SBR Buffings

Product Information

Our SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) buffings are made from 100% recycled rubber, collected and processed through our full-service tire buffing collection operations. With millions of pounds processed annually, we deliver consistent, high-quality rubber buffings perfect for playground surfaces, rubber running tracks, gym flooring, and more.

Superior Elasticity and Flexibility: SBR buffings are engineered to maintain excellent elasticity and flexibility under demanding conditions. The material retains its shape and bounces back after compression or deformation, ensuring long-lasting performance in high-traffic sport surfaces and play areas. This resilience makes buffings ideal for applications requiring consistent cushioning and support.

Exceptional Impact Resistance: Our rubber buffings provide outstanding impact resistance, essential for surfaces where athletes and children experience sudden shocks or falls. This protective quality makes SBR buffings a trusted choice for playground safety surfacing, running tracks, and multipurpose athletic facilities where injury prevention is paramount.

Versatile Applications: SBR buffings work effectively across multiple surface layers and project types. Use them as a top coat for rubber surfaces, base coat for athletic installations, or infill for grass surfaces. From playgrounds to tennis courts to running tracks, our buffings provide the necessary shock absorption, traction, and durability required for safe, high-performance surfaces.

Cost-Effective Solution: As 100% recycled material, SBR buffings offer a budget-friendly alternative to virgin rubber compounds without sacrificing quality or performance. Their competitive pricing makes them an attractive option for projects of any size, helping you maximize your budget while delivering a durable, professional-grade surface.

Environmentally Responsible: By repurposing rubber waste from the tire retreading process, SBR buffings contribute to recycling efforts and minimize environmental impact. Choosing our buffings means selecting a sustainable solution that reduces landfill waste while creating safe, functional surfaces for your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about our frequently asked questions about SBR buffings.

What are SBR buffings and how are they made?
SBR buffings are fine rubber particles generated during the tire retreading process. When semi-truck, tractor-trailer, and OTR (off-the-road) tires are retreaded, the old tread is buffed away, creating these rubber particles. At Sparton, we collect these buffings through specialized duct work systems and process millions of pounds annually, transforming tire waste into valuable surfacing material.

How are SBR buffings different from SBR granules?
SBR buffings are finer particles produced from the tire buffing process during retreading, while SBR granules are larger, uniformly sized rubber particles. Buffings work well for top coats, base coats, and blended surface applications. Granules are typically used for turf infill and base layers. Both offer excellent performance, but buffings provide a smoother texture ideal for certain surface finishes.

What applications are SBR buffings best suited for?
SBR buffings excel in multiple applications including playground safety surfacing, rubber running tracks, gym flooring, multipurpose sport courts, and tennis courts. They can be used as a top coat layer for finished surfaces, a base coat for athletic installations, or as infill material for grass surfaces. Their fine texture and excellent impact resistance make them versatile across various sport surface projects.

Are SBR buffings safe for playgrounds and athletic facilities?
Yes, SBR buffings are commonly used for playground safety surfacing and athletic facilities. They provide excellent cushioning to reduce fall injuries and protect athletes during high-impact activities. The material's shock absorption properties, combined with its durability in all weather conditions, make it a trusted choice for safety-critical applications where children and athletes play.

How much SBR buffing material do I need for my project?
The amount of SBR buffings you need depends on your project size, application type, and desired surface depth. Playground surfaces, running tracks, and sport courts all have different coverage requirements. For example, a safety surfacing installation may require several inches of buffings to meet fall height safety standards. Not sure how much you need? Contact us, and our team can help you calculate the right amount based on your specific project requirements.