When you notice a crack in your tennis court, it’s time to start the repair process. Cracking in asphalt and concrete surfaces is one of the most common problems when it comes to tennis courts. Because it’s so common, many tennis court owners may take on repairs as a DIY project. But is this the best idea?
We’re going to give you some answers so you can make an informed decision. As we take a closer look at what causes cracks in the first place, we’ll also look at the benefits of fixing tennis court cracks with a tennis court resurfacing company sooner rather than later. At North State Resurfacing, we want you to have the smoothest tennis court possible for your game. Let’s begin!
What Causes Tennis Courts to Crack?
Age
The age of your tennis court is one of the main reasons why it may crack. Since many are made from asphalt, it becomes harder as it cures. When it is first installed, it will stay pliable and soft. It can also withstand cold temperatures. But, with age and as it cures, it can become brittle. The oils that make the asphalt pliable can begin to dry out, shrinking the area.
Once the court becomes brittle, a change in temperature can stress the asphalt, forming a crack. It may start off small at first, but as rain fills the inside of the crack, freezes, and then expands, the crack gets larger.
Setting or Shrinking
If cracks form due to setting or shrinking, it is a sign of poor sub-base construction and poor compaction. This can happen if there is something buried under the tennis court surface, making the court unusable. When this happens, it is usually impossible to fix the crack. Hiring a court contractor to build a new court is the best option.
Poor Quality Mixes
You may start noticing that your tennis court is cracking if poor materials are used in the construction. Lower-quality mixes won’t last as long, leading to cracks and other surface issues.
Weather
Weather is another common cause of cracks. When the sun is out, your court can heat up a lot. As the sun sets, the temperature will drop drastically. This can add to the tension of your court, leading it to crack. As we mentioned above, cold weather can also lead to cracks as water freezes between them. One of the best ways to protect your court is to ensure that water can’t penetrate cracks on the court’s surface.
Can You Fix a Tennis Court Crack on Your Own?
Many people may look at tennis court crack repair as a DIY project. But you should only think about this if the crack is less than 1/2″ wide. If you do decide to take this route, you’ll have to clean the cracks, fill them with a sand/backer rod, and then use a caulk that matches the color of your court.
When trying to fix tennis court cracks on your own, be sure to clean all cracks thoroughly and dry them out. Remember, fixing a tennis court crack is a constant maintenance issue because the surface area will continue to need attention. Once the cracks are visible, you’ll want to keep up with them every year.
There are many products on the market that can help with repairing cracks that have formed, including specialized crack fillers and crack sealants specifically designed for tennis court repairs. Quality products will ensure that your court remains safe and playable while also achieving long-lasting repair.
When selecting a product for tennis court crack repair, it is important to look for UV protection, flexibility, and durability. Crack fillers should be able to easily penetrate deep into the crack while sealants work best when applied in multiple layers. It is also important to use a product that will bond well with the existing surface material so that repeated applications are not necessary.
Professional Tennis Court Crack Repair
Once you try to do it yourself, you’ll see that filling cracks is not as easy as it looks. It requires precision and often special equipment, both of which professionals have. Having a tennis court contractor look at your affected areas will produce the best outcomes. Getting a professional from the start will ensure that the job is getting done right the first time.
With professional tennis court crack repair, you can also have your contractor return to check for any new cracks. Setting up a maintenance schedule can also spot other issues before they become larger problems.
Products Used to Fix a Tennis Court Crack
When you need to have a tennis court crack repaired, you’ll want to consider the depth of the cracks and what caused them. While this can be difficult for non-professionals, a tennis court contractor will have a better idea. They will assess the court’s appearance and determine the best tennis court crack fillers to use.
Typically, the products used include:
- Tennis court crack filler
- Asphalt sealer
- Asphalt resurfacer
- Cold mix for shallow repairs
If you are new to tennis court cracks, you’ll want to leave it to professional tennis court contractors to make sure the right products are being used.
Benefits of Repairing Asphalt Tennis Court Cracks
One of the worst things you can do is ignore tennis court cracks! They won’t go away on their own and will only get worse. Here are some of the benefits of taking care of tennis court crack as soon as it appears:
Safety
When there are cracks, it can lead to sinking areas which are dangerous. Players can trip or twist an ankle and seriously injure themselves.
Longer Lifespan
Using tennis court repair crack fillers can make your tennis court last longer. This decreases the time for repairs and lets you enjoy the court longer.
Better Looking
A tennis court that has been fixed looks better than one with cracks. Making the surface smooth will increase property value and make for a better player experience.
Improved Quality of Play
When there are cracks in your court, it can lead to unpredicted bounces and poor play. With the right tennis court repairs, you can have a better court to play on, improving your game.
These benefits are just a few reasons why you want to have your tennis court cracks repaired sooner rather than later.
Contact Us for Your Tennis Court Surface Needs
At North State Resurfacing, we can take care of all of your tennis court needs. We can repair structural cracks in your tennis courts and take on any resurfacing projects that may arise. We also have a full line of tennis court supplies and accessories. Call us today at (919) 365-7500 to learn more about our services and products.