WETPOUR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
All Wetpour Surfacing should undergo routine and operational inspection and maintenance following the recommendations of EN 1176.
The inspection frequency will vary with the type of equipment used and other factors such as heavy use, levels of vandalism, coastal location, air pollution, equipment age, and the location of adjacent trees.
If the surface is discovered unsafe during the inspection and cannot be corrected immediately, the surface should be secured against further use.
INSPECTION SCHEDULE
Routine Visual Inspection
A routine visual inspection is recommended. This should consist of the following as a minimum, in the case where the surface is under intensive use or the object of vandalism, a daily check of this kind should be necessary:
Operational Inspection (1 to 3 months intervals)
Operational Inspections should be carried out by trained operatives, with the results recorded in a permanent log.
Check List General
– Surfaces not cracking and still bonded to all perimeter edges and equipment up-stands. – Surfaces are not slippery; free from leaf build-up or other organic growths.
– Surfaces are free from contaminants or sharp objects.
– Surfaces are not vandalised, burnt or excessively worn.
– Overhanging tree branches should be cut back as far as possible to allow sunlight onto the surface and prevent a coating of sap or other associated fungal growths.
Recommended Professional Cleaning
We recommend a minimum of two professional cleans per year to enhance any installed surface. This removes surface dirt and residue and maintains the surface’s porosity. Please get in touch with us to find out more information.
t: 01772 440340 e: info@dcmsurfaces.com www.dcmsurfaces.com
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Whilst any maintenance is carried out, the surface must be secured against use, and the public must be warned of any risks associated with the work. Any areas replaced must comply with the original specifications.
1. Cleaning / Upkeep
Regularly removing litter, leaves, and surface debris should be completed using a leaf blower, and surfaces should be inspected for moss, particularly in damp and shaded areas.
Cold pressure washing at 3000psi as part of routine maintenance can help restore the surface’s appearance and porosity and may be required to remove some ingrained dirt or pollution. Any proprietary pathway moss killer should be applied, but care is needed because of possible hazards to children.
Loose rubber granules and debris should be brushed or blown off. Accelerated wear may occur if this is not carried out.
2. Winter Care
The surface may be prone to frost and /or ice in adverse weather conditions. Salt, rock salt and grit can be used to de-ice the surface, but this may leave unsightly stains. Urea-based products such as ‘Magic Ice Melt’ are the least harmful de-icing. It should clear the ice quickly, preventing the surface from becoming slippery. Metal shovels or scrapers may damage the surface and should not be permitted.
Please note – If the play area is used when the surface is in a frozen state, the degree of shock absorption will also be substantially reduced.
Once the bad weather has passed, washing detergent, copious amounts of water and sweeping with a stiff brush can also remove any built-up residues.
3. Weeds
Weeds may occasionally appear on the surface, usually due to wind-blown seeds. Small numbers of weeds can be removed by hand without damaging the surface. If the weeds are removed by hand, it is essential to ensure that the whole root of the weed is extracted, not broken off. If weeds are deep-rooted, killing them with an appropriate weed killer is advisable. Localised areas of weed seedling infestation can be treated with domestic weed killers without causing damage to the surface.
Solvent or petrochemical AND oil-based products (Including weed-killers) should NOT be used and will invalidate the guarantee.
4. Repairing Cracks
Any cracks in the surface, particularly where bonded to edges/equipment, should be repaired as soon as possible.
5. Repairing Damaged Patches
Any holes/damage in the surface should be repaired as quickly as possible. Typical forms of vandalism are burning with cigarette lighters or with fuel assistance. Burnt or other areas of damage will need to be cut out and patched by the installer.
Small holes can be repaired using a repair kit and completed following the original surface specification.
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