5 Common Tennis Court Marking Materials

There are several materials used for tennis court marking. You can apply some of these materials by hand, whilst the others require certain line marking equipment. Here are 5 of the most common materials used for the tennis court marking:

1.   Powder/Chalk

Powder or chalk is used to create a temporary line on the tennis court. This serves as a guide before the taping and painting process can begin. Frequently used on grass tennis court surfaces, powder can be applied using a dry line marker. Alternatively, it can also be combined with a liquid substance so that it can be applied using a spray marker or a wheel marker.

2.   Tape

A tape is one of the most common marking materials.  Usually laid above the temporary chalk lines, a tape liner or tape machine is also used to apply parallel masking tape with different widths. You can also permanently secure a specific type of tape to the tennis court using screws or tacks. This is usually done on clay tennis court surfaces.

Note: The tape should match the width of the tape liner.  

3.   Paint

Paint is applied between the tape lines. Some of the most common tools used for painting include a paint brush, roller and sponge. Make sure that the paint is dry before pulling off the tape to prevent line imperfections.

4.   Aerosol

Aerosol is a substance (under pressure) placed in a dispensing system that is discharged as a fine spray. This material is used on grass and solid surfaces. It can be applied by hand or with an aerosol applicator.

5.   Other Liquids

There are emulsions, water-based paints and other types of liquids that can be used to mark a tennis court. Applied on grass and artificial tennis court surfaces, these liquids typically come in a concentrated and a “ready-to-use” product. Spray markers and transfer wheel markers are commonly used to in their application.

If you want a hassle-free tennis court marking service, Dragon Courts is the specialist you can trust. For more information, you can visit our website or contact us on 01572 770404.

5 Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Tennis Court Cleaner

Keeping tennis courts well maintained and safe to use can be a daunting task. You need help from a professional tennis court cleaner to keep your tennis court in the best playable condition. Which company should you trust? Here are 5 things that you should consider when choosing a tennis court cleaner:

1. Years of experience

Time hones anyone’s knowledge and skills. Check how many years your prospect company has been operating in this field. A trustworthy company is one that has been operating for a longer period of time.

2. Service

See if they offer a wide range of services for their customers. It is best to choose a company that offers all types of tennis court maintenance – cleaning, painting, marking, etc.

3. Testimonials

You can read some of the feedback or customer testimonials to learn more about the way in which each company treats their clients and the quality of their services. Look for testimonials on the company’s website or read information on forums. A company that often receives positive feedback from their previous clients is the right company for you.

4. Equipment and Techniques

Check what kind of equipment they use. Are they using the most advanced cleaning materials? This is also where transparency comes in. A company that is happy to inform you regarding the details of their services is a trustworthy company.

5. Price

One of the most important points for consideration is the price! Check if the price of the tennis court maintenance services is in line with your budget.

Keep your tennis court well-maintained with the help of professional tennis court cleaners. If you are looking for a tennis court cleaner, call Dragon Courts on 01572 770404.

What to Remove from a Tennis Court

The things that need to be removed from a tennis court fall under two categories: short-term waste and long-term dirt. You would be wise to seek the help of a reputable tennis court cleaner, like Dragon Courts, to remove waste and dirt immediately.

SHORT-TERM WASTE

As its name suggests, short-term waste is easier to remove. It includes debris and stains like twigs, leaves, dead insects, plastic wrappers, tree sap, etc. This type of waste is typically obvious on the court in the morning.

How to clean daily waste

This type of waste is easier to clean. You can clean it yourself by sweeping or exercising a daily cleaning routine in the morning, in the afternoon or before each tennis match. You can also hire a tennis court cleaning service provider like Dragon Courts to clean your tennis courts on a regular basis.

LONG-TERM DIRT

There are three types of long-term dirt that are commonly found on tennis courts.

1. Algae

Aquatic plants with low photosynthetic characteristics, they usually grow in wet areas. They often invade tennis courts during wet weather and in the winter. Algae are potentially hazardous to players due to their slippery texture.

2. Mould

A microscopic organism usually found in moist areas, mould is considered to be important to the environment. However, mould on a tennis court can cause the players to slip.

3. Mildew

Mildew is a fungus that is commonly found in moist and wet areas. It grows in colonies, multiplying within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.

How to remove long-term dirt

Algae, mould and mildew will continue to grow unless you take immediate action to remove it:

• Dampen the tennis court surface.
• Apply bleach and water in the proportion of 1 is to 5. This is to minimise the use of bleach that may cause staining to the surface.
• Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes. The solution will slowly kill the algae and fungi and loosen it for easy removal.
• After a few minutes, use a brush and hose to remove the dirt.
• Ensure that the surface is dry. Traces of water may cause a new batch of fungi to grow.

Note: It is better to clean the tennis court during the day, giving the sun a chance to dry the surface.

If you do not have time to clean your tennis court, hire Dragon Courts. Expert when it comes to tennis court maintenance, some of the services that we offer include tennis court cleaning, re-painting and re-lining. Please call 01572 770 404 to learn more.

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Dragon Courts: Delivering Excellent Tennis Court Maintenance Services

Tennis courts are a big investment. Just like any other investments, you will need to maintain your tennis court to keep it playable, safe-to-use and valuable.

Maintaining a tennis court may seem like a daunting task. A convenient solution is to entrust your tennis court maintenance to a company like Dragon Courts. With a team of skilled and experienced experts, Dragon Courts is qualified to maintain various courts including tennis courts.

Tennis Court Maintenance Services Offered by Dragon Courts

Court cleaning

Algae, grime, dirt and moss are commonly found menacing a tennis court. The tennis court cleaning procedure can ensure that your tennis court is deep cleaned, making it safe and playable. In addition, we always perform a ‘patch test’ to minimise the potential damage to the surface of the tennis court.

Court re-painting

Paint will fade as a result of use, maintenance, the elements and other factors that contribute to general wear and tear. Tennis courts are commonly marked using a specialised paint coating. Dragon Courts uses a top performance paint that can leave your tennis court looking fresh for years. Providing an attractive tennis surface, the paint also helps to deliver greater bounce and control as it contains non-slip properties. Moreover, our professional painting services will bring your tennis court back to life.

Court re-lining

The boundaries of a tennis court should be well-defined for monitoring purposes. Completed with great precision, our re-lining service is performed using the best paint and painting equipment. The lines are drawn by hand adopting the same materials utilised to paint the court. This guarantees that the tennis court lines are aligned with the play area, while providing a long-lasting tennis court lining finish.

Note: Our tennis court line markings are based on the specifications provided by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association).

Dragon Courts only employs a diligent, skilled and experienced workforce. If you want it done right… Dragon Courts!

Contact us now on 01572 770404 for more details.

Tools and Materials Needed For Tennis Court Marking

Tennis court marking is usually done by professionals to achieve perfectly coated tennis court lines and accurate measurements. Here are some of the commonly used tools and materials for tennis court marking:

 

Chalk or Soap Stones – These are used for temporarily marking the tennis court. Make sure that you use lightly-coloured chalks so that they don’t leave marks, even after painting.

Chalk line – This is used to make long straight lines on the tennis court that will serve as a guide for the finishing touches.

Tape Measure – This is used to accurately measure the tennis court’s dimensions, including the sidelines, baselines, service box and other court specifications. It is recommended to use a 100-foot tape measure that is made of steel when measuring a tennis court.

Masking Tape – Used for marking before applying the paint, the tape will serve as a guide and will help prevent messy lines or over painting. It is also used to preserve the existing lines (in case of repainting). It is preferred to use masking tapes that are two inches wide.

Line Taping Machine/Line Tape Dispenser – This dispenses the masking tape on the tennis court layout before painting.

Line Reel – Typically used on clay courts, it is usually made of canvass. Nails are often used to secure the line reel.

Line Paint – This is used in striping the tennis court. Acrylic paint is the most commonly used paint for outdoor tennis courts.

Paint roller – Used to easily apply paint to the tennis court, the paint roller should be at least 2-3 inches wide for easier application.

Caution tape – After striping the tennis court, it is advisable to use a caution tape to prevent untimely use of the court, which could damage the newly painted lines.

Scrapers – These are used to scrape off the drips, dirt or smudges left on the tennis court surface before painting.

 

If you are looking for a company that provides excellent tennis court marking services, call Dragon Courts on 01572 770404. They also provide other services such as tennis court cleaning, maintenance and painting.

A Guide to Scheduling Tennis Court Maintenance

Some tennis court maintenance tasks are performed to different schedules. Cleaning is done more often and resurfacing is usually done only once in a while. Maintenance is necessary to keep the tennis court in a playable and safe to use condition. Here is a guide to planning your maintenance schedule:

Daily

All tennis courts require sweeping on a daily basis. Outdoor clay courts need to be watered at least twice a day and once a day for covered/indoor clay courts. Their court lines should be swept and brushed. For sand-filled turf, there should be regular sweeping to remove any debris. Grass courts should also be watered. Mowing can be done weekly but if needed, it can be done on a daily basis.

Weekly

The inspection of tennis courts is usually a weekly task. This will help to detect minor damage that can easily be repaired. Outdoor acrylic courts can be blown clean every week. Clay courts may need rolling every week to maintain their flatness. On the other hand, sand-filled turf surface, indoor and outdoor tennis courts should be brushed.

Pre-season

Indoor and outdoor acrylic courts may require power washing. Clay courts with court lines should be flattened. Grass courts should be fertilised and trimmed to maintain their standard playing height. Sand-filled turf may need a power broom. If there are algae, remove them right away. You may also apply a sand topdressing if needed.

Post-season

Indoor or outdoor acrylic courts should maintain a clean surface. If there are cracks, they should be cleaned and filled. Clay courts are usually damaged by weathering. It is better to employ proper tennis court maintenance services from a company like Dragon Courts if the damage cannot be fixed easily. Outdoor sand-filled turf may require algaecide and fungicide application after different seasons, especially winter. On the other hand, indoor sand-filled turf usually just requires sweeping.

Long-term maintenance

Outdoor acrylic courts may need resurfacing every 5 to 8 years, while indoor acrylic courts may require resurfacing every 3 to 6 years. Clay tennis court surfaces should be checked yearly for their thickness. The surface can erode if not properly maintained. A new lift may be required after 5 to 7 years. An indoor sand-filled turf needs to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, while an outdoor sand-filled turf will require tennis court resurfacing after 12 to 20 years.

Regularly check your tennis courts to avoid major damage in the future. If you need professional tennis court maintenance services, just call Dragon Courts on 01572 770404. We also offer tennis court resurfacing and painting services.

Tennis Court Crack Repair Options

 

The correct tennis court maintenance procedures are necessary to ensure the quality of the playing area for every game. Cracks are the most common and unavoidable damage that require immediate repair. Here are some repair options to keep those racquets swinging and those balls bouncing, all season long.

Why should you fill the cracks?

When cracks appear, water can drain into the crack and loosen the base materials. If this happens, the size of the crack will increase, resulting in an even bigger problem.

Caulking

There are various kinds of caulk available on the market. However, the option that provides quick fixing features should be chosen. The custom tinted caulking should be poured into cracks, where it will harden to fill the damaged area. On the other hand, caulking is not recommended for use on larger cracks. Also, it cannot effectively seep into narrow fissures, making caulking a limited solution.

Asphalt Patching

For a tennis court repairing method that is suitable for bigger cracks, which cuts-off and takes out the affected area, asphalt is poured over the affected area. This method needs to be done carefully, as it is extremely difficult to make the patch linings invisible. If not done by the right professionals, the patch perimeter could be the source of the next few cracks.

Expandable Fabric

This method is considered as the most effective way of repair and can last for a long time. An especially engineered fabric is placed over the crack before reapplying paint. As it is expandable, it is able to withstand the contraction and expansion of the concrete and absorb any kind of foot movement, without ripping.

 

Court repairing options may also vary according to climate and weather conditions. To avoid unwanted damage to the tennis court, use proper tennis court maintenance and appropriate cleaning materials.

For a much better tennis experience, seek the advice of experts for tennis court maintenance, lining, cleaning and re-painting. Dragon Courts assures the highest quality of service for all your tennis court maintenance requirements.

How Tennis Court Types Affect the Overall Game

There are different types of tennis courts: grass, clay and concrete. How do they differ? How do they affect the overall game? Let’s talk more about them individually.

Clay Tennis Courts

The most expensive type of tennis court because it is also the hardest to maintain, clay tennis courts are smooth, reducing the speed of the ball as it bounces on the clay surface. This type of tennis court is favourable for experienced baseline players, while it is not advisable for the serve-and-volley type player. Sliding and skidding may be experienced on this type of court due to its smooth surface.

Grass Tennis Courts

Grass courts are less popular when it comes to tennis court selections. Also requiring high tennis court maintenance, the grass must not be allowed to grow over the standard length, as this may affect the player’s performance as the ball bounces lower and faster. This can also result in shorter rallies.

Hard Tennis Courts or Concrete Courts

Also known as the Rebound Ace courts, the hard or concrete tennis court is the most common type of court that is made of asphalt, concrete and sand. The amount of sand added to the court adds friction to the ball, which slows it down. It is covered with acrylic paint.  Injuries are more common in this type of court.

The different types of tennis courts have their advantages and disadvantages to certain types of players. You must also consider the proper maintenance of the court that you choose.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Which Kind of Tennis Court to Build

There are different types of tennis courts: clay, hard, grass and carpet. The following factors will help you to determine which kind of tennis court is suitable for your purposes – whether it is for personal use or for tournaments.

Climate

The climate in your location could help you to determine which type of tennis court will actually work best for you. Clay courts cannot easily absorb water and they will not dry out quickly. This type of court is suitable in areas where there are less rainy days. Grass courts can better absorb water, being functional for any type of season. However, they can be slippery at times. Hard courts are made from asphalt and concrete and are ideal for areas that are common to rainfall. Based on this information, if you want a tennis court that is reliable in all types of climate, choose a hard tennis court.

Budget

The price of constructing a tennis court ranges from between £15,000 and £40,000, depending on the type of materials used. Keep in mind that the expenses of a tennis court don’t stop upon installation. You should also be prepared for its maintenance. The good thing is that tennis court maintenance does not cost that much, unless there is a need for major reconstruction. Clay courts are more affordable to build. However, the maintenance costs of a clay court are more expensive because the surface needs to be rolled regularly to keep it flat. On the other hand, regular mowing and watering can help to keep grass courts in good condition.

Space

Space is an important factor to consider before building a court. According to The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the standard tennis court dimensions for personal use are 33.5m x 16.5m, while the LTA minimum court dimensions for tennis clubs are 34.75m x 17.07m (114’ x 56’). If you have enough space to accommodate these dimensions, you are good to go. Dimensions can be adjusted to suit if there are space issues. You may also contact your local planning authority for other specific guidelines about building a tennis court.

Building a tennis court is an art in itself. It is vital that you talk to the right people if you want the job done properly!

Step-to-step Guide in Building Synthetic Turf Tennis Courts

Tennis is a popular sport traditionally played on natural grass, clay and carpet-like surfaces. However, the newer generation of tennis players and sports enthusiasts prefer playing on synthetic turf tennis courts. Aside from the fact that synthetic tennis court maintenance is easier, these courts are also cost effective and durable. Synthetic tennis courts can also withstand unpredictable weather changes, without any compromise on quality or safety features.

When installing and maintaining synthetic tennis courts, professional help from a reputable company like Dragon Courts is advisable. However, some people would prefer a DIY ‘do-it-yourself` installation to add a personal touch to their courts. If you are that kind of person, here are the installation steps that you must follow:

1.     Get rid of the old lawn by shovelling the grass, including 1 – 2 inches of top soil. After choosing the right location, use an accurate court measurement and take a rake to flatten the soil. If you plan to replace a concrete surface court, you may need to use heavy equipment to break the solid material.

2. Spray the whole area with weed and grass killer to prevent future growth underneath the synthetic court. Unforeseen growth of grass and weeds may cause damage to the court by creating holes from the base. By laying a ground cloth or weed control fabric you can also help to prevent further growth. Ensure you use an accurate measurement, so it will not overlap with the court.

3. Pour about 2 inches of fill dirt into the base surface. Fill dirt will fill in the holes in the ground to change its elevation. Make sure you free the fill dirt from any organic materials, as it may cause decomposing. As a result, settling may occur and excessive settling may damage the synthetic turf.

4. Once the surface is smooth and flattened, position the synthetic turf securely over the area. Synthetic turf is available in large rolls and pre-cut into squares. Make sure that the artificial turf covers the entire court.

5. Pour filler sand from corner to corner of the court surface to secure the court and to prevent it from moving. Use a push broom to even the filler sand in the corners of the synthetic turf.

6. Finally, install the tennis net. You can choose either a portable tennis net system or a more permanent type of net system.

You can go out and play tennis with your friends now! For a long lasting synthetic tennis court, follow the basic maintenance guidelines or seek professional help. For enquiries, call us on 01572 770404.