Tennis Court

• Design
• Construction
• Renovation
• Maintenance
• Rules & Regulations

Tennis Court Renovation

Renovation
Every tennis court eventually needs some type of renovation. The questions are how often and to what extent. Nonporous courts need the least, while porous courts need to be renovated yearly.
 
Nonporous Courts
The color finish system on nonporous courts will need to be reapplied every 4 to 6 years, depending on how clean the court is kept and the amount of contrast desired between the surface and the lines. Dirt can degrade the surface and sunlight can make the color fade. When this happens, the only solution is to recoat the surface and repaint the lines.
 
This is also a good time to fix any "bird-baths" that have appeared since the court was constructed or last renovated. Effective methods for eliminating these wet spots vary according to the surface material used in the construction of the court, and specific products have been developed for use with some of them. Court managers are advised to contact the manufacturer or distributor of the surfacing material for advice on correcting this problem.
 
Several other common tennis court problems can be fixed by simple renovation techniques, rather than total reconstruction. Spalling or raveling is the loss of material on an asphalt surface, a loss which is observed in small "chunks" rather than as a smooth wearing-away. This condition is usually caused by oxidation of unprotected asphalt. To correct raveling, overlay a thin coat (1") of asphalt and then apply a sealer or product designed for this purpose.
 
Another common tennis court problem is rust spots on the surface. Rust spots are the result of asphalt which is contaminated with iron oxide at the mixing plant. This problem is sometimes observed as rusty trails leading from the contaminated point toward the low side of the court. This contamination cannot be removed once the iron oxide is introduced to the surface, but new coatings have been developed to stop the spread of rust.
 
Another common problem is cracking of the surface. Some cracks are caused by heaving or cracking of the subsurface, and these cannot be repaired by a renovation process; they require reconstruction of the court. Smaller problems, such as hairline cracks, and "alligatoring" of the surface can be fixed with surface coatings. Moderate cracking, like networks of irregular shrinkage cracks, can be remedied by correspondingly moderate solutions, such as the application of a 1" top coat of asphalt. Check with distributors of coatings for methods of application.
 
Clay Courts and Fast-Dry Courts
At least once a year, a clay court should be loosened and leveled to fill in low spots. The United States Tennis Association recommends topdressing the surface with material that matches the existing surface. (Ten cubic yards are recommended for each court.)
 
A good process to follow is to start with a water-filled roller (30" diameter with a 36" width) to firm the surface. Next, scratch the surface with a nail drag 2" deep to bring new clay to the surface. Then topdress, use a level bar to smooth the surface, drag the surface with a mat drag, and roll again. Finally, sprinkle a thin layer of clean sharp sand over the surface and roll again. The court is ready for marking.
 
Fast-dry courts should receive similar topdressing, but should not be scarified. These courts will require only about 10% (by weight) of the topdressing material used on clay courts. Fast-dry material can be spread with a fertilizer-type mechanical spreader.
 
As mentioned above, another common renovation process is to upgrade a clay court by adding a thin layer (3/8") of fast-dry material without a chemical binder on top of the clay. This process takes approximately 5 tons of fast-dry material to resurface the entire area of 60 x 120 feet. First, scarify the clay at least ½" and level the surface. Then, apply one ton of fast-dry material, mix it into the clay using rakes or a scarifying tool like a ½" drag, and roll. Make five applications over the entire court until all the material is used.
 
Grass Courts
After each competitive season, grass courts should be renovated to maintain the quality of play. To remedy low spots, remove the sod in a section at least 36" square (most low spots will require the removal of a substantially larger section) and scarify the soil. Then add soil that matches the existing medium, and seed or sod. Sodding is a better choice because seeding requires an extended establishment period (one year or more) for the turf to reach maturity to permit play. For routine surface leveling, even on courts with no low spots, topdress the entire surface with matching soil and drag or level. Before topdressing, core aerate if necessary to relieve compaction.