Overview

Poly Up addressed a safety and usability issue for a local veterinary practice. The ramp required a durable, slip-resistant surface to ensure the safety of animals and their owners. Poly Up’s solution: a rubber crumb surface that was functional, durable, and visually appealing.

The veterinary practice faced:

• Animal Safety: The Vets required some additional comfort for the animals paws.
• Slip Resistance: The ramp needed a non-slip surface to ensure safety for animals and wheelchair users.
• Durability: The new surface had to endure regular use without degradation.

To enhance a small ramp for a veterinary practice. The existing metal ramp’s surface was in need of a surface upgrade. Poly Up installed a rubber crumb surface to provide a durable, non-slip, and paw-friendly solution.

Our Approach & Challenges Overcome

The primary challenge was addressing the ramp’s metal surface, which required careful preparation to ensure proper adhesion and prevent material seepage. The project also had to be completed quickly to minimize disruption to the veterinary practice’s operations.

• Urgency: The ramps surface upgrade required immediate action.
• Material Compatibility: The metal ramp’s perforations needed careful coverage to prevent rubber seepage while maintaining water permeability.
• Structural Flexibility: The ramp slightly bounced, necessitating a solution that could expand and contract without cracking.

The Poly Up team installed a secondary mesh layer over the metal ramp to reduce perforations and ensure the rubber crumb adhered securely. A damp-proof membrane was added to catch any excess material during application. Yellow edge trims were installed for increased visibility, and the rubber crumb surface was applied in a single layer, curing within hours.

1. Initial Assessment:
   • We assessed the structural design and determine material requirements.
   • Proposed solutions to prevent rubber seepage while enhancing durability.

2. Preparation and Materials:

1. • A DPM (damp-proof membrane) was applied under the ramp to catch any rubber spillage during installation.
   • We installed a secondary mesh layer over the ramp to reduce the size of the perforations, ensuring better rubber adhesion and preventing seepage.

3. Rubber Crumb Installation:

1. • Priming: Primed the ramp surface and sides to ensure maximum adhesion and longevity.
   • Edge Protection: To contain the rubber crumb, yellow edge trims were installed at the base of the ramp, and black side trims were installed.
   • Rubber Layer Application: Mixed and applied rubber crumb, creating a durable, slip-resistant surface.

4. Efficient Execution:

1. • Completed the installation on a Saturday, allowing the ramp to cure over the weekend while the practice was closed.
   • Delivered a fully functional ramp ready for use by Monday morning.

Results

The ramp now provides a safe, slip-resistant surface suitable for both animals and humans. The veterinary practice praised Poly Up for its professionalism and efficiency, as the project was completed in just four hours. The enhanced ramp is durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing, addressing all client concerns.

• Busy Ramp Restored: Made the ramp safer and more comfortable for pets and humans to use.
• Durable Solution: The rubber crumb surface is slip-resistant and designed to withstand high usage.
• Client Satisfaction: The veterinary practice were highly impressed with the speed and quality of the work.

The rubber crumb surface is low maintenance. Poly Up recommends periodic cleaning with a light jet wash to remove dirt and debris, ensuring the ramp remains safe and functional.

Looking for a Durable Surface Solution?

Poly Up specialises in creating customised, slip-resistant surfaces for various applications. Contact us today to discuss your project needs!