking up due to excessive wear the area can be skimmed and this means reinstalling the top layer. The existing layer does need to be suitable and the area will need to be 100% primed.
SPHERES
Are the ground anchors for the small and large spheres the same size?
The ground anchors for the 350mm are smaller than the ground anchors for the 450mm and 600mm (the 450mm and 600mm are the same). Further details are available on the website.
Can spheres be fixed to concrete?
A surface mount plate can be ordered at an extra charge to fix spheres onto a concrete surface.
What is the material on the inside of the sphere?
Black rubber granulate, the EPDM on the outside is approximately 40mm thick.
Is there a minimum distance that should be allowed between the spheres?
Spheres must be treated as a piece of playground equipment. As they are no more than 600mm tall they do not need to be assessed for impact surfacing but the clearance (minimum space) would be as normal between two items of playground equipment.