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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of
lumber do you use?
A. Rainbow Play Systems uses 100% natural redwood and Western red cedar,
on their premium playgrounds. For 2008 Rainbow has also incorporated
Cunninghamia lumber from China and PEL (Plastic Encapsulated Lumber)
from North America into the Sunshine Family Playground product lines,
which include The Fiesta Box Kit Series, The Carnival Series, The
Sunshine Castle Series and The Sunshine Clubhouse Series. These woods are
naturally more insect and decay resistant and tend to split, check,
splinter and warp less than other commonly used woods.
Q. Pressure
treated lumber is less expensive. Why should I purchase a play system
made from redwood and cedar?
A. Most pressure treated lumber is made from Southern Yellow Pine, a
fairly brittle softwood. Pine has a reputation for severe splintering
and checking (cracking) under all weather conditions and is highly
susceptible to insect infestation and decay. 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 and cedar's natural resistance to decay and insects
makes it a logical choice when faced wit the possibility of
chemical-related hazards.
Q. What is Plastic
Encapsulated Lumber (PEL)?
A. Rainbow has incorporated PEL into their Fiesta and Carnival Series
for 2008. They use a solid 3x3 or 4x4 Douglas Fir post injected with
Borate to make the wood insect and rot resistant. The wood is then
encapsulated in plastic at the factory to ensure a tight seal.
Q. What is Cunninghamia?
A. Cunninghamia Lanceolata lumber is imported from China and is a member
of the Cypress family. It carries many of the same characteristics of
Redwood and Cedar, being naturally bug and decay resistant. Because
Cunninghamia is a smaller tree, Rainbow only uses it for systems
requiring 4x4 lumber or smaller.
Q. What type of
maintenance is required for the play system?
A. Rainbow's premium playgrounds come with a lifetime warranty against wood rot,
insect damage, or structural failure. The Sunshine Family Playgrounds
Series carries a 15 year warranty against wood rot, insect damage, or
structural failure. The lumber has been pre-stained
and sealed at the factory, with a non toxic water-based sealer
giving the wood a beautiful red finish. We do recommend re-sealing your
play structure as needed with Rainbow sealer, available at all Factory
Direct Showrooms, to keep it looking new. With normal use and as the
wood expands and contracts with the weather, some of the bolts may
loosen. We suggest checking and tightening all nuts and bolts within 60
days of installation. Also every 4-6 months re-checking and tightening
as needed. The systems through-bolt construction allows you to tighten
these bolts as often as necessary without risking the structural
integrity of your play system. We also recommend cleaning tarps, slides,
swings, ladder rungs etc. as needed to help ensure safe enjoyment of
your play system for years to come. (No time? We'll do it for you!
Get a price quote.)
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 or
reassembled without damage. Good news if you decide to move and take
your play 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 types of
warranties are available?
A. Rainbow Play Systems offers a lifetime warranty, on their Premium
Playgrounds, to the original
retail purchaser, on all wooden components, ductile iron swing hangers,
safety scoop and spiral slide bedways, hardware, tire swing swivels, and
all dipped components against structural failure due to corrosion, wood
rot, or insect infestation. Rainbow also offers a 15 year warranty, on
their Sunshine Family Playgrounds Series, to the original retail
purchaser, on all wooden components, ductile iron swing hangers, safety
scoop, Rainbow wave and spiral slide bedways, hardware, tire swing
swivels, and all dipped components against structural failure due to
corrosion, wood rot, or insect infestation. All chain, seats, hardware, metal braces,
canopies, flags, and accessories are covered by a five
year-limited warranty. In addition, Rainbow warrants for a period of one
year all flags, ropes and hammock swings. For complete warranty information please check
pages 62 & 63 and 144 & 145 in your 2008 Rainbow Play Systems catalog.
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 minimal
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. The best way to
accommodate an un-level yard is by installing a safety surfacing before
your play system arrives. This way, not only are you protecting your
child from a potentially harmful fall, but also eliminating the un-level
yard issue. If you have a question about your yard, please ask a member
of our sales staff for assistance or pricing.
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 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 it is smooth, to make sure the corners are all
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. What is the
advantage of using vinyl-dipped steel over powder-coated metal?
A. Rainbow Play Systems starts with a 1/4" steel pipe for all their
ladder rungs. These rungs are then either vinyl-dipped or powder coated.
The vinyl-dipped 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 into place, not offering any kind of non-slip surface and with
time and weather may chip off.
Q. What is
Rainbow Play Systems 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.
Q. What type of
artificial surfacing do your recommend to put underneath the set?
A. We encourage our customers to use some form of resilient surfacing.
We suggest some form of playground engineered wood
fibers, pea gravel or rubber mulch. For more information or pricing
please contact a member of our sales staff or call 1-800-RAINBOW.
Q. Are Rainbow
Play Systems canopies available for non-Rainbow play systems?
A. The red, yellow, and blue canopies atop all Rainbow's play sets are a
trademark of Rainbow Play Systems and come only in specific sizes.
Separate solid colored tarps are available but not kept in stock and
vary in price based on dimensions.
Q. What form of site preparation is
required?
A. In order to install your Rainbow Play System in a proper manner, we
require that you have a level or flat surface to install your structure
on. For safety reasons we recommend some form of resilient playground
surfacing. Because Rainbow Play Systems are designed to sit on top of
the ground and in order to maintain the structural integrity of your
play system, we do request that you have your resilient surface
installed prior to the installation of your play system. In the case of
rubber chips, installation after the play system is installed is ideal.
If your site is not prepared when we arrive to install your play system,
you will be charged a trip fee and we will reschedule your installation
for a later date. |
