5 Reasons Your Tennis Court is Deteriorating
A well-maintained tennis court typically needs resurfacing only every four to eight years. However, if your court requires resurfacing more frequently, you might be missing critical maintenance practices that contribute significantly to the court’s overall condition, including surface paint and line markings.
While selecting high-quality surface paint is vital for the durability of your tennis court, several other overlooked factors may accelerate deterioration. By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce maintenance frequency.
- Improper Footwear
The primary factor causing accelerated wear on tennis courts is inappropriate footwear. Regular use naturally fades court lines, but shoes featuring studs, bars, or sharp tread patterns can severely damage the court surface quickly. Such footwear not only shortens the lifespan of your court but could also void surface warranties.
Displaying signage at the court entrance clearly indicating suitable footwear can effectively minimize this issue. Additionally, placing mats, scrapers or shoe-cleaning stations at the entrance will encourage players to clean their shoes, reducing surface damage and minimising cleaning requirements. It is equally crucial to restrict items like skateboards, bicycles and roller skates, as these can cause significant surface damage.
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Furniture and Machinery
Another common source of court damage is heavy or sharp objects, including furniture. Items like umpire chairs, benches and other tournament fixtures should never rest directly on the court surface. Always place protective boards or padding beneath furniture legs to distribute weight and prevent indentations.
Similarly, equipment such as pumps and spray machines should be positioned on plywood or other protective materials to avoid punctures or marks on the playing surface.
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Edge Maintenance
Maintaining a clear perimeter around the court is essential. A minimum clear area of 0.5 meters around the court fence should be kept free from vegetation. Regular application of suitable weed-killer helps create a barrier, preventing weeds from encroaching onto the court surface.
Avoid planting climbing vegetation like roses or clematis on perimeter fences. These plants may compromise the court surface with invasive root systems and could also damage fencing during severe weather conditions.
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Overhanging Trees
Overhanging branches present multiple threats to court integrity. Dripping water from branches can create slippery or discoloured patches on the court, promote algae and moss growth and erode court surfaces.
Additionally, aphids on branches secrete substances that form a sticky, dark residue, harming line markings and attracting birds. Bird droppings further damage the painted court surface, especially during warmer months. Regular pruning of tree branches that hang over or near the court is recommended to mitigate these issues.
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Surface Contamination
Contamination from substances like cigarette butts, chewing gum, petrol and oils can severely degrade tennis court surfaces. Placing clearly visible signs prohibiting these items will help maintain court cleanliness and prolong its lifespan.
Furthermore, never use salt or chemical de-icing agents on court surfaces, as these substances cause significant deterioration to the protective coatings and paint layers.