5 Things To Consider When Repairing Tennis Courts

AVOID THESE FIVE MISTAKES when repairing your tennis courts to ensure a successful project and a playable surface for years to come:
 

1. Adding Asphalt to an Existing Court

Adding asphalt to an existing court can lead to a bumpy and uneven surface, which can impact the playability and safety of the court. Asphalt courts have a lifespan of about 15 years, so adding this material on top of a compromised court will allow existing cracks to reflect through the new surface.

If you also apply asphalt to an existing court, it will impact the fence's height and the net height. If the fence post and net remain in place from the previous court surfacing, then it will change the fencing and net clearance.

Failing to maintain the new asphalt will result in costly repairs the next time around, as you’ll need to mill through 6"- 8" instead of 4" of asphalt.

2. Resurfacing Courts in Colder Months

Over time, tennis courts can decay due to harsh weather conditions and playability. Winter can be problematic when reconstructing courts and the ideal time to begin this project is April through October, depending on the weather. 

The asphalt temperature should be surfaced at 40 degrees or higher and color coating needs to be 50 degrees and above. Once the color coating is surfaced, the temperature needs to be sustained at 50 degrees or higher during a 24-hour period. 

3. Saw Cutting Cracks and Filling with Asphalt

Saw cutting cracks and filling them with asphalt is an expensive solution that will not properly address the underlying issue. When cracks begin forming on your court, they cannot stop, but it can be slowed down. Standard crack repair systems can also help your court last longer.

Sometimes saw cutting cracks and filling it with new asphalt may cause more issues than solutions later in the court’s lifecycle. If you choose this process, some problems can occur such as an improper binding between new and existing asphalt. If you apply an uneven amount of new asphalt, it may cause playing and tripping hazards. It can also damage the court's colored surface if not applied properly. 

4. Ignoring Drainage Issues

A key component when resurfacing a court is having proper drainage. A pool of water on a court is more susceptible to cracks and erosion.

The most cost-effective process when reconstructing a court is to mill the existing surface down to the stone base. Redirecting water on a large hill, flood zone or location where water moves through is also necessary to keeping the court properly maintained over time. 

5. Overlooking a Flood Test on Newly Paved Courts Before Color Coating

A flood test is crucial to ensure that the newly paved court has proper drainage. If a newly paved court does not pass a flood test, it should not be color coated. Overlooking this test can result in water pooling on the court, which can damage the court’s color.

Questions about this? Email communications@ms.usta.com, or reach out to Keystone Sports Construction directly.