Prep work is the foundation for successful performance of any sports surface, especially Tennis Courts. Properly preparing the existing surface (base) before it receives any type of new overlay or even just acrylic paint should be common sense. Surprisingly, many problems arise from this lack of attention to detail.  A proper foundation is paramount for building any sort of structure. Most surfacing problems arise from improper base preparation.

Which leads us to the question; what is an acceptable level of preparation?  The manual for the American Sports Builders Association will tell you that for asphalt surfacing that filling any birdbaths deeper than the width of a nickel and all cracks with an acceptable blend of a concrete latex patch mix is acceptable. If the cracks are wider than an inch and a half and seem to run all the way through the base; then filling with sand, concrete, and then a latex patch mix is the standard. This is a generally accepted method for crack filling, and once sanded smooth the surface is ready for acrylic.  So why should anyone expect anything less than these standards for an overlay system?

A rule of thumb for all overlay systems, ranging from cushioned all weather courts to synthetic grass court, is that abnormalities in the base will reflect through to the surface. Depressions will not be hidden by placing another surface on top, and any gaps left in the existing base may translate either by being cosmetically visible or producing less than standard ball bounce (dead spots). The “prep work” section of a tennis construction proposal just may be the most important part. So, make sure your surface preparation is perfect and give your tennis court a chance to perform as designed.

For more information on cracks visit the link here:

http://sportsbuilders.org/tennis/guidelines/section_2Q.cfm

For more information on crack filling read the Opinion Line titled Crack Filling 101 from a 2008 edition of the American Sports Builders Association here:

http://sportsbuilders.org/newsletter/volume41_july.cfm#opinionline

These depressions could also be a result from improper construction or base preparation. Meaning that the courts could have been constructed using an improper slope, organic materials in the subsoil, improper compaction of the sub grade, or even bad drainage around the site. Over enough time most courts “settle” even with a perfect installation because of materials in the subgrade or site drainage issues.

There are 3 ready solutions for birdbaths, and they range in application and price. The cheapest option would be to apply multiple coats of an acrylic patch mix, once built up and flush with the surrounding areas and sanded smooth the courts could be painted. Next, you could tear out the court, or re-mill the asphalt giving a new surface. One of the most effective options would be to employ a modern day synthetic overlay system; they range in style, cost, and construction, but may also be the most cost effective. Depending on the court and its condition.

Causes for cracking in asphalt courts vary regionally. The quality and the composition of the asphalt mix can definitely be a factor. In previous years the court contractor would have been able to customize the mix design for a tennis court. Today the contractor is at the mercy of the (asphalt) plant, and what they are running as their day-to-day “mix”. Which most likely is for use in roads and highways. The amount of AC (asphalt cement) in the mix today is much less than in previous decades, and todays base processors that lessen the quality of the AC have compromised asphalt quality. This means asphalt pavement dries out and oxidizes rather quickly becoming brittle over time and makes it more susceptible to damage from weather conditions such as freeze/thaw, temperature shifts, and ground moisture or drought.

A tennis court is only as good as its base, but over enough time all asphalt courts will eventually deteriorate. It really just becomes a questions as to the severity of the damage.

So, preventative action consisting of choosing a good site, quality contractor, and correct surface for your needs, becomes invaluable. Reputable contractors can be found through the ASBA (www.sportsbuilders.org). If cracking does occur and the courts become unplayable, there are alternatives to removing the existing surface, such as overlay systems (www.ngisports.com). Professionals are available there to help with all of your tennis court needs.