Architectural/Bid SpecificationsHeadquartered in Northern California, AgLink, Inc. is the market leader in recycled rubber products made from scrap tires. We have been making environmentally friendly products since 1967 on our 1 million square feet facility. Each year we recycle over 1/3 of Northern California’s scrap tires – we prevent over 4 million tires from entering landfills!

Rubber Bark™ will offer a one-time install, permanent groundcover for landscape applications that will reduce weed growth and eliminate the attraction of wood-eating insects. In properly maintained playground applications, Rubber Bark™ will greatly reduce the occurrence of fall injuries.

Composition Rubber Bark™ is composed of 100% recycled scrap tire rubber. Through systematic processing of scrap tire, Rubber Bark™ is 99.9% steel free.

Toxicity Rubber Bark™ is non-hazardous and non-toxic. MSDS sheets for key components available upon request.

Appearance Rubber Bark™ is a loose fill mixture of ¾” nominal rubber chunks. Rubber Bark™ uses a proprietary lab-tested non-toxic color-coating process and is available in a number of colors.

Safety Rating

Rubber Bark™ complies with ASTM F1292-99 as was tested by Northwest Laboratories of Seattle, Incorporated–May 26, 2004. (Copy of test certification available upon request). With proper installation and maintenance, Rubber Bark™ will reduce fall injuries in playgrounds. Rubber Bark™ should be installed at a depth of 4” (four inches) for a critical fall height of 9’ (nine feet).

ADA ComplianceRubber Bark™ complies with ASTM F1951-99: Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment, tested by Testing Services, Inc.–March 16, 2009. (Copy of test certification available upon request).

Flammability

Scrap tire material is considered non-flammable, based on test results from 1995 in accordance with the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (16 CFR 1500.44). A material is considered flammable if it ignites and burns with a self sustaining flame greater than 0.1 inches per second along its major axis. Recycled rubber burns at a rate of <0.01 inches per second.

Description

Rubber Bark™ - Ballico, CA - 209-634-8849 - www.rubberbark.com

Safety and Accessibility

Site Analysis

Ag Link recommends consulting a certified engineer or landscape architect prior to the design of the playground. The consultant should be familiar with updated versions of applicable ASTM standards, CPSC’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety, and state and local codes.

Base PreparationClear all debris, including rocks, stumps, wood mulch or other surface material from the intended installation area. Installing Rubber Bark™ over asphalt or concrete is not recommended and could severely compromise Rubber Bark™ safety performance.

Grade

Area must be properly graded according to intended playground level, and firmly compacted. For in-ground installation, area must be excavated to a minimum depth of 6”. A proper drainage system should be in place as water tends to move towards the lowest point. We do not recommend a recessed installation unless proper drainage is installed.

Retaining Wall

Ag Link recommends all above ground installation be installed with a retaining wall. The retaining wall should extend a minimum of 1-2” margin between the top of Rubber Bark™ and the top of the retaining wall. A retaining wall will prevent excessive kick-out of material and will minimize the need for replacement material in the future.

Filter Fabric

A quality geo-textile fabric, secured with landscaping staples, may be installed beneath Rubber Bark™ to prevent weed growth and percolation of foreign materials. Filter fabric will “initially” prevent growth of weeds and grasses. Although the fabrics are permeable, they will collect debris and dirt and may actually promote growth over time. Fabric must be cut to fit tightly around all playground structures. All seams should be taped in order to prevent separation during installation and to prevent dirt or debris from mixing with the mulch. Filter fabrics are available in a variety of types, sizes and thicknesses. Individual specifications may be obtained from the manufacturer.

Drainage System

Rubber Bark™ drains well and does not float. A drainage system is not usually required, however, excessive pooling of water can impair Rubber Bark™ safety performance. To prevent this situation, a drainage system may be necessary. For a manufactured drainage system, refer to manufacturer’s installation instructions. If drainage stone or gravel is used beneath Rubber Bark™ mulch, we suggest using a fabric between the drainage material and Rubber Bark™.

Area Coverage A 6” depth is recommended for commercial play areas. 13 lbs of Rubber Bark™ per square foot is the necessary amount to achieve 6” prior to compaction.

DeliveryRubber Bark™ can be delivered in super sacks (2100 lbs) or 40 lbs bags (1 pallet is 2000 lbs, 50 bags). Super sacks may be transferred to the play area by bobcat or wheelbarrow, while 40 lb bags have the option of being unloaded by hand.

ToolsRubber Bark™ may be spread on play area manually, with rake or shovel, or by machine for larger playgrounds. The installer must exercise care not to disturb the geo-textile filter fabric while spreading. A final hand-raking provides a smooth finished playground surface.

Playground Installation

Rubber Bark™ - Ballico, CA - 209-634-8849 - www.rubberbark.com

Playground Site Preparation

Benchmark

Immediately following installation and inspection, the level of Rubber Bark™ rubber mulch should be marked off on the playground equipment, using a permanent marker or the like. Especially in high traffic areas, Rubber Bark™ requires periodic raking to restore the material to its safe and proper depth.

Aesthetic Care

If product accumulates dirt, it can be easily rinsed off with water. Leaves and other light weight debris can be blown off with a power blower at the appropriate distance. If any slight color fading should occur it is likely due to UV rays, therefore simply mixing the product up will rejuvenate the color.

Important: In playground applications, it is very important to level the play area on a regular basis to ensure the proper depth is maintained for maximum fall height safety. This regular maintenance can be done with a large leaf rake.

Maintenance

Ag Link, Inc.13000 Newport RoadBallico, CA 95303209-634-8849

Rubber Bark™ - Ballico, CA - 209-634-8849 - www.rubberbark.com

Manufacturer

Funded in part by a grant from CalRecycle