How to Fix a Cracked Playground Slide

Fun is obviously a top priority when it comes to a playground slide, but safety is even more important. If your playground slide has a crack in it, trouble could be brewing. Knowing how to fix a cracked playground slide is necessary to ensure a secure and safe ride for the child.

Although you may want to fix a cracked playground slide, it may not be possible to do so safely. Replacing it with a playground slide at Swing Set Mall is usually the best option. A new slide is safer and will last longer. More importantly, you’ll get peace of mind knowing you’re not exposing any little ones to harm.

We’ll discuss what can cause a cracked slide and whether you can really fix it. We’ll also show you some alternatives to fixing a damaged slide and explain the different types of slides you have at your fingertips here at Swing Set Mall, the trusted choice since 1989.

Get in touch today for a more personalized slide recommendation, or learn more below! 

What Causes a Cracked Playground Slide?

Before you learn how to fix a cracked playground slide, you should know what caused it in the first place. Different types of slides have the potential for various types of damage. 

Weather-Related Wear and Tear

Heat and sun exposure can cause significant damage to a slide. For example, UV rays break down plastics and could lead to problems like:

• Fading
• Cracking
• Weakening of key components

Snow, rain and humidity can contribute to rust on metal slides. Rust could lead to cracks which pose safety risks. Plastic slides can contract and become brittle in freezing temperatures. This can also cause cracks.

Age and Material Fatigue

When approaching a cracked playground slide, you must also consider its age and material. The average lifespan of a slide is 10 to 20 years, although updates should be performed every eight to ten years.

If your playground slide material is at that age, it is probably experiencing fatigue from the weather and use. It doesn’t matter if you know how to fix a cracked playground slide. The slide is at the end of its usefulness and probably has other issues you can’t see that could endanger a child. At that point, purchasing a new slide might be your only option.

Improper Installation or Mounting

Improperly installed slides lead to cracks and other structural damage. If a slide isn’t supported properly, it can cause stress. Over time this leads to cracks or breaks.

Not anchoring the slide to the ground can cause it to shift and create stress points. This leads to damage like cracks.

Using the right mounting hardware is imperative. It must be placed in areas that can support the slide’s weight. Cracks and other damage can occur if this isn’t done properly.

And finally, manufacturers’ instructions must be followed to avoid faulty installation and potential damage.

Rough or Excessive Use

Children, especially older children, can be rough on slides. Using a slide in the way that it wasn’t intended can cause cracking. For example, jumping on or running upward on the slide cannot only be a safety risk, but cause damage like cracking.

Unfortunately, vandalism can occur in commercial parks and schools. Secure the slide's base/foot because a vandal lifting an unsecured one cracks the top. 

If you have a busy playground, your slide may receive excessive use. This too can lead to wear and tear that causes damage.

Misuse of a slide can cause cracks, but more importantly could endanger children.

Chemical Exposure or Cleaning Damage

Although it’s important to keep slides clean for safety and hygiene reasons, using the wrong disinfectants can cause damage. Chemicals like bleach and chlorine can:

• Fade paint
• Corrode metal
• Damage plastic

Chlorine can cause plastic to become brittle and crack.

Using cleaning techniques like high-pressure washing can loosen hardware and scratch surfaces. If there is a crack in the slide, high-pressure washing may damage it further.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning slides.

Can You Really Fix It, or is Replacement the Only Option?

Although there are some exceptions, most of the time cracked slides can’t be fixed and need to be replaced by different types of slides. This is true whether it’s made of plastic, fiberglass or any other material. It’s important to analyze the slide carefully to determine whether it can be repaired.

And although you may want to learn how to fix a cracked playground slide, purchasing a new one may be more cost effective. But how much does a slide cost? Swing Set Mall can help you with that.

Assessing the Severity of the Damage

When you see a crack in the slide, check the rest of it for additional problems. One crack can sometimes be an indication that something else is wrong.

A crack could be the symptom for compromised material and might worsen with continued use. Remember, you also have additional weather-related wear and tear that could also impact the crack. So, you not only want to observe the current damage but the possibility of the crack becoming larger.

Being Realistic About What’s Possible and What’s Not

Learning to fix a cracked playground slide could be a moot point. You may not be able to repair it. The material may have degraded too much. If it’s a large crack, you should probably consider just replacing the playground slide. Even a small crack can worsen, making it more dangerous. This could lead to the slide's failure and possibly an injured child.

The Safety Concerns of Cracked Playground Slides

When you discover a crack on a playground slide, it should be blocked off from children and considered a safety hazard.

The crack could create a sharp edge that scratches a child as they slide. A cracked slide's structure could weaken. This makes it less stable and could collapse under a child's weight. 

How to Fix a Cracked Playground Slide

Fixing a cracked playground slide is tricky. It takes time and effort. And it can be an expensive proposition since you’ll need specialized tools and materials. Here are some basic steps to take.

Identify the Type and Location of the Crack

How large is the crack? If it’s a small surface crack, it’s probably fixable. But if it’s a deep crack, repairing it may not be possible. It’ll be a safety hazard to children.

Choose the Right Repair

When determining how to fix a cracked playground slide, you'll need to know the slide's material. The makeup of the slide dictates what you use to fix the crack.

For example, a rotomolded slide crack can be repaired with PE plastic and a plastic welder. You'll need to use a patch kit for an inflatable slide.

Clean and Prep the Area

Start with a clean area. No adhesive will stick on a dirty surface. Just use  soap and water. If it's very dirty you might want to use some rubbing alcohol. But the soap and water should do the trick.

To use epoxy to fix the crack, after you clean it, you’ll need to prep the area by sanding the crack to open it. With a plastic welder, you also must clean the area as well as the welder.

Apply the Repair Material (Epoxy, Plastic Welder, or Patch Kit)

Use a putty knife to spread epoxy over the cracked area.

With the plastic welder, if the cleaning doesn't remove all the grime, use a  scraper to remove debris from the weld area. To identify the plastic needed, look for the identification symbol molded into the plastic slide. For example, it could be:

• PP
• PE
• PC

Use a welding rod made of the same plastic. If you're not sure, contact the slide's manufacturer.

If you're using a patch kit, apply the adhesive to both the patch and the area around the puncture.

Reinforce the Backside of the Slide (If Needed)

In some cases, you’ll need to reinforce the backside of the slide. You can do this with:

• Mechanical reinforcement with a backplate
• Epoxy
• Fiberglass

If it’s a large crack you’re reinforcing the backplate is recommended. It’s the strongest. For smaller cracks use epoxy and fiberglass.

Smooth, Seal and Protect the Surface

With the epoxy repair, let it cure for about 20 minutes and then sand it. Sand the epoxy with finer grits starting at 80 grit and working down to 320 grit. If it’s a large area, you might want to use a sanding disc or power sander. But be careful you don’t allow it to overheat or you may damage the plastic.

Use an airless welder with a 6031 welding tip to smooth the weld. Move it slowly and evenly. The patch can be further smoothed using a heat gun.

Let the Repair Cure Completely Before Use

Give repair at least 24 hours to cure. Block off the slide from the rest of the playground in the meantime. If a child slides too soon, the repair may not hold.

Once the cure has taken hold, make sure you’re reviewing your work and confirming the repair is complete and 100% safe for use. Because like we said from the start, it’s not always possible to fix a playground slide. 

Most of the time, you’ll be much better off coming to us for a replacement.

The Perfect Replacement Slide for Your Playground is a Click Away

If you don’t know how to fix a cracked playground slide or it’s beyond repairing, purchase a replacement at Swing Set Mall - your trusted choice in playground equipment for more than 35 years now. We have several styles to choose from:

• Double Slides let children stick with their buddy as they slide down simultaneously. Play involves social interaction. What better way to interact than racing to the bottom of the slide.
• Wave Slides create a thrill ride for children as they ride the wave downhill. These slides have sturdy double wall construction and come in bright colors.
• Spiral Slides or corkscrew slides, wrap around a pole and descend in a spiral. Children have a longer, more engaging ride. Spiral slides also save space if you're cramped on your playground.
• Scoop Slides have a curved scoop-shaped design. They are known for their safety and durability features. The scoop slide gives children a fast and smooth experience.
• Tube Slides are enclosed in a tube-like structure. They can be spiral, curved or straight. They’re safer than typical slides with less falling potential from a higher deck. Children love them.
• Sectional Slides are a two-piece design. The sections offer several configuration options yet are stable. You’ll have the flexibility to change your playground around to meet your needs. It also gives a new version of the same slide to children.

When you shop with us you gain access to the best products at unbeatable prices, guaranteed. You will also enjoy world-class customer service every step of the way. So, browse our slide catalog today and put the stress of a broken slide in the past once and for all!

Final Words on How to Fix a Cracked Playground Slide

If you don’t know how to fix a cracked playground slide, don’t worry, it may not be possible. Although some superficial cracks could be buffed out, a large crack poses a safety risk.

It’s typically more cost-effective to purchase a new playground slide from Swing Set Mall. So, don’t waste your time with DIY fixes. Find the perfect upgrade in our catalog today and let the fun begin!