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Wetpour vs Mulch 

Wetpour vs Mulch 

Are you considering installing a safety surface for your outdoor space but not sure whether to go for Wetpour or Rubber Mulch?

Wetpour is a a rubber crumb surface bound together by resin.

Rubber Mulch is rubber chippings that are bonded together, providing a more textured surface.

We will explore the differences between these two popular options.

We will discuss how Wetpour is made, its benefits and applications, as well as the same for Rubber Mulch.

We will also compare the two in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, safety, and appearance.

What is Wetpour and Rubber Mulch?

There are differences and similarities between the two surfaces.

Wetpour

Wetpour is a versatile and durable safety surfacing solution widely used in playgrounds, parks, and recreational areas across the UK.

Wetpour rubber surfacing is known for its resilience, longevity, and ability to reduce the risk of injuries in playgrounds.

Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is a sustainable surfacing option made from recycled rubber, such as old tyres, which are shredded into small pieces known as rubber chippings.

This material is often used in playgrounds and landscaping for its ability to provide a safe and low-maintenance surface.

Comparison between Wetpour and Rubber Mulch

When comparing wetpour and rubber mulch as playground surfacing options, several factors, such as cost, durability, maintenance, safety, and appearance, need to be considered to determine the most suitable choice for different play areas.

Cost

The cost of wetpour can be higher than rubber mulch due to the material and installation/ groundwork process involved.

Despite the initial higher cost of wetpour, it offers long-term value in terms of durability and maintenance.

Wetpour surfaces are highly resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as playgrounds.

The seamless nature of wetpour also reduces the risk of tripping hazards, providing a safe environment for children to play in.

On the other hand, rubber mulch, while initially more affordable, may require more frequent topping up and replacement over time, increasing its long-term cost.

Durability

Wetpour is known for its exceptional durability, maintaining its integrity and appearance for many years under heavy use.

One of the key factors contributing to the longevity of wetpour is its resistance to harsh weather conditions.

Whether it’s sun, rain, or freezing temperatures, wetpour holds up well without deteriorating. Its high elasticity helps it withstand heavy foot traffic and play equipment usage.

On the other hand, rubber mulch, while also durable, may require more frequent replenishing or top-ups over time to maintain its effectiveness.

This is often due to weathering, gradual breakdown, and compression from use.

Maintenance

Wetpour requires minimal maintenance, which involves occasional cleaning and checking for damage.

On the other hand, artificial grass demands more frequent maintenance than wetpour.

Regular brushing to keep the blades upright and fluff-free is essential to ensure its longevity.

Debris needs to be removed to prevent clogging and potential damage to the turf.

Although artificial grass may require more upkeep, it offers a longer lifespan, making it a durable option for outdoor play areas.

Safety

Both wetpour and rubber mulch provide excellent safety surfacing, with wetpour often being preferred for its seamless surface that meets critical fall height requirements.

Wetpour is specially designed to absorb impact energy, reducing the risk of injuries from falls on the playground.

Its smooth, non-slip surface offers great traction, ensuring kids can play safely without the fear of slipping.

On the other hand, rubber mulch, made from recycled materials, is praised for its durability and eco-friendly nature.

It provides a soft cushioning effect, minimising the impact of falls. Both options are known for their resilience against harsh weather conditions, guaranteeing long-term safety for children at play.

Appearance

Wetpour offers a wide range of colour and design options, allowing for creative and vibrant playground appearances.

In contrast, rubber mulch provides a more natural and subdued aesthetic, mimicking the look of traditional wood chips.

Regarding customisation and visual appeal, Wetpour takes the lead with its ability to incorporate intricate patterns, logos, and even educational designs into the playground surface.

This added level of customisation elevates the overall look of the playground, turning it into a visual masterpiece that captures attention and enhances the play experience for children.

What Are The Benefits of Wetpour?

One of the main benefits of wetpour is its superior safety surfacing qualities, making it ideal for playgrounds and areas with playground equipment.

What sets wetpour apart in terms of safety is its cushioned, impact-absorbing surface that helps minimise injuries from falls.

This special composition provides a soft landing for children, reducing the risk of serious harm during playtime.

Wetpour is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, and frequent use without deteriorating. Its resilience makes it a long-lasting surfacing option, requiring minimal maintenance over time.

Another advantage of wetpour is its aesthetic appeal.

Available in a wide range of colours and designs, it can be customised to create vibrant and engaging play areas that enhance the visual appeal of any space.

What Are The Benefits of Rubber Mulch?

Rubber chippings provides a soft and durable safety surface, which helps to minimise injuries from falls, making it a popular choice for playgrounds.

Its cushioning properties also offer enhanced safety benefits for children playing, reducing the risk of serious injuries.

Rubber chippings is environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled materials, contributing to sustainability efforts. Its durable nature means it requires minimal maintenance, as it does not decompose or blow away easily like traditional chippings, saving time and effort for upkeep.

It’s a smart and practical choice for any recreational area!

What is the Application of Wetpour?

Wetpour is commonly used for playground surfaces, providing a cushioned play surface around climbing frames, trim trails, and other play equipment.

This versatile material is not limited to playgrounds but finds application in a variety of areas.

It is also highly favoured in sports facilities due to its impact-absorbing qualities, making it ideal for running tracks, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

Moreover, wetpour can be found in recreational parks and public spaces, offering a safe and durable surface for outdoor exercise areas and picnic spots.

Its customisable nature allows for creative designs and colourful patterns to enhance the aesthetics of these environments.

What is The Application of Rubber Mulch?

Rubber chippings are widely used for playground surfacing, providing an alternative to traditional wood chips in play areas and landscaping.

Its versatile nature makes it a popular choice not just for playgrounds, but also for various other settings such as gardens and outdoor paths.

In gardens, rubber chippings help maintain soil moisture, deter weed growth, and provide insulation to plant roots. Its durability and low maintenance qualities make it ideal for outdoor paths, offering a safe and long-lasting surface for walking or cycling.

The shock-absorbing properties of rubber chippings also enhance safety, making it a suitable option for sports fields and exercise areas.

The diverse applications of rubber chippings highlight their value as a sustainable and practical landscaping solution.

Why is Wetpour the Better Choice?

Wetpour is considered the superior choice for playgrounds and recreational areas due to its unmatched safety surfacing qualities, customisation options, and long-term durability.

Longevity

Wetpour surfaces are known for their longevity, often lasting many years with minimal wear and tear.

Due to their durable composition, wetpour surfaces offer a great return on investment, requiring little maintenance and remaining vibrant and safe for extensive periods.

Wetpour is particularly popular in playgrounds and sports facilities because of its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and variable weather conditions.

The high-quality materials used in wetpour installation ensure that these surfaces retain their elasticity and slip-resistant properties over time, making them a reliable choice for areas that require both safety and aesthetics.

Customisation Options

Wetpour offers extensive customisation options, allowing playground designers to create unique and engaging play environments.

With Wetpour, designers can incorporate a wide range of colours, shapes, and patterns to truly bring their creative visions to life.

From whimsical patterns to educational designs, the design flexibility of Wetpour allows for endless possibilities to cater to different age groups and preferences.

Whether it’s vibrant animal shapes or geometric patterns, the aesthetic possibilities of Wetpour are as diverse as the imaginations of the designers themselves.

Safety Standards Compliance

Wetpour complies with stringent safety standards, such as BS EN 1177, ensuring it meets critical fall height requirements for playgrounds.

By adhering to these industry-specific standards, wetpour provides a cushioned surface that minimises the risk of serious injuries from falls during playtime.

This rubber safety flooring is impact-absorbing, creating a safer environment for children to enjoy recreational activities.

The consistent thickness and quality of wetpour offer stability and durability, making it a reliable choice for playgrounds and recreational spaces.

With its non-slip properties and resistance to weather conditions, wetpour ensures a secure and long-lasting safety solution for all types of play areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Main Differences Between Wetpour and Rubber Mulch?

The main difference between Wetpour and Rubber Mulch is their composition.

Wetpour is a rubber surface that is poured in place, providing a seamless (if in one single colour) and cushioned surface, while Rubber Mulch is a loose-fill material that is spread over the ground.

Which Surface is More Durable and Long-Lasting?

Wetpour is generally considered more durable and long-lasting compared to Rubber Mulch.

This is because it is a seamless surface with a strong bond between the rubber granules and the base, making it more resistant to wear and tear.

Which Surface is More Cost-Effective in the Long Run?

In terms of cost-effectiveness, Wetpour may have a higher upfront cost, but it is more economical in the long run.

It requires less maintenance and has a longer lifespan compared to Rubber Mulch, which needs to be regularly topped up and replaced.

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