Not the most gripping of titles I know, but I see moreproblems with this artificial sports surface than mostothers. The actual management requirement of thesesurfaces is low in comparison to grass and with the addedbenefit that they sustain high volumes of repetitive wear,normally recover from bad weather with ease, produce goodplayability performance factors and are fairly cheap tomaintain. But the main question I am normally asked is,"how do you maintain them?" The answer is to ensure thatcertain key operations are regularly undertaken afterinstallation in order to promote the best level of playabilityas well as maintaining the quality of the surface for as longas possible. Nevertheless, replacement is inevitable, and atthis time guidance is often needed on what options to take.However, the life span for these surfaces can be dramaticallyimproved if the correct management programme is inplaceA typical construction profile would show: a firm gravel orscalping sub-base, a coarse binding layer of tar macadam and afiner grade of porous tarmac as the top layer. Hopefully, thesub-base layer is coupled with a drainage system Thesecharacteristics should ensure good drainage in wet conditions.There are many variations of the design, but this profile is typicalfor courts over five years old. Modern versions are slightly morecomplicated and the increase in complexity is reflected in greaterlongevity and subtle improvements in playability.
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