Do you ever wonder why tennis courts crack under the tennis net? It’s a common sight at any tennis court – the asphalt or concrete base begins to split and crumble near where the net is placed. Hiring the right contractor to repair and resurface the court can help prevent this from happening.
Read more: How to Fill Cracks on a Tennis Court.
Many people assume it’s because of all the weight the net puts on the surface, but that’s not the case. Read on to find out what causes this issue and how it can be fixed.
Reasons for Tennis Court Cracking Under the Net
Tennis courts are subjected to a lot of wear and tear over time, which can lead them to crack underneath the tennis net. Several factors can contribute to this problem, including:
1. Poor Construction
Some materials used in constructing a tennis court include:
a) Asphalt –
Asphalt is a popular material used for outdoor courts, as it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. However, if not installed properly—or if the asphalt mix has too much sand—it can be prone to cracking and other damage.
b) Clay –
Clay courts are renowned for their slow play speed and beautiful aesthetics, but they can be expensive to install and require regular maintenance. Clay courts are made of a combination of different layers, which must be laid properly to remain stable over time.
2. Weather Extremes
Tennis courts can suffer from cracking due to exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, and moisture. Heat can cause asphalt to expand and contract faster than it’s designed to do, while cold temperatures can make the material brittle and subject to cracking. Moisture can also shrink or swell materials used in constructing a court, causing them to crack under the stress of the net.
3. Poor Maintenance
Tennis courts must be routinely inspected and maintained to remain level, stable and safe. If a court isn’t cared for properly or hasn’t been resurfaced recently, it can be vulnerable to cracking underneath the net due to wear and tear over time.
Tips To Avoid Cracking Under a Tennis Net
1. Install a durable net system:
Installing a high-quality net system and post will help keep the net from sagging in and putting extra strain on the court surface. The posts should be installed deep into the ground to ensure they are secure, and the net should be of an appropriate tension for the court surface.
2. Make regular repairs:
Even with a well-installed net, the court should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear. If cracks or damage occur, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.
3. Re-level the base of the net:
Having an unlevel net base can cause uneven tension on the court surface and exacerbate cracking. Anytime a net is installed or repaired, the base should be re-leveled to ensure it is even and secure.
Call Talbot Tennis for the best tennis court contractors. We specialize in resurfacing tennis courts and repairing courts that have suffered from cracked asphalt, a common issue. Our experienced professionals can provide the necessary repair work to restore your court’s surface so you can start playing again.