FAQ's.

A softfall surface is designed to absorb impact from falls and protect against injury in a playground environment.

It consists of a dual layer structure - the wear layer which is the visual surface and the base layer is the shock absorbing layer which is made from a recycled rubber.

Each piece of playground equipment will have its own Free Height Of Fall (FHOF) measure and its own softfall perimeter.

Precoated SBR: This is a black 1-3mm or 1-4mm SBR granule or 12 mesh SBR shred that is coated with polyurethane and dispersed liquid pigments in a factory situation. This is normally a two-coat process and due to the controlled environment a much greater range of colours is available. Due to the additional coatings, external colour wear is much slower but eventually the surface colour will also wear.

EPDM and TPV: These are synthetic manufactured granules in 1-2mm, 1-3mm or 1-4mm sizing. Colour is completely through the matrix so they do not suffer from colour abrasion during high wear and exposure to the elements.

All Glooloop rubber surfaces are installed to comply with or exceed the requirements of standards AS/NZ4422:2016 and AS/NZ 4486.1:1997.

• All Glooloop surfaces have a warranty on workmanship for up 3 years*.
• Rubber surfaces come with a warranty on materials for up 3 years*.
• Waterless lawns come with a manufacturer’s warranty on materials of up to 7 years*.

* duration of warranty is dependent on surfacing type/material selected

Like any surface, a good routine maintenance program will enhance the longevity and appearance of the softfall surface.

Glooloop Softfall Surfaces are resistant to just about any chemical that you would be likely to find in a playground or domestic environment. Glooloop Softfall Surfaces are not affected by mild detergents, acrylic paints or hot water. If you wish to remove stains from drinks, food or water-soluble paints, a light hose is required. Isolated spots of paint can be removed using a soft scrubbing brush and a mild detergent. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the detergent from the surface.

Pressure washers are NOT necessary; the pressure from a normal tap is sufficient. To maintain impact capabilities - sand, gravel and wood chips are best removed by blowing or vacuuming. Avoid regular and aggressive use of yard brooms.

CLEANERS TO AVOID

Glooloop Softfall Surfaces are NOT resistant to petrol, diesel, hydraulic and lubricating oils, and organic solvents. Use or spillage of these solutions on the surface must be avoided as they may affect the structure of the surface binder.

ADVANCED MAINTENANCE

Depending on frequency of use, Glooloop Softfall Surface will occasionally need a ‘deep clean’ to remove detrital material and/or stains. In areas that can accommodate power washing, use a power washer (preferable greater than 2500 PSI) with a wand tip. Ensure that the tip is far enough away from the surface, so not to break away the granules. To kill algae growth as your installation requires, either weekly, fortnightly or on a monthly basis, we recommend that a 5ppm water and chlorine mixture be applied to the surface via a backpack spray. Leave the solution to work for 20 minutes then thoroughly hose off.

POTENTIAL DAMAGES

As Glooloop Softfall Surfaces are soft (in order to absorb the impact of a fall) some sharp objects can damage the softfall surface. Avoid the use of High Heels and placement of play equipment where the weight is concentrated in a small area for example, the legs of trestles. To spread the load over a greater area, place a piece of carpet or a broad-based rubber stopper under each leg.

Chewing Gum

This is a very difficult product to remove from the Soft-Fall surface. It is best removed with a citrus-based cleaner such as Dissolvit™ or similar. Ensure that the citrus oil is allowed to penetrate and soften the gum before attempting removal.

NOTE: Ensure that the Glooloop Softfall Surface is thoroughly rinsed following the use of citrus oils.

VANDALISM

Occasionally vandalism can be a problem and it is rarely restricted to the surface under the playground equipment. Glooloop Softfall Surfaces will not be ignited by simple means such as cigarette lighters unless an accelerant is used. Spray paints are usually acrylic in nature and hence the paint is vey soft. Light scrubbing can remove most the paint with the rest wearing away over time.

DO NOT use thinners, mineral turps or paint removers as this will affect the structure of the surface binder. Damages incurred from these (including but not exclusive to) are not covered by warranty, however they can be inexpensively repaired.

To remove light debris and/or rubbish from your Glooloop Artificial Turf surface, use a leaf blower, stiff-bristle synthetic broom, plastic lawn rake, mop or vacuum.

To maintain the even disbursement of the infill material across the surface, regular drag brushing is recommended. This will protect the fibres from accelerated wear. Drag brushing is included in Glooloop Maintenance service that is available. Ensuring that the infill levels are even, will extend the longevity of the life expectancy of the Glooloop Artificial Turf. Expect that the infill levels will settle within the first few months after installation, depending on usage.

To reduce static cling, a diluted solution of fabric softener with water is recommended. This diluted solution is also perfect for sanitising the surface to reduce germs, surface spills and urine odours and can also reduce heat-related effects. Periodic ‘cross brushing’ with a synthetic broom can help restore the aesthetic qualities of the Glooloop Artificial Turf. By brushing against the grain, the fibres are fluffed up. This is quite important in heavy traffic areas of the turf, as mating of the fibres can occur in the heavier traffic zones, changing the appearance in these areas. Regular brushing will give your Glooloop Artificial Turf a fuller life and cut down on future maintenance.

NEVER use a brush with wire or metal bristles as this can damage the fibres.

STAIN REMOVAL

Glooloop Artificial Turf is quite resilient to staining. However, should stains occur the most important step to remember is promptness. Quick treatment is recommended as fresh spills are always easier to remove than a stubborn set in blemish. Remove any solids with a plastic knife or spatula and blot any spilled liquids with an absorbent paper towel or clean cloth, or a dry-absorbent such as kitty litter (which then can be vacuumed afterwards).

For cleaning of spills, adhere to the following instructions for the type of stain.

Cleaning of stains caused by: Milk or Juices, Tea or Coffee, Sauces, Ice-cream, Blood, Urine, Cola, Latex Paints Food Colouring or Alcohol.

Blot up excess liquids, then use a DILUTED mixture warm water with either a neutral low-foaming detergent (such as used for delicate fabrics) OR mild granular household detergent. Rinse area thoroughly after cleaning to remove any traces of soap.

Cleaning of stains caused by: Shoe Polish, Nail Polish, Crayon, Lipstick, Floor Wax or Stain, Ball Point Pen, Asphalt, Tanning Products/Oils, Motor Oils or Cooking Oil.

Use sparingly and take care to avoid penetration beneath the turf – Mineral Spirits or grease spot remover like perchlorethylene (dry-cleaning solution) applied with a damp cloth and rinsed thoroughly with warm water to remove any traces.

Tree Sap and Chewing Gum Removal: Use dry-cleaning solution sparingly or freeze (Aerosol or dry ice).

After freezing carefully scrape off the substance with a knife.

For Tough Stains: Apply a 3% Ammonia Solution, then give a thorough rinse with warm water using a mop or cloth over the affected area.

Animal Waste – Allow solid to dry and then dispose of it. Neutralise the affected area with a mixture of equal amounts white distilled vinegar and water, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

IMPORTANT!

DO NOT use Chlorine based bleaches or caustic detergents, this will cause irreversible discolouration of the artificial turf.

CAUTION!!

Mineral spirits and other petroleum-based solvents and cleaners such as perchlorethylene (dry-cleaning solution) are highly flammable.

Never Smoke or allow open flames where solvent products are being used. Only use solvents sparingly and in a well-ventilated area

Decorative Permeable Stone Paving uses natural gravel or coloured recycled glass to create beautiful, practical and hard wearing porous paving.

It is more flexible than concrete and allows water to permeate through to either water tree roots, or return to the water table whilst creating an aesthetically pleasing hard surface for foot traffic.

All Glooloop employees hold valid white cards and WWCC. Glooloop has a comprehensive WH&S Manual covering the policies and procedures to be followed by management.

We also have a WH&S Handbook for employees, to ensure they are aware of what their rights and responsibilities are.

Site supervisors are responsible for ensuring WH&S procedures are adhered to onsite, as well as ensuring that all staff are kept up-to-date on WH&S procedures and policies. Regular tool box talks are undertaken to refresh all staff on this essential area.

To accurately estimate how soon we can install your project, it is best to contact the sales team at [email protected].

Lead times vary on the time of year of installation (longer time frames for lead up to Financial Year end and lead up to Christmas holidays).

As our work is generally undertaken at the end of the larger project, we will usually have knowledge of the required installation date well in advance and are able to schedule those dates specifically.

School holidays are generally reserved for installations at schools, with these periods booked months in advance.