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<br />Comparison Chart of Surfacing Materials <br /> <br /> <br />Page 1 of3 <br /> <br />~. SofSolutions. SofTILE. S.AF-DEK <br /> <br />Recreation Resource, Inc <br />;:'i"':'''-I'':<~::i~:r:r:' em k:,' ~,':r;, f.< ki:;'3:2 <br /> <br />Comparison Chart <br />According to the "Handbook for Playground Safety," Appendix C (CPSC) <br /> <br />Comparison Chart (PDFl <br />'~l~.1 <br />Ma!te ..' '. '.,' <br /> <br />Organic Loose Material <br />wood chips, bark mulch, engineered wood fiber, etc. <br /> <br />I nstallation/Maintenance <br />- Should not be installed over existing hard surfaces (e.g., asphalt, concrete). <br />o Requires a method of containment (e.g., retaining barrier, excavated pit). <br />- Requires good drainage underneath material. <br />- Requires periodic renewal or replacement and continuous maintenance (e.g., leveling, grading sifting, raking) to maintain <br />appropriate depth and remove foreign matter. <br /> <br />Advantages <br />- Low initial cost. <br />o Ease of installation. <br />- Good drainage <br />o less abrasive than sand. <br />o less attractive to cats and dogs (compared to sand). <br />- Attractive appearance. <br />- Readily available. <br /> <br />Disadvantages <br />The following conditions may reduce cushioning potential: <br />- Rainy weather, high humidity, freezing temperatures.~ <br />- With normal use over time, combines with dirt and other foreign materials. <br />o Over time, decomposes, is pulverized, and compacts requiring replenishment. <br />- Depth may be reduced by displacement due to children's activities or by material being blown by wind. <br />- Can be blown or thrown into children's eyes. <br />- Subject to microbial growth when wet. <br />- Conceals animal excrement and trash (e.g., broken glass, nails, pencils, and other sharp objects that can cause cut and <br />puncture wounds). <br />- Spreads easily outside of containment area. <br />- Can be flammable. <br />- Subject to theft by neighborhood residents for use as mulch. <br /> <br />Return to top <br /> <br />Inorganic Loose Material <br />sand and gravel <br /> <br />I nstallationlMaintenance <br />- Should not be installed over existing hard surfaces (e.g., asphalt, concrete). <br />- Method of containment needed (e.g., retaining barrier, excavated pit). <br />- Good drainage required underneath material. <br />- Requires periodic renewal or replacement and continuous maintenance (e.g. leveling, grading, sifting, raking) to maintain <br />appropriate depth and remove foreign matter. <br />- Compacted sand should periodically be turned over, loosened, and cleaned. <br />- Gravel may require periodic break up and removal of hard pan. <br /> <br />Advantages <br />- Low initial cost. <br />- Ease of installation. <br />- Does not pulverize. <br />- Not ideal for microbial growth. <br />- Nonflammable. <br />- Materials are readily available. <br />- Not susceptible to vandalism except by contamination. <br /> <br />http://www.recresource.com/surfacing! compare.html <br /> <br />12/6/2005 <br />