| In order to reduce
the risk of decay and insect damage, chemicals, such as arsenic and chromium or ammonia
and copper, are injected into the wood. There is considerable debate as to the
safety and durability of pressure treated lumber. Studies show extreme leaching of
the chemicals out of the wood and the treating process can alter the molecular make-up of
the wood, weakening its structural integrity. While the chemicals render the wood
resistant to decay and insects, they do not prevent or reduce splintering and cracking.
Redwood & cedar's natural resistance to decay and insects makes it a logical
choice when faced with the possibility of chemical-related hazards. Q. What type of maintenance is required for the play
system?
A. The play systems come with a lifetime warranty against wood rot, insect damage,
or structural failure. The lumber has been pre-stained and sealed with a
construction grade sealant, giving the wood a beautiful finish. With normal use and
as the wood naturally expands and contracts, some of the bolts may loosen. The
system's through-bolt construction allows you to tighten these bolts without risking the
structural integrity of your play system.
Q. What is through-bolt construction?
A. The best way to secure two or more beams together is to use a carriage bolt that
passes through all the pieces of wood and is fastened at the end with some type of locking
means such as a lock washer and nut. This is through bolt construction. This
method provides strong, reliable joints and allows the bolts to be adjusted as many times
as necessary without weakening the structural integrity of the system. Through-bolt
construction also allows the system to be disassembled / reassembled without damage.
Good news if you decide to move and take your system with you.
Q. Why are there no weight restrictions on a Rainbow Play System?
A. Weight restrictions are based on the amount of support the main structural beams
offer. This is decided by beam size and placement. Rainbow Play Systems and
their team of architectural engineers have combined the largest beams available with sound
structural design to allow the whole family to enjoy these structures.
Q. What are the benefits of notched wooden brackets?
A. These brackets are designed to gain maximum support by bracing wood against wood
and reduce the force placed on the bolts holding the system together. The notches
help ensure a long-lasting and durable structure.
Q. What type of warranties are available?
A. Rainbow Play Systems offers a lifetime warranty on all wooden components, ductile iron swing hangers, and safety scoop slide bedways against structural failure due to corrosion, wood rot, or insect infestation. All chain, seats, hardware, metal braces, canvas, flags, and accessories are covered by a two year limited warranty. For complete warranty information, please check pages 176–177 in the Rainbow Play Systems catalog. Goalsetter Systems Signature Series basketball goals come complete with a ten year warranty on backboards, three year warranty on jacks, and a lifetime warranty on the structure. Tournament Series basketball goals come with a five year warranty on backboards, one year warranty on jacks, and a lifetime warranty on the structure.
Q. Does the ground need to be level?
A. The ground should be relatively level, however, there are several features on the
unit that can be adjusted to accommodate a grade. Rainbow Play Systems is the only
company to offer extended ladders and "A"-frame legs to allow for installation
on a slope. Also, several components have built-in adjustable features. If you
have a question about your yard, please ask a member of our sales staff for assistance.
Q. What is your opinion on building one myself?
A. Building one from scratch can be a rewarding project, however, the time, effort
and expense add up much faster than you might think. Finding quality lumber is
difficult and once you do find it, buying it piece by piece adds up quickly. Also,
it is rough lumber. The wood isn't routered and has not been planed. It takes
a significant amount of time to prepare the lumber so that it is smooth, to make sure all
the corners are rounded and the holes are recessed. Many of the safety features of
the systems are not available at a hardware store such as the vinyl-dipped ladders and
plates. If a weekend project is what you're looking for, complete assembly
instructions are available with each system.
Q. Why does Rainbow Play Systems use round rungs instead of flat steps on
their ladders?
A. To an adult, flat steps are logically the safest method of accessing a higher
platform, however, our sense of balance is far better developed than that of a small
child. If you watch children climb, you will notice they use their hands to steady
and balance as they climb. A flat step does not allow a child to grasp and steady
themselves and therefore requires a handrail to be safe. Flat wooden steps also
present added risks because, being a high traffic area, they are the first area of a play
system to show wear and tear in the form of splintering. Wooden steps and rungs are
not recommended because over time, the wood will give out. Think of a wooden step
ladder. Each step has a metal bar underneath of it to support the users foot when
that step breaks. A play system will experience much more use than your average step
ladder and is more likely to present this problem. Rainbow Play Systems has combined
the safety and security of a round rung with the longevity of a metal support and the
result is our "Safety Yellow" climbing ladder.
Q. What is the advantage of using vinyl dipped steel over powder coated
metal?
A. Rainbow Play Systems starts with 1/4" steel pipe for all their ladder rungs.
These rungs are then either vinyl-dipped or powder-coated. The vinyl-coated
rung has a layer of insulation in the form of a commercial grade liquid vinyl and provides
a non-slip surface. The powder-coated rung is covered in a special type of powdered
paint that is baked in place. Both ladders feature "safety yellow" rungs
for high visibility while climbing and to stimulate play.
Q. What is Rainbow Play System's exclusive
Safety Scoop slide?
A. The Safety-Scoop slide is a straight slide manufactured from UV-stabilized high
density polyethylene which is the same exact material used in commercial playgrounds for
over 20 years. The elbow design landing offers a safer, easier exit and the edges
are rounded for added safety. A thicker mold and higher sidewalls provide a steady,
safe journey from beginning to end. There are look-alike slides on the market but
none compare to the quality and durability of Rainbow's Safety Scoop Slide.
Q. What type of artificial surfacing do you recommend to put underneath the
set?
A. We encourage our customers to use some form of resilient surfacing.
Many choose the Soft Landing Rubber Mulch (SLRM) because it is cleaner
than other mulch choices and its low long term costs.
Q. Do I want to build a play pit before or after I get the set installed?
A. If you plan to install some sort of surfacing or play pit for your system, then
you may want to clear and level the area before the system is installed. The
material used for your play pit should not be installed until after the system is in
place. This will allow the play system to rest on solid ground and remain stable.
Placing the system on top of wood chips, mulch, etc. can cause the set to shift
with use or as the surface settles from rainwater runoff.
Q. Can I bring my play system with me if I move?
A. Yes. The system is through bolted which makes it very easy to disassemble,
load onto a moving truck, and reassemble at your new home. There is a Rainbow Play
Systems distributor for every state, so if needed, we could disassemble your system here,
load it on the moving truck, and help arrange for it to be reassembled by trained
professionals when you get to your new home.
Q. Are Rainbow Play Systems canopies available for non-Rainbow playsets?
A. The canopies available on Rainbow's play sets are a trademark of Rainbow Play
Systems. Separate tarps are not available. |
