Frequently Asked Questions

Rubber Mulch

Is it good for my plants?

Yes! Rubberific Mulch retains ground moisture for optimal plant growth, whereas wood mulch robs the plants of water. Also, wood mulch can generate heat and acids that can burn your plants roots.

Will it harm my plants?

No. Rubberific Mulch is completely non-toxic and will not leach any harmful toxins.

Will it help my plants grow?

Yes. Rubberific Mulch will hold moisture for your plants by keeping it in the soil. Since rubber is permeable, moisture will travel directly through it to the soil. Rubberific Mulch then acts as an insulator between the sun/heat and the soil. Wood mulch actually absorbs the majority of the moisture before it reaches the soil.

Will it heat up and burn my plants?

No. It will not heat up much more than traditional wood mulch. Since Rubberific does not compact, it allows for constant circulation, which keeps it cool.

Is it good for the soil?

Again, Yes! While Rubberific Mulch won’t decompose, any amount that works its way into the ground will only serve to aerate the soil.

Does Rubberific Mulch add nutrients to the soil?

Only a composted mulch will offer nutritional value to plants and soil. Many of the wood mulches on the market today are ground up used pallets and bark mulches that can have a high acid content, which can be harmful to plants etc. Even though Rubberific Mulch does not contain any nutritional benefits, granular and spray fertilizers can be used in conjunction with Rubberific Mulch. They will not react with the coating.

What if my animals/children eat it?

Rubberific Mulch is completely non-toxic.

Will Rubberific Mulch attract termites?

No! Generally, insects of all kinds do not breed in Rubberific Mulch. Exterminators across the country recommend our product. Wood mulch attracts termites to the home because it is a food source. This makes our product ideal around homes and other structures where termites may cause serious damage.

Will Rubberific Mulch help keep weeds down?

Yes, Rubberific Mulch is great for preventing weed growth, because of the fact that most weeds germinate in wood mulch itself. The rubber will only allow weeds to germinate in the soil, which usually doesn’t happen because the sun has a tough time reaching the dirt. It is recommended that a landscaping fabric be used to eliminate weeds completely. If a weed control substance is preferred, this could be sprayed directly over Rubberific Mulch without the worry of affecting its colour.

Can I put Rubberific on top of my existing mulch?

The ideal way to install Rubberific is over a weed fabric. We recommend using a weed fabric and not a plastic material because plastic is not permeable. When installing Rubberific over a weed fabric, you will never have any weed problems and you won’t have to worry about previous mulch debris mixing in with the Rubberific Mulch. Rubberific Mulch can be installed over your previous wood mulch. If you do install Rubberific Mulch over existing wood mulch, make sure the wood mulch has had time to decay and become compacted.

Is it going to wash away?

Because Rubberific Mulch is nearly five times heavier than wood mulch, it stays in place much better. Therefore, our mulch is great on inclines, and areas with sufficient water.

Does the colour rub off or wash off?

No, the colours won’t rub off on shoes, hands, or clothes.

Does it smell?

Once it is out of the bag or box, its scent will fade within a day or two.

How do you get yard debris off your Rubberific Mulch?

Rubberific Mulch is heavier than regular wood mulch, therefore we recommend using a leaf blower on the low setting. This will remove the debris while leaving the mulch in place.

Is Rubberific Mulch expensive?

There will be a greater up front cost associated with Rubberific Mulch, but the long term savings will be significant. The product is 3-4 times the cost of wood mulch, but it lasts for 10 years or longer. When you consider that pine straw and wood mulch fade after 6 weeks and Rubberific Mulch hasn’t faded after 10 years, you can appreciate the aesthetic value this will add to your home.

Is it available in bulk?

Yes, Rubberific Mulch is available in three increments. A 16lb bag, 40 lb bag and a 1,000 lb. box, which is a 4-foot cube of loose material that comes on a pallet and can be shipped directly to your driveway.

How much does it cover?

A 16 lb. bag covers approximately 10 sq. feet, 40 lb. bag covers 25 sq. feet and a 1,000 lb. box covers 625 sq. feet spread at a depth of 1 – 1.5”. This depth will ensure proper soil moisture for plants and shrubs, also at this depth it will allow the air to get to the soil and let it breathe.

What is the cost per yard?

Since Rubberific is sold by weight, comparing Rubberific to wood mulch is like comparing apples to oranges. As an example: The 1000 lb. box contains approx. 2.5 cubic yards of physical product, but the box’s coverage is much greater than 2.5 yards. The box of Rubberific will cover 625 sq. ft. at 1 – 1.5” depth. A typical yard of wood mulch will cover approx. 100 sq. ft at a 3” depth, so a box of Rubberific will offer the same coverage as 6 yards of traditional wood mulch. Depending upon the price for which a box of Rubberific is sold, the price per yard of coverage will range from $212.00 - $228.00.

How long has it been out?

It has been in the St. Louis, Missouri area for 12 years. Also in Phoenix, Arizona for 9 years and has held up in the extreme sun and heat.

What about the steel belts and threads?

Rubberific Mulch is 99.9% steel free. The process used shreds the steel belts and threads, and mainly truck and equipment tires are used. We also have a 2000 lb. magnet that will sift out any metal that is used as a precautionary measure.

Will it decompose?

This product will not decompose for 25+ years. After approximately 10+ years it will begin to fade to a black colour. At this time you can either till it into the soil, top dress it with fresh Rubberific Mulch, or rake it up to be land filled. The reason the product can be land filled is because the tires are ground up; landfills will not accept full intact tires. The product is safe to till into the soil because it is non-toxic and will act as an aerator to help keep the soil from compacting. Similar rubber products such as crumb rubber are being used for the same purpose in athletic fields all across the country.

What is the warranty?

Rubberific Mulch carries a Manufacturer Warranty of 10 years.

Is it available in my area?

Yes. Rubberific Mulch is now being sold in Canada. We are distributing in Ontario through our sales representatives along with local dealers. Contact us by way of telephone, fax or email, at this time.

Rubber Nuggets 

How long will it be before the color fades on NuPlay?

We use special patented coating with a UV protectant that has been lab-tested not to fade for up to 10 years. The product still looks brand new after 10 years in test-market areas. After the 10+ years, the color will fade to an original black colour.

Does the colour rub off or wash off?

No, the colours won’t rub off on shoes, hands, or clothes.

Will NuPlay support fungus and mold growth?

No. NuPlay does not support the growth of fungus and mold.

Is it harmful to humans, animals, or plants?

NuPlay is non-toxic and should not be considered harmful.

Is there any problem with latex allergies?

NuPlay comes from recycled rubber tires. These tires are made primarily from petroleum-based products. Latex allergies come from items made with Natural Rubber Latex, which comes from a liquid in tropical rubber trees and is present in items like gloves, balloons and rubber bands.

What about the steel belts and threads?

NuPlay is 99.9% steel free.

Is NuPlay good for use in playgrounds?

We recommend two products for this use. Rubberific Mulch and NuPlay can both be used in playgrounds. Both are ASTM (Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved. Honoured by IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturer Association).

What is IPEMA?

In the interest of public safety, IPEMA provides third-party Product Certification services for U.S. and Canadian public play equipment and play surfacing materials.

Does it smell?

Once it is out of the bag or box, its scent will fade within a day or two.

What happens if it finds its way into the washer or dryer?

NuPlay is made from Vulcanized rubber that does not begin to melt or break down until it reaches a temperature in excess of 5000 degrees F. Most clothes dryers operate around 100 degrees F.

How deep should NuPlay for playgrounds be installed?

The recommended installation depth of NuPlay is 3" for a 6-foot fall height or 6" for a 13-foot fall height, to meet the ASTM F 1292-99 standards. We recommend never using less than a 3" depth for any playground regardless of fall height.

How much does it cover?

A 40 lb bag covers 6 sq. feet, 1,000 lb box covers 150 sq. feet and a 1,500 box covers 225 sq. feet spread at a depth of 3”. This depth will ensure proper ground coverage for the minimum fall height requirements.

How do you get yard debris off your NuPlay?

NuPlay is heavier than regular wood mulch, therefore we recommend using a leaf blower on the low setting. This will remove the debris while leaving the mulch in place.

Will it decompose?

This product will not decompose for 25+ years.

Is it available in my area?

Yes. NuPlay is now being sold in Canada. We are distributing in Ontario through our sales representatives along with local dealers. Contact us by way of telephone, fax or email, at this time.

What is the warranty?

NuPlay carries a Manufacturer Warranty for 10 years.

Rubber Tiles & Pavers

Where can the tiles and pavers be used?

Ideal for use as a patio or deck covering, pool and hot tub surrounds, driveways and on walkways or entryways. Other common applications include indoor and outdoor stairs, fitness areas, skating rinks, playgrounds and as a wheelchair accessible floor system.

Are they commonly used in recreation environments?

Yes. Rubber flooring products are commonly used under playground equipment and in exercise rooms or playrooms. They make a terrific flooring system for skating arenas and anywhere people walk in spiked or cleated shoes, such as at golf resorts and in baseball dugouts.

What are the advantages of using them in walkways and driveways?

Rubber tiles and pavers reduce dust, and make these areas easier to keep clean and attractive looking. They create a soft but firm surface that reduces ruts and controls dust.

Can the tiles be used around a fire pit?

Yes, the tiles are an excellent application around fire pits. The compression of the tile allows the tile to be fire retardant. It is recommend that 18 inches of loose or crushed rock be in between the fire pit, and the tile, to dissipate extreme heat.

Do Eco-Flex products get hot?

The tiles do retain heat, however, the surface design allows for airflow movement, which in turn cools the tile. They do not retain as much heat as concrete or asphalt.

Are the tiles durable?

Withstands the elements longer than concrete, lasting at least 20+ years without replacement.

Will the tiles crack due to changes in climate?

The tiles are manufactured from rubber, thus are flexible, and can withstand climate changes, and volatile weather patterns, i.e. frost, heat, etc.

Do pool or hot tub chemicals harm the tile?

No. The tile is inert to ordinary pool or hot tub chemicals. Extensive testing has proven no adverse effects on the tiles. Please contact local Dealer or our Customer Service Department to verify unusual cleaning applications.

What effects will there be with oil spills?

Like any accidental spill, if washed right away, oil spills will not stain.

Is it easy to remove snow?

By using a plastic or aluminum shovel; snow removal is comparable to any other surface. These tiles do not require salt for ice removal, as the rubber will attract and absorb sunlight, thus allowing snow to melt quicker.

Will the colour fade?

The tiles and pavers are manufactured using UV stable ingredients; therefore minimal fading will occur over extended periods of time.

Do the tiles omit an odour?

The tiles are virtually odourless. They have been installed in a variety of indoor applications and have an ultra low VOC rating.

How safe are the tiles?

Liability is a growing concern. Our non-slip rubber surfaces help prevent accidents and mishaps by providing a safe application for children to play on, indoor and outdoor. They have resilient characteristics of shock absorbing floor material.

Are they easy to install?

Yes. They can be adhered to wood, cement and asphalt surfaces with a urethane adhesive and cut with a blade knife. Super Glue and Super Glue Activator is also recommended to bond the corners of the tiles while waiting for the urethane adhesive to cure beneath the tiles.

Are the tiles and pavers made completely from recycled rubber?

Made from 100% recycled rubber tiles. The company utilizes approximately 1 million pounds of recycled rubber each month, equivalent to 62,000 raw tires.

Are they good for the environment?

The environmental benefit comes from recycling tires into useful products. When dumped in a landfill, a worn out tire will last for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. For every recycled rubber tile or floor paver that is put to use, as many as three worn out tires are kept out of our landfills. What could be better than that?

What is the lifespan of a tile?

Due to accelerated testing wear, it is estimated the tiles will last in excess of 20+ years, dependant on volume of traffic.

What is the warranty of Eco-Flex products?

Our tiles come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty on colourfast.

Where are they manufactured?

Our tiles and pavers are Canadian manufactured.

Rubber Parking Curbs & Speed Bumps

What is the purpose for Parking Curbs?

Park-It is ideal for effective delineation of parking and for use in the protection of walls, vehicles and other valuables in all grades and surface parking applications.

What is the purpose for Speed Bumps?

Easy Rider is ideal for effective speed reduction on roads, surface parking lots and indoor garages. Feature recessed channeled bottom to facilitate traffic control on construction sites and production locations.

What is the purpose for Speed Humps?

Safety Rider is ideal for effective speed reduction on roads, school zones and any area accessed by emergency vehicles. Covers an entire roadway or span a parking lot.

How visible are they?

Yellow polyurethane glass-beaded paint allows for maximum reflectivity.

Are they easy to install?

Yes. They can be installed with spikes – simply drill a 3/8” hole with a masonry bit and penetrate the surface deep enough to reach the substrate material or install with PL Premium glue on concrete surfaces.

What are the available colours?

Park-It is available in three colours. White, yellow and blue (for handicapped stalls). Easy Rider and Safety Rider are available in standard yellow.

Where does the rubber come from?

These products are manufactured from 100% recycled tires. 

Is there a warranty?

Under normal usage, Park-It carries a 5 year warranty. Easy-Rider and Safety Rider carries a 30 day warranty for paint and a 3 year warranty on the product.

Updated May 16, 2009