Your playground may be built with the highest quality, but its surfacing still needs consistent care. Whether your play area features poured-in-place (PIP) rubber, synthetic turf, rubber tiles, or engineered wood fiber (EWF), maintaining the surface isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, performance, and protecting your investment.

This guide covers everything you need to know about proper playground surfacing maintenance: from routine cleaning to long-term protection and resealing timelines. Let’s dig in.

Why Playground Surfacing Maintenance Matters

Playground surfaces are designed to cushion falls, absorb impact, and help reduce injuries. But weather, wear and tear, and lack of maintenance can compromise the surface over time. Cracks, thinning areas, compacted wood fiber, or dirty turf can all become serious safety hazards if left unaddressed. Not sure what kind of surfacing you have? Explore a variety of playground surfaces.

The good news? A proactive maintenance plan is often simple and low-effort. When done right, it prevents costly repairs, extends the life of your surfacing, and keeps your play area compliant with ASTM and CPSC safety standards.

1. Inspect Playground Surfaces Regularly

Set a routine schedule for visual inspections—ideally weekly or bi-weekly, depending on usage. Look for:

• Cracks or tears in PIP rubber or rubber tiles
  
• Loose seams or lifted edges
  
• Worn spots beneath swings, slides, and high-traffic zones
  
• Pooling water or drainage issues (especially in turf and EWF)
  
• Compacted or displaced wood fiber, which reduces fall protection
  

Addressing small issues early helps avoid more serious damage later. If you're unsure whether a surface is still within safe fall height standards, contact a certified playground safety inspector (CPSI).

2. Clean Often—And Clean the Right Way

No matter the surface type, debris and dirt can lead to faster wear. Here’s how to clean each type safely:

Poured-in-Place Rubber

• Sweep with a soft-bristled broom or leaf blower
  
• Hose off dirt regularly
  
• Use a mild detergent and soft brush for deeper cleaning
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers—they can degrade the rubber
  

Synthetic Turf

• Rake or brush to fluff matted areas
  
• Remove organic debris like leaves and sticks
  
• Blot spills immediately with warm water and mild soap
  
• Ensure infill levels remain consistent for impact absorption
  

Rubber Tiles

• Clean tiles with warm water and gentle detergent
  
• Allow to fully dry if removed for cleaning
  
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that could cause discoloration
  

Engineered Wood Fiber

• Rake and redistribute fiber to maintain proper depth
  
• Top off as needed to maintain critical fall height requirements
  
• Ensure drainage systems are functioning to prevent compaction and rot
  

Learn more about the different types of playground surfacing.

3. Protect High-Use Areas

Certain parts of your playground—like the base of slides, under swings, or entrances—will wear down faster than others. These areas are more prone to impact and compaction.

To prevent premature damage:

• Add wear mats beneath swings and slides
  
• Rotate equipment placement if possible
  
• Check these zones more frequently during inspections
  
• Consider resurfacing or patching before damage spreads
  

4. Reseal Your Surface When Needed

For poured-in-place rubber playground surfacing, resealing with a roll coat is one of the best ways to prolong surface life. This protective layer helps:

• Restore vibrant color
  
• Reinforce UV resistance
  
• Improve water resistance
  
• Reduce future cracking or brittleness
  

Most PIP rubber surfaces benefit from resealing every 3–5 years, depending on sun exposure and usage levels. Surfaces in hot, dry climates may require resealing more frequently to combat UV degradation.

If the surface looks faded, dry, or chalky—or if pieces are starting to flake—it’s a good indicator that a roll coat is due.

Still not sure if it’s time to reseal? Get in touch with a local playground company.

5. Establish Clear Guidelines for Playground Use

Even the best surfaces can be damaged by misuse. A few simple rules can prevent avoidable wear:

• No bikes, scooters, or skateboards on the playground surface
  
• No smoking, as cigarettes can burn rubber or turf
  
• Post signage encouraging proper footwear and use of equipment
  
• Close the playground during maintenance or after severe weather
  

Educating both children and supervisors helps protect the surfacing and keeps the space safer for everyone.

Maintaining your playground surface doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few regular habits—routine inspections, proper cleaning, and proactive repairs—you can dramatically extend the lifespan of your surfacing and reduce long-term costs.

If you're managing a commercial or public play area, developing a simple maintenance log or checklist can go a long way. And when it's time for professional repairs, resurfacing, or resealing, working with an experienced partner ensures your playground remains compliant, colorful, and most importantly—safe. 

Need help evaluating or servicing your playground surfacing? 

Contact Zoom Recreation!