Having a tennis court on one's property can be a great luxury; after all, a well-maintained tennis court provides an opportunity for recreation and exercise. However, a poorly maintained tennis court can be a real hazard. Fortunately, no matter how bad the state of a tennis court may be, there are always repairs that can be done to restore a court to its original glory.
Tennis Court Crack Repair
One of the most common problems--especially in asphalt tennis courts--is the development of cracks along the surface of the court itself. These cracks are often caused by exposure to weather elements along with extreme fluctuations in temperature, which cause the asphalt to expand and contract.
There are two different types of tennis court cracks: surface and structural. The best-case scenario is that a crack is just a surface crack as these are much easier and less expensive to repair. Structural cracks, on the other hand, are often indicative of a larger problem that will continue to recur unless the court is completely resurfaced.
For surface crack repairs, tennis court owners should typically expect to spend a minimum of a few thousand dollars, plus about $20 per linear square foot of crack repair. For structural repairs, costs can easily climb upward of $8,000.
Tennis Court Color Fading
Another common problem that tennis courts tend to experience over time is color fading, usually due to prolonged sun exposure. While this doesn't affect the surface of the court itself, color fading can make it difficult for tennis players to see the lines painted on the court and may result in a less enjoyable playing experience.
Fortunately, fixing a faded tennis court is as simple as re-coating. Depending on the size of the court, this can usually be done for around $5,000 and should last for several years.
Tennis Court Resurfacing
Over time, a tennis court will naturally develop some imperfections such as drainage issues, poor leveling, peeling and the like. This happens as the ground on which the court was built naturally shifts. Unfortunately, these things are usually inevitable.
As a result, it's generally recommended that tennis court owners have their courts professionally resurfaced at least once every four to eight years, depending on how quickly the damage occurs and how severe it is. Having a tennis court resurfaced is a great way to make the court look and feel like brand new. However, it also comes with a pretty hefty price tag.
Other Tennis Court Repairs
Aside from the most common tennis court repairs mentioned above, there are some other repairs that sometimes become necessary. For example, bubbles and blisters can begin to appear in tennis court surfaces over time. Unfortunately, these imperfections are usually the result of poor construction or a bad water drainage system.
Fortunately, bubble and blister repair is quite simple and relatively inexpensive, usually costing just a few hundred dollars per spot to repair.
Rust spots are another common problem that can occur on tennis courts. These are especially common on asphalt courts. While rust spots are more of an eyesore than anything else, they can lead to small, sunken spots and imperfections in the court's surface over time and will eventually affect game play if not repaired. Fortunately, rust spot removal typically costs under $100.
Why Not DIY?
Some tennis court owners in an effort to save themselves money will try to complete their own tennis court repairs. However, this is strongly discouraged as DIY repairs often don't last long and can actually make problems worse in the long run.
For instance, DIY tennis court crack repair often results in cracks returning down the road, especially if the crack was a structural one to begin with. Unfortunately, crack repair products on the market typically aren't made for tennis courts, and the few that are usually aren't professional grade. To make sure the job gets done correctly and in a timely manner, it's always best to hire a professional.
Special Considerations
Tennis court owners considering the option of resurfacing their courts in the near future have some other considerations to keep in mind as well. For example, when resurfacing, they may want to consider the option of adding more color to change the overall look and feel of the court itself. Furthermore, since tennis courts can often double as courts for other sports, it may be a good idea to consider having blended lines painted for multiple sports.
Finally, cushion layers are a popular addition when having a tennis court resurfaced these days. A cushion layer provides a more comfortable surface and can also help to cut down on the possibility of sustaining injuries while playing.
