English tennis courts are made with an open-textured macadam surface, which allows the rain water to penetrate through it, rather than off it (as in roads).
The re-surfacing of your court will involve the following process:
1
The whole surface is “spiked” with holes, approximately 18” apart which are filled with washed gravel, to ensure perfect drainage of the courts after the new macadam surface is laid.
2
Any “dips” in any part of the existing old surface are regulated to ensure a perfectly flat finished surface, once the new macadam is laid.
3
At the same time, the old surface is removed approximately 10” away from the existing kerbs. This allows for the new macadam layer to lie flush with the tops of these kerbs. Original kerbs that may have “dropped” will be reset. Those courts that have already had a resurface, may require new kerbs around the perimeter.
4
Whilst the courts are being “spiked”, tests will be carried on the soundness of all the net post sockets. If deemed to be failing (the concrete plinth holding them is lifting or there is a lean on the posts), then they will be dug out and replaced with new ones. Otherwise, to cater for the increase of surface levels, and to meet LTA post height specifications, extensions (collars) will be placed around the existing sockets.
5
New centre band ground anchors are fitted as standard, again to meet the new surface height.
6
When the old court surface is finally prepared, it is covered with an adhesive to bond the old surface with the new macadam layer.
7
The macadam is then laid in bays running longitudinally along the length of the courts. Depending on the condition of the court, Richard will decide if there will be either 4 or 6 bays laid per court. The art of a good resurfacing team is for those seams (between one bay and the next), being under the final tennis lines.
8
Temporary tennis lines are then applied to the new surface for play to commence approximately 5 days later (subject to weather). The surface is then allowed to oxidise (approximately 7 to 8 weeks) before Richard gives the court a light wash prior to his painting of them.
