The changing colours of nature and the smoky chill in the air herald the arrival of autumn. With winter just around the corner, this meteorological transition period is the perfect time to carry out minor maintenance tasks on your playground before Jack Frost comes out to play.
Thermoplastic playground markings are designed to be durable and long-lasting against both the clamorous stampede of children and the rapidly changing British weather. This becomes especially important, and especially apparent, during the winter months, when icy surfaces, frost and snow provide their own set of challenges.
We’ve created a short guide to cleaning and maintaining your playground markings during the winter to ensure they’re looking their best.
Winter Playground Marking Care: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Regular Inspection
Vigilance is key. Regular checks of the playground markings for signs of wear and tear can pre-empt any major repairs. Look out for cracks, scuffing or fading, and address any issues quickly to maintain both the aesthetic appeal and functionality.
2. Gentle Cleaning
Our thermoplastic playground markings have a strong, protective surface layer that will keep them looking vibrant for longer. However, dirt and grime build up is seemingly unavoidable in the winter time, and this can make your designs look a little more dull than usual. Debris can be simply brushed away, but you can also use a mild detergent and soft bristled brush to remove slightly more stubborn marks. When dealing with inclement weather, take care when removing snow or ice from your playground markings, and avoid scraping the surface with hard tools.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While the urge to use de-icing chemicals is strong, resist it. These can be harsh on thermoplastic markings, and could lead to premature fading and wear. Opt for natural alternatives, such as grit or sand. Avoid using strong cleaning chemicals, and ensure all detergent is thoroughly rinsed away.
4. Professional Touch-ups
Although thermoplastic markings are substantially more durable than traditional painted markings, they are not immune to wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. Sometimes, despite the best efforts, the markings may need a professional touch-up. This isn’t a defect, but a part of the maintenance cycle. The anti-slip beading, is throughout your thermoplastic playground markings so they retain their grip levels as they wear out.
Anti-slip beading
Incorporated during installation, anti-slip beading isn’t just an add-on; it’s a guardian. These tiny beads embedded within the thermoplastic material provide an extra grip underfoot, crucial for preventing winter slips and slides. During installation, more anti-slip bead is added free of charge to ensure longevity and ongoing safety.
Installation
Traditionally, the installation of playground markings is at the mercy of the skies. However, innovation in the form of a blowtorch has revolutionised the process. Although primarily used to heat the thermoplastic material to create a strong bond with the playground surface, the blowtorch also enables the installation team to get rid of any moisture quickly and easily — meaning there’s no pressure to reschedule after an unexpected overnight downpour!
Summary
Thermoplastic playground markings are among the most durable and long-lasting type of playground markings, lasting up to ten times longer than painted ones. They are more than a match for cold and heat alike, and the maintenance for thermoplastic markings is refreshingly simple. A routine sweep to clear debris, occasional gentle cleaning with water, and an annual inspection to check for any potential issues are generally all that's required to keep them in top-notch condition.
At Signet Play, we stand by the quality and durability of our playground markings, which is why we offer a comprehensive 3-year warranty as standard on all our installations.
Our aftercare service is designed to offer continued support well after the initial installation. Whether it’s advice on maintenance, minor repairs or any other queries, our team is ready to assist you.