BENEFITS OF METAL & STEEL SENSORY GYM DESIGN
WHY METAL?
Metal sensory gym structures are durably constructed of high-grade steel and applied with a special coating to eliminate rust damage. It’s non-splintering and offers the ability to be painted in a wide spectrum of colors. This grants the sensory gym owner complete freedom to design, and redesign the aesthetics whenever they need to.
A popular misconception is that metal playground swings and slides are more dangerous than other designs. This is categorically false. Metals are just as safe as wood or plastic when installed and maintained properly. Most metal surfaces are now applied with heat-coating to help regulate surface temperatures on hot days.
Additionally, metal will outlast any competing element. For a commercial swing set, there’s no other choice. Metal is the most reliable construction material out there.
COMPARISON DATA
Wood is far more susceptible to moisture & weather conditions, and will require regular maintenance inspections for splintering or decay. Even weather-seal wooden sensory gyms sets are more vulnerable to natural variables than a typical metal sensory gym.
Wood has become popular, especially for residential use. This is mostly for aesthetic and easy-assembly. Developers with a commercial budget have been moving away from wood over the last few decades, simple because metal or plastic are longer-term investments.
Contrary to what many believe, the heat-risks of metal and plastic are very similar. Darker colored plastics, especially, can generate exceptional heat when standing in direct sunlight.
Metal sensory gyms are also more resistant to vandalism than plastic, as steel sensory gym structures is difficult to break or deface.
The one venue where plastic beats metal is cost. No matter how to cut it, metal is going to run you a bigger bill than plastic.
METAL PARTS
Even if the bulk of your sensory gym is wood or plastic, odds are you’re still employing key metal components somewhere. Mounts, hinges, clamps, and ladders are often metal, even when the surrounding structure is another material. Galvanized steel chains and hangers are also used with most swing sets, even if the core structure is wood or plastic. Other steel components on a sensory gym include platforms, perforated and coated in textured polyethylene for slip resistance.
COST & BENEFITS
Unlike some sensory gyms of the current & past, modern metal sensory gym structures provide a safe and durable option for therapy. Every year, as steel prices increase, unique engineering solutions will be required to proactively combat commercial sensory gym inflation. As of 2017, no affordable alternative provides the same support and durability as a metal sensory gym structures.
Summit Sensory Gyms are specifically designed to help children enjoy guided play that promotes cognitive-behavioral, and social skills and enhances motor development. When combined with other therapies, a sensory gym can amplify results by reinforcing the treatment of sensory disorders. Our sensory gyms continue to increase independence, eases stress in social situations, and raise tolerance to new sensations coming from the body and the environment.
Regardless of whether your child has unique needs, a Summit Sensory gym promotes skill and developmental growth for all ages. Our equipment is designed to provide proprioceptive and vestibular sensory input — swings, trampolines, therapy balls, etc. The use of our sensory gyms will help let your child reach their highest potential in the comfort of their own home. In general, we recommend our clients also incorporate individual therapy services. Certified therapists will help to ensure children feel comfortable and have fun while working on their fine and gross motor development amongst many others.
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