PebbleFlex® and AquaFlex®
vs. EPDM-based Systems
Before PebbleFlex and AquaFlex, the most popular resilient playground and water play surfacings were made from an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber base. Unfortunately, these EPDM-based surfaces inherently suffer from two major problems: a lack of light stability and weak bonding. Basically, they fade and start to physically break apart in sunlight. PebbleFlex and AquaFlex were invented to address these specific shortcomings.
The most common EPDM systems are made up of two non-light-stable components: ground EPDM rubber particles and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) aromatic binder. Both components are subject to degradation when exposed to the UV rays of sunlight.
In sunlight, the particles and the binder break down, fade, shrink and discolor irregularly. In addition, the weak bonding of the particles allows for separation. The result is a surface that has a limited life with continual degradation, creating an ongoing need for maintenance that greatly increases your cost of ownership while tarnishing the aesthetics of the area.
Some will claim a solution to the EPDM durability problem is substituting a light-stable (aliphatic) binder in the mix. However, this alone is not a solution. First, the particles themselves are still non-light-stable and subject to the degradation from sunlight. In addition, the bond between the particles is not a true, strong, chemical bond. When a light-stable binder is used, the EPDM system price rises significantly and yet the solution still does not nearly match the durability, stability and strength of a PebbleFlex or AquaFlex system.
PebbleFlex and AquaFlex are Worry-free Choices
In PebbleFlex and AquaFlex systems, the pebbles and binder are completely light stable (aliphatic), and the bond between the pebbles and the binder is a true, strong, chemical bond. As a result, our systems are far superior in durability, appearance, strength, lifespan and maintainability, and have a much lower total cost of ownership.