Home

Recycled Rubber Surfacing

Submitted by Greg on Sun, 12/13/2009 - 03:12
Going Green
 
Recycled Tire Rubber Surface:
 
Recycled Rubber products are created by granulating old tires and mixing them with a variety of different binders. The mixture is poured or injected into a heated press or mold to create many amazing and vital green products on the market today.
 
In the Rubber Surface industry we operate in the same manner, but instead of a machine, we become the press. Recycled Rubber Granules are crucial to the industry because without them we would not be able to be as cost efficient. The cost of using recycled granules is relatively low in comparison to the standard EPDM granules that make up the surface top coat. While recycled tire rubber is not as resilient as EPDM, it makes up about 30% of total rubber used in residential installations, and a whopping 80% of total rubber used for Playground Rubber Surface installations.
 
When you need to fill large areas, recycled rubber is always used to bring the surface level and smooth. If you are installing a Rubber Surface onto aggregate you must create a stable base with recycled rubber first. In Playground Rubber Surface applications recycled rubber is used to provide cushion and impact absorption. In some instances you may require up to eight inches of recycled rubber fill to adhere to safety guidelines and ASTM fall height requirements.
 
Certain installations can be strictly recycled rubber content as often seen in golf path applications, driveways, and cost-effective daycare play areas. The only down-fall to forgo an EPDM top coat is a slight decrease in product strength and flexibility. To compensate for this you have to increase the percentage of product binder, this will create a harder, more durable recycled rubber surface.
 
Some negative aspects: 
 
  • Recycled Rubber is black therefore extremely hot in the sun
  • Recycled Rubber can smell, depending on the refining process
  • Recycled Rubber can contain certain toxic elements if not properly treated
 
The Positive aspects far outweigh the negative:
 
  • It’s Cheap
  • Green, reduces landfill waste
  • Keeps our children injury free at the playground
  • Versatile, used in many different applications
  • Wears better than stone-based products
  • Flexibility reduces surface cracking and heaving
  • Non-slip
  • Stays looking black on driveways
  • Spike resistant on golf courses and provides better foot and cart traction
 
And the list goes on…
 
For more on Recycled Rubber Surfacing please visit the video archive and view our video: Recycled Rubber Base Installation. (Not Yet Available, Video Coming Soon)