FAQ

• How realistic is it to skate on synthetic ice when compared to real ice?
• Polyethylene and self-lubricant tiles have come a long way in the last decade.
• But there is still less than 10% friction to be improved to provide the most similar experience with real ice. This is why ICE+ has developed a new type of steel that decreases this percentage of friction (see our skates) uniquely conceived for our synthetic ice surfaces.
• Can anybody skate on synthetic ice?
• Certainly!
• Synthetic Ice is made for all skating disciplines off the ice!
• It is not only conceived for leisure skating but most of all for hockey players, figure skaters, curling players, and even speed skaters!  This type of surface is ideally conceived to train and improve your skills off the ice!
• How to perform skating at my best on synthetic ice?
• Depending on your skating skills level the gliding experience will improve or decrease.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before skating on a synthetic ice surface:

SKATE BLADES: it is said that to perform at best on synthetic ice surfaces very well-sharpened blades are absolutely required, well it is not really the case!

It is true that your blades have to be sharpened but not as it’s conventionally done for the ice. What is needed is a perfectly flat blade (not round) brilliantly sharpened on the sides avoiding the typical convex tunnel used for the regular ice. 

The reason for that is to avoid more erosion on your blades but most of all to prevent the steel from deepening excessively into the polyethylene while skating.

 This can be achieved by using the flattest stone available among grinding machines  (or diamond stone, depending on the sharpening machine that you have).

SYNTHETIC SURFACE: as on real ice, you probably know by now that the sleekest the ice is the better gliding conditions are. 

This applies to synthetic ice too!  Your synthetic surface has to be spot on before every use!

All our ICE+ tiles can be set up either indoors or outdoors.

The important thing to remember when installing is to have a completely flat, hard & leveled surface for your ICE+ flooring.

Asphalt, wooden floor, or concrete structures are the most recommended substrates for this. We DO NOT recommend setting up ICE+ synthetic flooring directly on grass or dirt as it won’t allow a perfect fit between tiles and a fully flat surface.

For rinks or surfaces that have a wall-to-wall perimeter containment, keep in mind a dilatation tolerance gap for hotter days. Like most modular flooring, temperature changes will see your surface contract and expand.

• What are the sizes of the tiles available?

• 1 Meter x 1 Meter

• 1 Meter x 2 Meters

• (Customization tiles can be made depending on the amount of surface required).

• Which thickness is it suggested to consider and for what purpose when picking the right tile?

ICE+ works with the consuetudinary standards used today

• 12mm ·15mm ·20mm  Tiles

Depending on the size and type of ground’s surface we shall consider a different tile’s thickness. (Consult here)

• Do ICE+ tiles require any gliding enhancement product?

• None!

• ICE+ tiles are made with a self-lubricated product during the manufacturing process, specially conceived for a “lifetime” period, avoiding any “top-up” situation.
• Can ICE+ tiles be used outdoors?

• ICE+ tiles are designed for inside and outside use. They are UV protected to prevent sun damage, however, we recommend covering the tiles with a tarp or storing them inside when not in use. If left outside for long periods of time they will get damaged.
• ICE + tiles should be laid on any hard & flat surface such as wood, concrete, or asphalt.
• Are ICE+ tiles water & snowproof resistant?

• ICE + synthetic ice tiles can be enjoyed year-round and in all temperatures. They are UV-protected and suffer very low dilatation (see our technical sheet). They will not degrade in sunlight or warp deteriorate as temperature increases or decreases.

• Do ICE+ tiles have to be resurfaced or cleaned after use?

• On all polyethylene surfaces, care should be taken to limit the residual debris that may accumulate from skates or outdoor shoes. Just like real ice, ICE+ tiles will leave shavings. The only maintenance required is vacuuming or sweeping up those shavings after every use. If your tiles become dirty with debris like dust or dirt, mopping up the synthetic surface and letting it dry is a good option.

• However, do not use any kind of wax, or any other kind of lubricant, on any ICE+ tiles.

• Strong chemicals or abrasive products should be avoided for any purpose.

• Can ICE+ tiles be used on both sides?

• Yes, they can!

We are one of the few brands manufacturing its own synthetic ice tiles and because of this we can design and develop any kind of lines or logos into our polyethylene on demand! (Contact us for personal customization here!)