Frequently Asked Questions

Q What can SofTile be used for?

Playground Surfacing
SofTile is primarily used for playground fall surfacing. With several different thicknesses to choose from (2”, 3”, 3.25”, 3.5”, 4” and 4.25”), SofTile can meet CSA/ASTM critical fall height requirements up to a playground deck height of 10 feet. SofTile’s precisely engineered hollow-core impact pedestal has been specifically designed to absorb the impact of a fall through mechanical recoil action. By engineering a thin hollow core pedestal into the underside of the SofTile design, the cushioning properties of the system will remain consistent after years of continual use. The SofTile system has been engineered and tested to consistently perform a minimum of 40% better than safety regulations require. In addition to its safety benefits, the use of a variety of colors and patterns can also create added value and helps make a new place space unique and fun for the kids.

Rooftop/Patio
SofTile can also be used for a rooftop/patio function. It can be used on applications where ballast, protection, and visual appeal are primary design considerations. SofTile goes beyond function by creating a truly authentic look and feel to rooftops and terraces. It provides thermal and mechanical protection to the roof membrane. The unique marriage of form and function creates effective use of outdoor spaces above offices, hotels and apartment buildings.

SofTile is manufactured from recycled rubber and specially formulated binding agents that are molded into a high density, durable locking paver. A patent U-shape locking design distributes wind lift evenly across the entire roof creating a monolithic surface for moderate wind conditions. Locking pavers creates a secure system without disturbing the waterproofing membrane and allows for ready access to the membrane if maintenance is necessary. The built in pedestal design raises the paver off the membrane and provides multidirectional drainage. The weight of the paver is evenly distributed over 64 hollow-core pedestals.

Unlike concrete pavers, SofTILE provides a resilient, shock absorbing traffic source to compliment virtually any roofing system application. The resiliency of the rubber composition provides a flexibility that allows automatic adjustment to accommodate minor undulations and slope variation in the surface.

Q What is the difference between Premium and Plus?

SofTile comes in two different series: Plus and Premium. Both series are manufactured to the same high standards and come in all available thicknesses. The Plus Series is a more budget friendly choice, comes in a variety of solid colors and is made completely out of recycled material. The Premium Series is the more designer choice, has a thin layer of virgin rubber on the top, and comes in a variety of speckled color combinations. Both the Plus and Premium Series’ are excellent products and choosing one or the other is often based simply on the aesthetic preference and/or budget of the client.

Q How durable is SofTile?

SofTile is manufactured using a three-stage compression molding process that provides a level of durability far greater than traditional poured-in-place surfaces. The engineered design of the hollow-core pedestal provides a means of increasing the density of SofTile’s wear layer without compromising fall protection. By utilizing the latest in instrumentation, process analytics, and control technology, every aspect of the manufacturing process is closely monitored and tightly controlled within the framework of ISO 9001:2008 standards. The end result is a product that is extremely durable, yet provides fall protection ratings that are unmatched in the industry.

SofTile utilizes their patented KrosLOCK system. This system represents the latest in locking design technology. When installed according to the manufacturer’s specification, you can be assured that your surface will remain fixed, functional, and vandal resistant throughout the system’s life cycle.

Q SofTile and LEEDS?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System represents the U.S. Green Building Council’s effort to provide a national standard for what constitutes a "green building."

SofTile contains 74-93% post consumer recycled content, with each tile utilizing a minimum of one passenger tire in its manufacture. This year approximately 650,000 passenger tires will be rescued from North America’s landfills to be used in the manufacturing process. SofTile meets the stringent criteria required to contribute towards points under 2 out of the 6 LEED® rating system categories including MR 4.1 and 4.2. SofTile is a sustainable product that can be reprocessed and reintegrated into new products once the surface has reached the end of its useful service life. Contribution towards MR credits 2.1 and 2.2 can be achieved through the return and reprocessing of construction waste back into new products.

Q How is SofTile installed?

SofTile is most commonly installed on concrete or a granular sub-base. A concrete base is preferred because it will have existing drainage and be free of undulations. Granular sub-bases are usually more budget friendly but must be prepared properly to prevent the rubber tiles from settling over time. SofTile is often installed up against existing curb, inside a newly constructed border, or using SofSurfaces ramp system (allowing all sides to be wheelchair accessible). In order to ensure that the rubber tiles are installed correctly and to exact specifications, a certified SofSurfaces installer must install all SofTile on any project. Urban Green Enterprises Inc. is a certified SofSurfaces installer and can oversee any project that it has sold rubber tile for.

Q Does SofTile come with a Warranty?

SofTILE carries the industry’s only 10-year warranty for structural integrity and guaranteed compliance to the CSA Z614/ASTM F1292-09 fall protection standard.

Q Why choose SofTile?

When evaluating safety surfacing options, it is important to remember that the quality of a system can vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. In order to ensure that your surfacing product excels in each of the critical performance categories, the following elements should be considered.

Accessibility Guidelines
One important component of an accessible playground is the surface. Given their physical properties all unitary surfaces should meet the accessibility standard. Although some loose fill materials are considered accessible, many others are not. Ask the manufacturer to provide confirmation that their surfacing complies with ASTM F1951-99 determination of accessibility of surface systems under and around playground equipment. SofTile also allows for wheelchair accessibility and can include a ramping system if needed.

Safety Standards & Rating
ASTM F1292-09 is the safety standard that governs the impact absorbing properties of a playground surface. Similar to a crash test dummy, an instrument is dropped from various heights onto the surface. Key impact measurements are recorded upon contact with the surface. In order to be considered compliant, the Head Injury Criteria (HIC) must be lower than 1000 when the instrument is dropped from the height that your surface is rated for.

Although ASTM F1292-09 states that a surface must perform under 1000 HIC and 200 Gmax, these readings are the maximum allowable limit. When purchasing a safety surface, it is important to consider a system that provides ASTM F1292-09 test results that are a minimum of 20% better than the upper limit. By ensuring that your system performs 20% better, you are, in effect, building in a safety margin to compensate for future wear and tear on the surface. A surface producing results close to the upper limit, is unlikely to remain in compliance over the long term. Every manufacturer should be able to provide you with a certified test report listing the ASTM F1292 results for their surfacing product. Looking for HIC results of 800 or lower and Gmax results of 150 or lower will provide some additional assurance that your surface will continue to provide impact attenuation over the long term.

Surface Guarantee
It is important to look carefully at the warranty provided by the manufacturer. Many surfacing warranties do not include guaranteed performance to the ASTM F1292-09 safety standard beyond the initial installation. Look for manufacturers that are willing to warrant their product for materials & workmanship in addition to compliance to the fall protection standard for at least 10 years.

Long-Term Value The initial purchase price is always an important consideration, but even more important is the actual cost of the surface projected over a period of years. More often than not, lower initial priced surfaces end up being the higher priced surface in the long term due to extensive maintenance and replenishment costs.

SofTILE provides the best value equation by offering low life-cycle costs, consistent, reliable performance, and excellent warranties.

*Information sourced from SofSurfaces

Q How much does SofTile cost?

The price of SofTile fluctuates depending on a number of variables. The most common questions that need to be answered before a price can be calculated are:

-Series: Premium or Plus
-Thickness: Patio or playground (deck heights need varying thicknesses)
-Colors: How many colors and what pattern
-Amount: Square footage required