Low vs. High-Quality Poured Rubber Surfacing

You’re probably familiar with the phrase “You get what you pay for.” Well, it’s very accurate. Investing in high-quality products has always been a smart way to save time, money, and stress, and it’s especially true for things that we want to last a long time. This is particularly relevant when it comes to poured rubber surfacing.

There will always be cheaper product options that cut corners to save you money in the short term.

From Do-It-Yourself kits to cheap compound mixtures with filler, many rubber-coating options save you a few dollars upfront. Consequently, this can be the difference between the surface lasting 2-5 years or 10 years.

Regardless of the application, if you’re interested in rubber surfacing, then you’re looking for something durable and long-lasting with minimal maintenance needed. 

Differences between low-quality and high-quality rubber surfacing so that you can make an informed decision. 

Thickness variations:

Regardless of thickness, the new surfacing looks the same after it’s been installed and the customer often doesn’t know any different. However, it’s one of the most critical factors for rubber surfacing lasting 10+ years in good condition. 

The thickness of the rubber surfacing solution is fundamental for quality. Logically, less thickness means less product is used for the mixture, allowing companies to significantly reduce their costs.

When a thin surfacing solution; 1/4 or 3/8 of an inch thick, its durability, impact resistance and life expectancy suffer. The thin surface tears more easily, wear faster, and offers less resistance for impacts. For applications like playgrounds, poolsides and gyms, this is unacceptable. Enough wear and tear will make the surface unsafe and you may need to pay for repairs or a new surface altogether.

Recycled Rubber vs. EPDM Rubber

Read more here about the two main rubber options for mixes. As you may have guessed, mixing with recycled rubber is the second way some companies can offer a lower price. 

Recycled rubber, like old tires, is significantly cheaper but has one main risk to mention. It isn’t 100% pure like EPDM Rubber is. That means a mix with recycled rubber is at risk of causing reactions with chemical binders. 

Once again, customers are often left in the dark on the details. The type of rubber that’s used in surfacing mixes can impact the quality and price.

Polyurethane Binder Filler

Mixes for rubber surfacing have a variety of components that add up to create the final product. Each component plays a part in contributing to the quality of the rubber surface.

Low-quality poured rubber surfacing typically has a lot of “filler material” in the polyurethane binder. Unfortunately, this filler doesn’t add anything to the quality equation. Instead, it subtracts from the overall quality.

When more filler is used, UV rays from the sun break down the binder quicker and cause discolouration. This has a far more significant impact on surfaces outdoors, like playgrounds and pools.

This aspect is far more significant with applications like pools. Polyurethane binders with a lot of filler in them are far less resistant to chemicals like chlorine. Therefore, chemicals cause wear and discolouration on these lower quality surfaces.

Additives

When a surfacing solution has more filler, it means there is less room for chemical additives. There are a wide variety of additives available, but most are overlooked with lower quality solutions. 

They can make the product better and last far longer. These additives are like superpowers that strengthen the surfacing for its specific environment. The types of additives you would want depends on the application and what season it is.

If you come across a company with a “one size fits all” rubber surfacing solution, that’s a big red flag. They’re likely using the cheapest and most basic polyurethane binder they can find.

On the other hand, talented installers and expert suppliers offer various binders for a variety of applications. For example, a swimming pool deck should have a specific additive that dramatically increases its chemical resistance.

Lastly, the temperature at the time of installation can make a difference in quality. Canadian temperatures can vary greatly, so it’s essential to use binders that account for this. A professional company will use a particular additive when installing in the fall and another when installing in the middle of summer.

Conclusion : Low vs. High-Quality Poured Rubber Surfacing

Several variables need to be factored in when determining the cost of poured rubber surfacing. If your budget for new rubber surfacing is tight, we understand the appeal of cheaper options. Just be wary that cutting corners on product quality can come with consequences later on.

In conclusion, the lowest quote typically isn’t the best quote. Before making a buying decision you need to know about thickness, the type of rubber, the details of the polyurethane binder, and any additives being utilized.

If the price is the most critical factor for your decision, we recommend looking at other surfacing material options such as stone, epoxy, or concrete.

For more details on rubber surfacing, you can visit our Ultimate Guide for Rubber Surfacing.