Longevity vs Cost

Play areas are where kid's imaginations ignite. Knee grazes and tumbles are part of discovery and learning about their limits. The balance of realistic risk with safety, fun, aesthetics, and affordability as well as the ability to withstand even the toughest environments are extremely important when choosing a safety surface. 

So when it comes to choosing a safety surface, landscape architects can't go on cost alone. A cheaper product is unlikely to last as long as a premium product or meet the necessary safety standards. As the saying goes "you get what you pay for".

The lifespan of a safety surface should be a landscape architect's top priority. Of course, the specified product has to fit the client's budget. But beyond that and safety specs, client satisfaction will come from how durable the surface is and how long it lasts.

Rosehill TPV® is the recognised brand for the ultimate coloured rubber granule produced by Rosehill Polymers. Made from premium virgin polymers, and combined with the highest possible UV stabilised pigments to keep its colour under the harsh Australian sun, Rosehill TPV® looks better and lasts longer.

Does it live up to the hype? Let's travel to the Northern Territory where NT Sports & Playground Surfacing has been installing Rosehill TPV® for the past 8 years. Director Ronnie Van Wanrooij understandably requires the most robust, hard-wearing soft-fall rubber that will also keep its colour and withstand extreme temperatures.

"We have seen many contractors come unstuck by using cheap, inferior surfaces," Ronnie says. "With Rosehill TPV® we have had zero warranty claims. Now the Department of Education and local councils are specifying TPV with no substitutions. Why? Because it stands the test of time." That's just one example.

Below is a sample of Rosehill TPV® taken from Livvi's Place at Timbrell Park, Five Dock, in Sydney (installed approximately 7 years ago) compared with a new piece of rubber.

As surfaces age, their performance, aesthetics, and safety features suffer. Many aged rubber surfaces feel rough to touch. This means a rougher surface for children to fall on, increasing the risk of injury.

Premium products like Rosehill TPV® don't harden or cause embrittlement over time. So they stay as safe and comfortable as the day they were laid.

Don't just accept our marketing spiel - when comparing safety surfaces request:

• Lab results of durability studies
• Specific product specs
• Installation instructions
• Maintenance and repair recommendations

Let's take a closer look at maintenance. While a premium product may cost more initially, it will cost far less to maintain compared to other products such as loose-fill materials or tiles. Why? Because advanced technology, research and development has been invested in the premium product to produce a surface that will go the distance.

Of course, proper maintenance will help extend the surface lifespan. That includes regularly checking for wear and tear, keeping the surface clear of debris, and immediately fixing any damage. Specifiers should also follow the manufacturer's maintenance inspection recommendations.

No playground surface is perfect. And no material will last forever. That's why landscape architects should only provide clients with the most durable material that meets industry standards and fits within their budget.

So what's the secret to selecting a safety surface? Invest in a time-tested product, and insist that only experienced installers put it in place. Then landscape architects can be confident that their specified surface (and their own business reputation) stands the test of time.

To learn more about Rosehill TPV® and why it's the choice of specialised installers and architects globally, contact Surface Designs. We are the exclusive distributor of Rosehill Polymer products for Australia and New Zealand.