FAQ

CRACKING OF ASPHALT TENNIS COURTS

The most common problem with asphalt tennis courts is pavement cracking. Cracking in asphalt is caused, at least in part, by the natural tendency of asphalt to shrink as it weathers, oxidizes and ages. In addi􏰀on, asphalt loses its flexibility as it ages, making it more bri􏰁le. Since shrinking and becoming more bri􏰁le with age are proper􏰀es of the material, cracking in asphalt tennis courts is inevitable.

Quality design and construc􏰀on can minimize or delay cracking but cannot eliminate it. Once cracking begins, no ma􏰁er which method is used for repair, generally, the cracks will reappear.

There are many types of asphalt cracks. Surface cracks include hairline cracks (small irregular cracks present over large areas of the court), alligator cracks (a pa􏰁ern of interlocking cracks over the surface resembling an alligator hide) and shrinkage cracks (a random pa􏰁ern of interconnected cracks with irregular angles and sharp corners). In most cases, surface cracks do not affect the play of the game; however, if untreated, they will develop into more serious cracks and will require more extensive repair.

Pavement cracks include heat checking (a hairline crack pa􏰁ern which follows the direc􏰀on of rolling), structural cracks (large cracks which penetrate the asphalt pavement), reflec􏰀on cracks (which occur in asphalt surface overlays and mirror a crack pa􏰁ern in the pavement underneath), radial cracks (which appear at the point where the concrete net post, light pole or fence post foo􏰀ngs meet the asphalt court surface) and se􏰁lement cracks (which result from paving over a poorly compacted or poorly drained subbase).

There are at least four methods of crack repair - crack filler, infrared patching, a proprietary fabric repair system and full depth repair with either crack filler or hot mix asphalt. Repairing many cracks may leave the court with an una􏰁rac􏰀ve, freckled appearance; however, resurfacing will correct this unsightly condi􏰀on. Because there are various causes of cracking, differences in sizes and numbers of cracks, and various op􏰀ons for crack repair, an owner would be wise to consult an experienced contractor or design professional to determine the best op􏰀ons for repair. It is important to note, however, that eventually cracks will reappear or new cracks will form. All methods of repair will provide some addi􏰀onal life for the court and some methods will extend the useful life of the court by many years, but if the owner is seeking a long term solu􏰀on, the court should be reconstructed.

Differences in site, weather and soil condi􏰀ons require varia􏰀ons in construc􏰀on and repair methods and materials. Readers are advised to consult a qualified contractor or design professional before undertaking construc􏰀on or repair of a court. Rev. 01/04

Source: American Sports Builders Associa􏰀on