Get Set!

In order to ensure that your track can last a long time for your runners, it is important to afford it the proper care. This means being strict about the use of the track. Running tracks are specifically made for running and walking only, not roller blading, roller skating, skate boarding, bicycle riding, and motorized vehicles. These various activities will place too much pressure on your track and can tear the surface, which leaves an uneven and dangerous surface for runners.  At the end of the day, running tracks are designed and built for athletes to compete on. We don’t recommend doing anything on the surface other than its intended use. One good practice to help avoid this is to place a sign listing these restrictions near your running track so that people are fully aware of what not to do. At Byrne & Jones, we like to make sure each job site has one of these signs to help deter non runners and walkers.

Just like with most surfaces, it is important to keep it clean. Loose debris can scratch up the surface, and more importantly, create an unsafe surface for people to run and walk on. Tracks should be washed down and swept regularly to ensure that debris and trash are not causing damage. Apart from damaging the surface, having a clean surface will help to keep your track looking great.

If your running track is starting to look dull or you’re beginning to see the black mat through the colored surface, it may be time for a track respray. A track respray is a new wearing course surface for your existing track surface. At Byrne & Jones, our experts will go in and spray a new 2 millimeter thick coating, which is under warranty for 3 to 5 years. Think of this as a surface maintenance that will extend the overall life of the running track system. Respraying your track every 6-8 years will ensure that you maximize the life of the system. Respraying can help to extend the life of your track.

Notice any cracks? These can form from weather conditions as well as wear over time. Cracks typically start to form on the outside or inside edges of the track and should be repaired right away to prevent further damage. If the cracks are in the upper base of the track, this can typically be repaired with patching. If the cracks go deeper, there may be an asphalt or subbase issue, which would need a larger repair.  Cracks going into the asphalt could mean that it’s time to remove all of the track surface and investigate what’s going on below.

Go!

To conclude, you can save yourself from a lot of headache down the road if your track is installed professionally to begin with. With these basic maintenance tips and care of your running tracks, you can have a track that can last beyond 20 years. Take care of your track, and take care of your athletes by trusting the experts at Byrne & Jones. Give us a call at (314) 254-9766.

Click here to check out some of our completed projects, or check out our Sports Construction Instagram.

What to consider when selecting a site for a tennis court

The site for your tennis court is the single most important decision in the overall construction of your court(s)! There are good sites, bad sites, expensive sites, and sites with little to no access. The best site is one that is flat. The less dirt you move the better as it will be less expensive to build and could even take less time to construct. Think about the expense in hauling dirt off site, building a retaining wall, or having to build the site up.

Soil Conditions

In order for you to get the maximum life from your court, you need a strong foundation. That means good, dry, stable soils. If the ground moves, or water is present, your courts will have a lot of issues down the road. It is a good idea to hire a qualified geotechnical engineer to perform a soil analysis.

Sloping and Drainage 

Proper slope of the subgrade is critical to allow water drainage away from the court. The ground should be reasonably level, preferably on the same plane or higher than adjacent land. The finished subgrade should be 4 to 6 inches above the surrounding ground. If your site has a high water table, you may need to install underdrains or construct a drainage system to address the water issues.

Court Positioning 

The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), recommends tennis courts be built in a north-south orientation, which prevents players from having to stare into the sun during the morning or afternoon. This detail can account for better and more enjoyable play for the athletes.

Trees and Vegetation

Trees and vegetation can create additional maintenance challenges. If tree roots migrate, they can damage the surface. It is best to keep them as far away as possible to prevent these issues and save you money down the road.

Contractor

Tennis court construction is a highly specialized project. For that reason, it is important to select a contractor who has extensive experience with tennis court construction. One general tip we recommend is hiring a contractor who is an active member of the American Sports Builders Association. Be sure to ask the contractor for references from past clients and visit completed projects before signing them on.

Check out this completed project of an 8 court installation! 

What are the dimensions of a tennis court?

Regulation tennis courts for doubles play is 60 x 120 feet. You must allow additional space around the perimeter for construction and maintenance access.

What are the different types of court surfaces?

There are four main types of court surfaces: clay, hard, carpet/synthetic, and grass. Each offers a different style of playing as the bounce is affected by the surface.

Clay: Clay courts are composed of crushed shale, stone, or brick. This surface is known for allowing a slower and higher bounce as this surface helps to slow down the ball. Baseline players who enjoy a topspin and longer rallies typically prefer playing on clay courts as this can help a player focus on developing their skills. Some players also enjoy clay courts more as this softer surface can reduce the impact on one’s joints. However, clay courts require more maintenance in order to keep the surface right for the bounce of the tennis ball.

Hard: Hard courts are typically made out of concrete or asphalt with an acrylic surface layer. This type of surface allows for the ball to bounce fast and high and is most common because the bounce of the ball is more predictable. Asphalt courts can last 12-18 years and offer a softer surface compared to concrete. Concrete courts are found to be less susceptible to cracking.

Carpet/Synthetic: These courts consist of a removable court covering. Carpet courts allow the ball to bounce fast and low. While less expensive to build and less maintenance required, this court can be difficult on the knees as the ball tends to bounce lower.

Grass: Grass courts allow for a quick play as the ball bounces lower. This court surface requires the most maintenance out of the four as it can be expensive to build and maintain. However, it can be softer on the joints.

What is the cost of building a tennis court?

Each tennis court installation is dependent on the amount of work that goes into preparing the site. Each court will also vary depending on what options are selected such as fence type, lighting, retaining walls, water runoff management, permits, and local requirements, which can raise or lower the price. The different court surface types will also vary in range. However, a basic asphalt court will start at $50,000.

Ready to play? Check out these tennis terms.

Now that you know the details of what goes into building a tennis court, you will be better prepared. Ready to start building a tennis court? We got you covered! At Byrne & Jones, we are a 7-time ASBA Excellence Award Winners including 12 ASBA Certified Builders. Trust the experts, and give us a call at (314) 254-9766.