I’ll bet you didn’t know the folks at Black Diamond play a wicked game of tennis. That’s right, when it comes to tennis courts, we are simply ACE. Tennis courts are an important and valued amenity enjoyed by many of our clients’ residents, and when it comes to desiring a smooth, well-maintained surface, tennis players call the shots. There is nothing worse than having a stray crack or fissure throw off the perfect trajectory (unless, of course, you can blame the poor court for your loss).
Maintaining a quality playing surface is much like maintaining the other paved surfaces around your property…with a bit more fussiness added in, due to the nature of its use. There are several things you can do to ensure your tennis courts stay inviting and pristine for anyone from the most casual to the most serious player. Here are just a few:
- Grab your Sherlock hat and magnifying glass. Begin by doing a careful yearly inspection. Look for signs of wear such as fissures and cracking across the surface. If you see those lines emerging, the time to seal them is now to avoid costly repairs later.
- Dry it up. Examine the surface for areas where water may collect. Those areas, commonly referred to as birdbaths, tend to be magnets for stray gravel and debris that are then tracked across the court, contributing to wear and tear. If you can, eliminate the source of the water. Checking drains to ensure they are working properly is a good place to start.
- Get out the broom. Engage in monthly or even weekly maintenance, blowing or sweeping off debris that accumulates on the surface due to nearby vegetation and foot traffic.
- Rock and roll…somewhere else. Consider eliminating non-tennis activities on your court such as biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding. A smooth surface may be great fun for all sorts of wheeled activities, but all that zipping back and forth will take its toll on the life of the court.
- Pickleball, perhaps? If your courts seem to stand empty much of the time it may be that your residents will be well served by a simple conversion to Pickleball. This rapidly growing trend has gained a cult following and is played on a badminton sized court with a lowered net. Rather than a tennis ball and racket, it is played with a perforated plastic ball and smaller wooden paddles.
- Go with an expert. Choose an experienced contractor who specializes in tennis court maintenance and repairs. Resurfacing a court requires some very specialized procedures and an experienced crew—it’s not a project for just anyone.
- Plan to play. Include the tennis court area into your short-term and long-term budgeting and plans. We can help in assessing and adding this component to your overall portfolio of needs and goals.
When it comes to a well-rounded knowledge base and skill set for all your surface needs, we are a SMASH. Call us today to talk about how your tennis court game can improve and add value to your property. Game. Set. PAVE.
