Synthetic Ice: More than a Smart Investment

Winter sports are popular around the globe. People enjoy ice hockey, skating, curling etc., so much that they made these three a regular part of the Olympics. However, things get a little complicated when we consider their main prerequisite – ice. Although skating centers are pretty widespread nowadays, many people don't have access to them.

Just like all other sports, winter disciplines require proper training conditions. But, unlike a basketball court, ice rinks aren't exactly around the next street corner. Fortunately, people can now enjoy the benefits of artificial ice, or better known as synthetic ice. This material is intended to mimic the real thing, so much so that it’s hard to tell the difference just by looking at it.

More and more people choose to add this alternative to their homes. It's convenient, readily available, and, unlike ice, doesn't require an ideal temperature. To choose between an actual ice rink and its plastic version, you should first get familiar with their differences. Click here to find out more.

Development through the Years

Essentially, synthetic ice serves the same purpose as natural ice, but it's made of solid polymer. The rinks are constructed by putting panels together. As we mentioned, some people use the term artificial ice, but this name is often used to describe surfaces made of artificially frozen water using refrigeration methods. For those who aren't familiar with the term, synthetic ice is the polymer variant.

People first began using plastic for skating purposes in the 1960s. The result, though, was far from ideal. Manufacturers today have come a long way; back then, they used polyoxymethylene plastic and similar materials to build their rinks. While it imitated ice reasonably successfully, the surface required the use of silicone so people could skate. This was bad for rinks, as they quickly became grimy and needed constant cleaning and maintenance.

Things started to improve at the turn of the 1980s. After years of experimentation, High Density Plastics put the first synthetic ice floor on the market. Skaters were finally relieved: they no longer depended on proper rinks for practice. The panels were made of polyethylene that, when sprayed with fluid, became a good gliding surface. Athletes could also use them for other purposes in dry conditions.

Since then, technology has improved a lot. Companies created special polymers and lubricants that give that unique icy feeling to enhance the quality of skating surfaces. Unlike before, the newer products are harder to contaminate, making the maintenance far more effortless. Thanks to effective assembly solutions, panels are now seamless, creating the impression of one big area of frozen water.

Some Useful Facts

One natural advantage that real ice has over its alternative is water. Namely, the pressure of skates heats the topmost layer, causing it to melt and produce a bit of water, enabling skates to glide smoothly without dragging. On the other hand, synthetic floors lack this natural quality, so you have to use liquid enhancements to reduce the drag factor. Luckily, you only have to re-spray these surfaces once a month.

As we said earlier, synthetic rinks are built of many panels joined together. Usually, they consist of two layers: the actual gliding surface, which is thinner, on top of a thicker subfloor. This base has to be solid and sturdy to withstand pressure, and it's typically made of wood or concrete, less often grass or dirt.

They can be connected in more than one way. The traditional, so-called "dovetail" system is a bit trickier: the tenon and mortise joints require perfectly constructed material and very exact handling. The other joint connection system is much easier for installation, and it's generally considered safer.

HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is what engineers usually use for synthetic ice nowadays. Polymers like this have only 10% to 15% more friction than authentic ice. More modern solutions such as the ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene have even less friction, so manufacturers have started employing it more.

Is It a Perfect Replacement?

Those who expect a faithful replica of the original may have to wait a bit longer. Because it's synthetic, these rinks require more effort from the skater. If you're an enthusiast, you could find it somewhat less fun than the easy-gliding ice. However, more devoted skaters will surely benefit from the resistance factor.

Another potential problem is that artificial surfaces wear down skates faster than proper ice. It depends on the material used: if it's an extruded sheet, the abrasion is more prominent. Sinter-pressed material has proven to be a better solution. It’s more resistant to abrasion, resulting in fewer shavings. The frottage process also makes the surface look more even and attractive.

The Actual Benefits

Whether you're a hockey player, figure skater, or just like a pastime glider, you need comfort on the rink. The current pandemic has increased the need for alternative solutions, and synthetic ice is one of them. Many people try to recreate rinks by installing ice tiles in their own homes, e.g., in the garage or backyard.

Online research is a great way to get familiar with this solution. Thanks to the number of YouTube videos and blogs, you can now decide whether synthetic tiles are the way to go. To make the right decision, you need to find out more about each aspect.

Money Talk

The price of synthetic ice tiles might put some people off. It's easy to dismiss them as just another plastic and forget that they're made of high-quality material. Of course, you don't have to cover the floor of an entire room – starter kits allow you to build smaller areas and start skating right away.

While we can’t deny that it can be a bit of a sticker shock, you should think about the return on investment. Having a dedicated space at home relieves you of the obligation to look for ice rinks and spend money on fuel to go there and back. If you’re an avid skater, this can save you a lot of money.

If you're a beginner with the skates, classes will cost you extra dollars. If this breaks your bank, you have the advantage of a home-made training ground and plenty of lessons available online. This is also great for social distancing, at least until the current pandemic is over.

Setting it Up

Another aspect that could make you hesitant is the installment. Some compare ice panels with laminate floors in terms of setup since they're pretty similar. People often start to panic, thinking about extra costs if they have to call professionals to do it.

The truth is – putting it all together is a walk in the park. The hardest part is to choose where to install the rink. Your garage, basement, driveway, backyard are ideal places for this. If you have a more spacious room, you may even opt for the full-scale solution.

To get your skating surface up and running, all you need to measure your space and interlock your tiles. Depending on your chosen area, this can take several minutes to a few hours. You don't have to worry if your floor is uneven: a nice plywood subfloor will smooth things out and bring the necessary stability.

Installing a synthetic ice rink in your household is a DIY project. You can manage it yourself, even if you generally shy away from work around the house. It can be a fun activity if you have children: think of it as one big puzzle, only without the headache of finding the right piece.

Designed for Every Level

Skaters, especially the more experienced ones, could quickly write off polymer floors as toys. It's not ice, so how can I take it seriously? Well, the age-old adage "Don't knock it until you try it" certainly applies here. If you know someone who has already installed it, don't hesitate to give it a go: one skate can change your opinion quickly.

The fact that it’s made of plastic is what often prevents people from taking it seriously. However, by researching the subject a bit more, you’ll quickly see that modern polymers are so similar to natural ice that you'll hardly be able to tell the difference. At least not at first sight, that is.

Of course, having a proper skating rink near you will always be the first choice: there’s a reason why all sports events use the real deal. But, what if the nearest option is hundreds of miles away? It’s enough to know that even professional athletes use these panels to stay in shape in the off-season. If it’s good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for an enthusiast.

Quality Performance

Some skaters fear that a lower-quality surface will somehow ruin their experience and diminish their performance. Artificial floors certainly can't compare to bonafide ice, can they? How could a starter kit be beneficial for anyone?

In reality, skating on plastic requires every bit of skill as it would on a frozen surface. High-caliber synthetic tiles are built with all skaters in mind: small children, up to professional athletes, and even elderly aficionados. The friction we mentioned before can help you improve your skating skills: it'll seem almost effortless later when you transition to proper rinks. Engineers have even invented self-lubricated tiles, which make the experience easier the more you skate.

It's essential to choose the right type of panel for you. Different disciplines require different levels of thickness and heaviness, for example. You can do light straight-forward, light movements on virtually any surface, but figure skating involves jumping and spinning, meaning you'll need more resistant tiles.

Duration

Indeed, artificial floors in the past were usually short-lived and worn out pretty quickly. However, modern panels have surpassed them by a wide margin. They allow you to use sharp skates and move as aggressively as you want, causing minimal wear and tear to the surface. If you maintain it with enough diligence, your tiles will thank you for it.

Like all products, choosing a reputable brand is crucial. Some synthetic surfaces endure hundreds of skaters monthly. High-quality panels can tolerate a lot of sharp-blade abuse, reducing the shavings to a minimum. Maintenance-wise, all you need is a brush or washcloth with a bit of soap to keep them clean.

Perhaps most importantly, you can use your tiles as much as you want, all year round. And why? Because it’s immune to weather. The scorching heat or cold, synthetic ice couldn't care less. This is what makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities. Also, it's very convenient to transport it whenever you feel like it: dismantle your tiles, and you're good to go.

Sparking the Public Interest

Ice sports are not accessible to the broad public, such as basketball or tennis, for example. Until the invention of synthetic ice, it required specialized facilities and was reserved for dedicated skaters. Now, quality providers offer solutions available for everyone. You can visit https://www.durhamartificialgrass.ca/synthetic-ice/ to check out one such reputable brand. Thanks to these providers, municipalities can enrich public entertainment by adding these rinks to infrastructure.

This will undoubtedly attract crowds of all ages: children, adults, even older people can have plenty of fun skating. Shopping malls, for example, are an excellent location for this type of entertainment. It reduces maintenance costs – the plastic doesn’t need to be cooled or heated. Cleaning, as we saw earlier, is easy. The installment can be done in one afternoon, even if it’s a full-scale rink.

Closing Remarks

Let's say you take a synthetic ice tile and put it next to a small ice block. Guess what will happen if it's the middle of July? The tile will lie there indifferently, while the block will melt in the heat and probably drench your feet.

This illustration was a bit over-the-top. But you’ll admit it does make a point: the polymer is here to stay. No matter where you set up those tiles, you can just put on your skates and glide to your heart’s content. Happy skating!

Synthetic Ice: More than a Smart Investment to SEC Sports Blog

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