Polymeric Surfacing is hugely beneficial to athletics and sports in general and can be found in schools, athletic tracks, and sports clubs both at amateur and professional levels. It’s also versatile enough to be used as a MUGA (Multi-Use-Game-Areas) surface, making it a popular choice when choosing a surface for sports activities.
What is Polymeric Surfacing?
Polymeric surfacing, widely recognised for its robustness and adaptability, is predominantly made from recycled black rubber granules that are sieved and graded to achieve optimal sizing to promote a strong durable surface when bound together with our strong polyurethane binder. This composition is laid over a solid sub-base, often macadam or concrete, with a specialised laying machine, creating a layer that is both shock-absorbent and slip-resistant. The surface is then finished with coloured line markings to cater to various sports requirements.
What are the different types of Polymeric Surfacing?
Type 3: This type features a polymeric surface with a 9mm depth SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber or recycled tyres) base course shockpad (Provides shock absorption layer), topped with a 3mm spray-applied Recycled Black Rubber wearing course. It meets a slip resistance of TRRL 75, making it ideal for sports like netball where higher grip levels are necessary for player performance and safety.
Type 4: This surface is a more robust polymeric system with a 12-15mm depth Recycled Black Rubber wearing course made from 1-4mm rubber granule mixed with a polyurethane resin binder. It’s primarily used for sports like football and basketball and is designed to meet a slip resistance of TRRL 55. This type offers excellent durability and is suited for a variety of sports, ensuring a versatile playing surface.
Key Advantages of Polymeric Surfacing
- Durability and Longevity: Designed to withstand heavy usage and harsh weather conditions, polymeric surfaces are ideal for schools, sports clubs, and community centres.
- Safety and Performance: Safety and Performance: The cushioned texture reduces injury risk, while the high slip resistance enhances performance in sports like tennis, basketball, and netball.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike natural grass, polymeric surfaces require minimal upkeep, such as occasional cleaning and infill replenishment, saving time and resources in long-term facility management.
- All-Weather Capability: The porous nature of the material ensures quick drainage during rainy conditions, making the surface playable shortly after wet weather.
- Customisation: Available in various colours, polymeric surfaces can be tailored to fit the aesthetic and functional needs of any sports facility.
Comparative Analysis with Other Surfaces
When compared to alternatives like macadam or artificial grass, polymeric surfaces offer a unique balance of playability and durability. For instance, while macadam is also durable and offers good water drainage, it lacks the shock-absorbing properties that are intrinsic to polymeric surfaces, which can be crucial for injury prevention on artificial sports surfaces.
Applications of Polymeric Surfacing
Polymeric surfaces are extensively used in:
- Athletic Tracks: Their elasticity is ideal for track and field sports.
- Multipurpose Courts: Excellent for facilities hosting various sports, ensuring optimal performance across activities like basketball, tennis, and netball.
- Schools and Recreational Areas: Safe and durable for high-traffic play areas.
Installation and Maintenance Insights
A high-quality installation is key to extending the life of a polymeric surface. It includes preparing a robust sub-base, applying the recycled black rubber, polyurethane binder layer accurately, and ensuring the surface is even and free of imperfections before applying the finishing colour coating, line or sport markings. Regular maintenance should focus on surface cleaning to prevent dirt accumulation and inspecting for wear and tear to address any issues promptly.
Choosing the right surface for a sports facility is a critical decision that impacts its usability, safety, and upkeep. Polymeric surfacing offers compelling benefits, making it a solid choice for diverse sporting needs. Whether upgrading an existing facility or constructing a new one, polymeric surfacing provides a reliable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polymeric Surfacing
Q. What makes polymeric surfacing ideal for sports facilities?
A: Polymeric surfacing offers a unique combination of durability, safety, and low maintenance. Its cushioned underfoot feel, high slip resistance, and ability to withstand all weather conditions make it perfect for a variety of sports including tennis, basketball, and netball.
Q. Can polymeric surfaces be customised for different sports?
A: Yes, polymeric surfaces are highly customizable. They can be tailored with different colours and line markings to suit various sports. This customization extends to its application in Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), where facilities host multiple sports on the same surface.
Q. What is involved in the maintenance of a polymeric surface?
A: Maintenance typically involves regular cleaning to remove debris and occasional deeper cleaning to manage any buildup that occurs. It’s also important to regularly check for and repair any wear or damage to ensure the surface remains safe and performative.
Q. Are there any environmental benefits to choosing polymeric surfacing?
A: Polymeric surfaces are advantageous environmentally because they are permeable, allowing water to drain through and reduce runoff, which can mitigate flooding issues. The materials used are also durable, reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of surfacing materials.
Each of the Types of polymeric surfaces is tailored to specific sports requirements, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability for users. For more detailed information and to see the options for customising these surfaces for different sports, get in touch with us today to discuss your project and book your free site survey.