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Engineered Wood Fiber
Engineered wood fiber is perhaps the most common surfacing type in use. It is generally the least expensive initially and provides excellent impact attenuating properties when installed and maintained at the proper depth. KIDSAFE will not install any wood fiber product that does not meet ASTM standards as well as ADA requirements. Keep this in mind if you are considering donated wood chips or mulch. I promise you, they are unlikely to meet these standards, will not last as long, should not be mixed with compliant wood fiber and will need replacing sooner. On the down side, the wood fiber surface, being organic, may support insects, grass or weeds. It will soon discolor to a uniform dull grey, and will have to be replaced in three to five years. This effectively doubles the initial installation costs in that time frame. Wood fiber surfaces are susceptible to rot if there are drainage problems. If your play area holds water, your wood fiber will decompose faster and may develop serious mold and, or fungus issues. Wood fiber will also float and migrate if water is high in heavy rain conditions. Unlike other materials, when replacement time comes, old wood fiber has to be disposed of somewhere. Your engineered wood fiber surfacing system will include products to address drainage issues if they exist, heavy duty landscape fabric as well as a containment or border system to hold the material in place. A ramp system to comply with ADA requirements concerning wheelchair access is usually a part of the containment system. In general, wood fiber surfaces are doing their job very well all over the country keeping kids safer as they play. They are the most economical short term solution to achieving full compliance, our primary mission. Problems associated with the engineered wood fiber environment may convince you to consider upgrading to a recycled rubber surface. Delivery: Engineered wood fiber is delivered via full size 18 wheel trucks. The material is dumped as close as is practical near the play area. Installation: KIDSAFE uses a mini loader to carefully move the material into place. In some circumstances, wood fiber may need to be “blown in” with specially designed trucks. Maintenance: You will need to regularly inspect for foreign objects, pull grass or weeds and rake hollows out of high traffic areas and replenish regularly. Full replacement and disposal is usually needed within three to five years. For more info on engineered wood fiber: Zeager.com For more info on border systems and ADA ramp, visit Childforms.com
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