GAME, SET & SELECT
15 Mar 2017
As specialists in sports court construction and surface maintenance, Wm Loud offers sound advice on the best way to select and maintain the right tennis court surface for good play and longevity.
William Loud has been building and maintaining tennis courts for over one hundred years. Having worked on courts like the Australian Open, Wm Loud has the experience and the expert knowledge to assist clients in choosing the best play surfaces for their needs.
For years Wm Loud have been confronted with clients who claim, “I was told it was a no maintenance surface.” It is at times a rather delicate task to advise them that in fact, there is no such thing as a ‘no maintenance’ surface.
Every court, from acrylic surfaces and synthetic grasses to En Tout Cas or clay surfaces, requires some degree of maintenance to keep it operating in top condition long term. Court maintenance is the key! Preventative cleaning and regular inspections prevent permanent damage and save money in the long run.
The level of maintenance required will depend in part on the court environment. For instance, if the court is surrounded by shaded trees, particularly to the north, moss and mould can become an issue. Or, if the court is located near a dusty building site, a higher level of consistent maintenance will be required.
Maintenance requirements also differ depending on the type of court surface. Acrylic courts, for example, will require a different approach to a synthetic grass court. Here’s what to watch out for:
ACRYLIC COURTS | Acrylic courts require basic cleaning, including blowing off any organic matter from the surface before it rots and leaves an unsightly mark on the surface. Any gravel or stained material should be swept or blown off as soon as possible to prevent damage to the surface. Bird and bat droppings can also be hazardous to acrylic courts and should be cleaned off as quickly as possible. This can be done with a clean cloth and water.
Depending on the amount of dirt that accumulates on the surface over time, Wm Loud recommend a pressure clean every 1 to 2 years. It is important to note, every pressure clean removes a small amount of the surface, so cleaning too often will lead to premature wearing of the court.
SYNTHETIC GRASS | Synthetic grass courts require a similar regime. Organic matter again should be blown off or removed from the surface. Synthetic grass courts should also be groomed/cleaned approximately once a year to keep mould and mildew infestation at bay.
CLAY and EN TOUT CAS | Clay and En Tout Cas surfaces require a far higher level of maintenance, including bagging after every match and regular watering.
GENERAL | Grass invasion can be a major problem for any court surface. Grass, particularly Kikuyu, can severely damage the court pavement if not regularly sprayed. A regular inspection for tree root damage around the perimeter of the court will also save a large repair bill further down the track.
If you have a question regarding your court and not sure if it requires maintenance or cleaning, give the team at William Loud a call on 03 9364 9199 or email wmloud@wmloud.com.au
