Caring for Your Climbing Frame

Our weather is variable to say the least and your climbing frame will have to withstand everything from baking summer heat, high winds, torrential rain, snow, ice and sub zero temperatures. It’s tough and designed to withstand this for many years but a little help from you will ensure it doesn’t have to do this all alone.

The treatment options

When caring for your climbing frame, there are two possible treatment options that will maximise its lifespan and protect it from degrading.

Oils

An oil treatment is highly effective for preventing water absorption and is an ideal way to protect your climbing frame from the harshest weather. Oils penetrate the wood, providing an efficient seal, without adversely affecting the natural grain or pattern of the wood, so your climbing frame will continue to retain its good looks.

Applying an oil finish is straightforward and oil treatments are safe for children, animals and the environment as they are non-toxic. However, oils offer little protection against wear and tear, such as scratches or scuffs, and may need to be re-applied more frequently to maintain the optimum appearance.

Waterproofing agents

These treatments help the wood to retain its natural colour while providing an effective waterproof layer that is also highly resistant to UV rays, without damaging the environment.

With high levels of impact resistance, this is an ideal way to protect your climbing frame from the rigours of many hours of play. It is cost-effective and easy to apply. Reapplications do need to be made periodically to keep your climbing frame in perfect condition though.

Application methods

Wood treatments can be applied using a conventional paintbrush or a spray painting system and there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods.

A paintbrush gives you excellent control and it’s easier to achieve a uniform finish and to work the treatment into hidden corners. However, application can be laborious and more than one coat may be required.

A spray is undoubtedly a fast and efficient method of applying protection to your climbing frame and only one coat is often necessary. However, it isn’t always possible to achieve a consistent finish and spray painting on windy days is not recommended, so you need to wait for calm weather.

Other important points to check

While the condition of the wood is one important consideration, general maintenance will ensure that your climbing frame remains in tiptop shape, as well as being safe for your kids to play on. Weekly checks should be carried out to ensure that the structure is stable and does not wobble. If so, tightening all screws will help to improve the stability.

Of course, with the children playing rough and tumble games on the climbing frame, accidental damage may occur from time to time. In this situation it is important to address any damage promptly, in order to prevent accidents and to stop the damage from worsening. If your climbing frame was installed by Gardenatics, we will be able to advise you on appropriate remedial action, so give us a call as soon as possible.

By spending a little time  looking after your climbing frame, you can be confident that your investment will be protected from the worst of the weather, maximising its lifespan for the enjoyment of your whole family.