Weather Resistance: Why Recycled Rubber is Perfect for All Seasons
As climate patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, the importance of durable, weather-resistant surfaces has never been more essential. Recycled rubber surfaces such as poured-in-place rubber playground surfaces and rubber-modified asphalt offer unique durability and safety benefits that traditional materials are unable to match. Whether on playgrounds, athletic fields, or city streets, recycled rubber surfaces provide resilience that keeps spaces accessible and safe throughout the year.
Year-round play with all-weather sports surfaces
Recycled rubber has revolutionized athletic fields and surfaces, providing an all-weather alternative that keeps play going year-round. Synthetic turf fields with crumb rubber infill are one champion of this transformation, delivering unmatched durability and safety in all seasons. Unlike other materials, even in freezing temperatures, these fields are able to maintain their high-quality performance and safety, with the crumb rubber acting as a cushion, reducing impact-related injuries and enhancing traction in wet conditions. For example, while natural grass becomes muddy and difficult to maintain during rain, water drains quickly from crumb rubber fields, allowing them to maintain their structure and usability. Rubber-based surfaces also improve traction on running tracks and cushioned tennis courts, offering athletes consistent performance and safety in any weather, keeping training and games on schedule throughout the year.
Reliable and resilient playground surfaces
Traditional playground surfaces like wood chips, grass, dirt, or gravel often fall short in weather resilience, becoming slippery and hazardous after rain or hardening in colder temperatures. Moreover, materials can be easily washed away during heavy rain, creating uneven surfaces and increasing the likelihood of falls. However, recycled rubber playground surfaces—including poured-in-place, loose-fill rubber mulch, rubber tile surfaces—are better able to manage intense summer heat to winter chills, staying pliable and effective across seasons.
Designed to absorb impact from falls and remain slip-resistant, rubber playground surfaces support safer play all year round. Unlike wood mulch, which holds moisture and can delay playground use after rain, rubberized surfaces drain water efficiently and retain their protective qualities. Studies show that poured rubber surfaces can cushion falls from heights of up to 12-16 feet, making them a wise investment to optimize playground safety. These surfaces are also easy to maintain and degrade less frequently, making playgrounds accessible and safe for kids to enjoy year-round.
Long-lasting roads and safer travel brought by rubber-modified asphalt
In cities and school zones where road safety and durability are key, rubber-modified asphalt (RMA) has proven to be an exceptional choice. Unlike traditional asphalt, which is prone to cracking and potholes in extreme weather, RMA is crafted for durability, resisting the damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rains. This resilience makes RMA particularly valuable in colder climates where road maintenance can be challenging. RMA also provides better skid resistance, reducing the likelihood of accidents during wet conditions. Don't just take our word, there is clear evidence that RMA is a better road alternative: A study conducted in Michigan's upper peninsula found that RMA performed better in severe weather.