Introduction
When it comes to selecting the right surfaces for commercial playgrounds and car parks, schools, leisure centres, retail parks and community facilities in West Yorkshire have many choices. Besides improving aesthetics, accessibility and long-term cost effectiveness, choosing the right surface also plays a vital role in enhancing safety and durability.
As there is such a wide range of choices of materials and designs available, as well as various methods of installation, this guide will help you identify the key factors to consider when choosing the surfacing type for your playground and car park, to ensure you are making the best possible investment for your business while at the same time, providing you and your customers with peace of mind.
Understand Your Requirements
Safety First
Safety is the most important factor when it comes to selecting surfacing for playgrounds. All surfaces must meet the required impact absorption performance standards in order to reduce the risk of injury from falling. The most commonly used types of surfacing for playgrounds are wet-pour rubber, rubber tiles and resin-bound aggregates, which all provide cushioning when a child falls, and are also slip-resistant.
In addition to safety, selecting durable and skid-resistant surfaces, and including clear markings, pedestrian zones and adequate drainage, should be top priorities when choosing surfacing for car parks in order to help prevent accidents.
Traffic Load and Usage
Establish how your surfaces are to be used. Car parks require a material that will hold large loads, because of the many cars and frequent use; while children play on playground areas, it is generally used as a play area, one in which people walk but also one in which they have a lot of other activities; and because of this, we will need a different type of material for this usage than what we would use for the above-mentioned surfaces (car park).
Compliance and Regulations
A contractor who is familiar with all the safety and building regulations that apply to both playground areas and car parks will help you understand the expected load that would be put on your surface, and how they will recommend you select materials that meet these requirements and that will provide durability over time and performance in these busy areas.
Both surfaces (playground surfaces and car park surfaces) are required by UK law to meet certain minimum requirements as per safety and building regulations. Playground surfaces must be tested as to impact absorption under BS EN 1177, while car parks must also have a proper drainage plan, surface standard, and ADA compliant surfaces where applicable. Having a contractor who is familiar with these regulations ensures that they will not make mistakes that will end up costing you money, and that the surfaces you use will be compliant with the law.
Consider Material Options
Playground Surfacing Materials
- Wet-Pour Rubber – a durable, seamless surface, is the best for safety; comes in multiple colours; is the best product for cushioning falls.
- Rubber Tiles – comes in modular form and easy to replace; is ideal for smaller areas, or areas that need to be customised.
- Resin Bound Aggregates – provides a smooth, permeable surface; low maintenance; good for appearance; meets safety standards.
Car Park Surfacing Materials
- Tarmacadam – the traditional surface; cost-effective; good durability.
- Resin Bound Surfacing – modern surface; good strength; good permeability; good visual appeal.
- Concrete / Asphalt – good for a lot of traffic and great for high traffic areas; will last a long time.
The surface can withstand being worn down by weather and daily use. Investing time and money into a solid base will reduce the chance of having to pay for repairs from problems associated with poor preparation of the surface.
Plan for Drainage and Longevity
Drains play an important role when developing a playground and a car park environment. If there is not a proper drain system in place, water will pool, degrade the surfaces, and create unsafe conditions where someone could slip on the wet area. A qualified surfacing contractor will design an effective drainage system using methods like slotted drains, porous pavements, or sloping surfaces.
The durability of a surface area is also contingent upon the proper preparation of its sub-surface. Excavating the ground surface, compacting it, and using quality materials will ensure that the surface can withstand being worn down by weather and daily use. Investing time and money into a solid base will reduce the chance of having to pay for repairs from problems associated with poor preparation of the surface.
Design and Aesthetics
Commercial surfaces should not only serve the utilitarian purpose they were created for; they should also create a unique look and feel. Many times, the colourful, playful designs used to engage kids at playgrounds can create a playground that is filled with excitement, whereas with a car park, having clearly marked lines, contrasting edge markings, and landscaped borders will allow for the park to appear visually appealing. By coordinating colours, styles, and finishes throughout both playground and parking areas, a business can create a professional, cohesive look for their facility.
Maintenance Considerations
Not only should commercial surfaces be functional, but they should be visually attractive. The bright colours and playful designs used to attract children to play areas can be replicated in parking facilities with starkly defined lines, edge designs that contrast colourfully from the surfaces of the parking area, and attractive landscaped areas. By coordinating styles, colours, and finishes throughout parking and playground areas, the company can create an overall look and feel that demonstrates professionalism and cohesion.
Choosing the Right Contractor in West Yorkshire
When selecting a surfacing company, the amount of experience that the company has with playground and parking area surfacing is just as important as the materials that will be used. Factors to consider include:
- Experience with both playgrounds and parking lot surfacing.
- Knowledge of safety standards and regulations.
- Capability to provide a complete service from an initial site visit through the installation/maintenance of the material.
- A local presence in West Yorkshire to provide quick assistance and ongoing support.
A reputable contractor can assist you in choosing the correct material, preparing the site, and installing the surfacing material, as well as assisting you in long-term maintenance so you get the most out of your investment.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct commercial playground and car park surfacing in West Yorkshire should involve thinking through elements such as safety, durability, compliance, choice of material, and appearance. Once you have established your requirements and identified appropriate materials, planned for drainage and maintenance, and found an experienced contractor, you will be in a position to develop outdoor areas that will meet safety, operational, and aesthetic needs for many years to come.
For expert guidance and a free consultation on your playground or car park surfacing project, contact 1st Choice Surfacing today and let our team help transform your outdoor space.
