If your existing hard court has falling into complete disrepair, and the many attempts to solve the extensive cracking, net post upheaval and root damage are unsuccessful, then let us rebuild your court. This process allows us to identify any sub-base problems such as soft clay, root damage and voids, underground water. (We once found a tree under the court; it had been cut down and left under the court) This gives us the opportunity to rectify these problems, so the new court surface does not crack.
This can be done without removing the existing fencing, except for equipment access. There is a removal and dumping costs, as would be in removing the entire asphalt surface. This process unlike asphalt overlaying gives us a window into the possible causes of the court damage. With this reclaiming process TCM SA will guarantee the courts for two years as in a new court installation.
So you have a few cracks in your court. Just about everyone have cracks in their court.
Hairline, Surface or Structural Cracks?
Generally, a crack is a crack and it will almost always come back. This is especially true if it is a structural or reflective type crack. If someone tries to tell you differently, ask him or her to complete the repairs and give you an unconditional guarantee for just one year that the cracks will not come back. You won't get it.
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Let's consider the cracks on your court and decide the best way to treat them.
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Are the cracks wide enough to fill with Plasticor crack filler materials?
If the cracks are only "hairline, not wide enough to accept crack filling material, then forget about them. When the coating applications are applied, they'll be sealed and covered over.
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Are the cracks shallow in depth, or do they go all the way through the surface (about 2mm to 3mm thick) to the gravel base? (use a pocket knife, screw-driver or similar object, to determine the depth of the cracks).
If the cracks do not exceed 2mm in width, are shallow in depth, and do not go all the way to the base material, you can flush the cracks with water and fill them.
Wide Cracks? Deep Cracks?
If the cracks have penetrated completely through the surface (structural cracks) to the gravel base, then you can be reasonably sure that much of the water gathering on the surface is being drained off the court through the structural cracks. When this occurs, much of the fine gravel below can be washed away leaving voids and channels under the surface. The voids and channels in the gravel base need to be filled to prevent water from gathering under the surface like miniature lakes and rivers. In cold climates the water will freeze during the winter months and can cause heaving of the surface. In most cases, this situation can be remedied at a minimum cost and effort. Cracks wider than 3mm
Preparation of Cracks Prior to Filling
Cracks must be cleaned of dust, dirt, mildew (if any) and debris including vegetation. Flushing out the crack with high pressure water will usually do the job. Apply weed killer if necessary.
Treating Surface Cracks (Asphalt & Concrete Sport Surfaces)
For surface cracks up to 2mm wide, we recommend filling the cracks with "Plasticor" Crack Filler. "Plasticor" Crack Filler is elastomeric filler that remains flexible even in extremely cold weather. "Plasticor" comes in 5-litre tins and is ready to use. There is no mixing or addition of any other materials. Apply with a rubber squeegee, colors Green or Biscuit Red. |
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Application of "Plasticor"
Use"Plasticor" from the pail as is. Do not dilute. Stir well before using. Work material down into the crack using a rectangular trowel or hand held putty knife. Wipe off excess material with a damp cloth before it dries to prevent material build-up on the court surface. It requires a great deal of unnecessary effort to scrape off excess dried material from the court surface afterwards if it is not removed while filling cracks.
Coverage for "Plasticor" crack fillers in 5 litre pails:
Approximately 30 linear meters of 3mm wide by 10mm deep cracks per 1 x 5 litre pails
"Plasticor" both come in three colors. Biscuit, Green and Red
Clean Up
Wash all tools with water. If material has dried, use water.
Cautions
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Read the container label before using. Follow label instructions.
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Do not apply when rain is imminent or forecast
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Close containers when not in use
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Do not store in direct sunlight or where temperature may exceed 100 degrees F.
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KEEP FROM FREEZING
For more info please contact us if any quotations are required to keep your courts in good condition do not let them get beyond resurfacing.
Kind Regards
Fred & Leigh Blomkamp
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