Category Archives: Contractor Corner

CoolTop – tested in real-world environments

This year’s Yeppoon Pickleball Festival was hosted at the complex between the 14th and the 23rd of July, welcoming over 100 players from across Australia and NZ for 10 days of fun, competitions, coaching and tournament play. Despite being played in July, Yeppoon still frequently has temperatures above 30ºC (86ºF).  Prior to the tournament, CoolTop …

Repairing surface cracks

Cracks are inevitable on any type of surface. As asphalt or concrete cures and shrinks over the course/lifespan of the surface, cracks will eventually start to appear. Different types of cracks tell different stories – they tell you what you might be up against. Most cracks start as smaller hairline cracks, and the sooner this …

Benefits of cushioned surfaces

Is player safety and comfort important for you or your customers? Sports like tennis, pickleball, netball, basketball and volleyball, among others, are played by all sorts of people of different ages – from amateurs to professionals – all over the world. And for those looking for low-impact, cushioned athletic surfaces are a great option. Using …

New Ultra Performance Fortified Plexipave

As anyone who has ever built, played on, or even stepped on a court can attest, silica sand is a critical component of a textured athletic surface. Sand is what provides traction, adds durability and helps prolong UV-stability.  While many contractors still prefer to add their own silica sand in the field, an increasing number …

DecoColor® and Pickleball – a great match

  As you might have heard by now, DecoTurf, a California Sports Surfaces brand, has once again been chosen as the surface of the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, happening in Naples, Florida, United States, from April 15th to 22nd. Billed as the largest pickleball tournament and party in the world—all set in a beautiful …

Plexitrac Surfacer

Getting those steps in. In recent years, rubber paths have become increasingly popular in outdoor areas, including parks, community pathways, building courtyards and rooftops… and even sidewalks. Rubber trails provide a low-impact, non-slip, comfortable surface for joggers and walkers.  Did you know? Plexitrac® Surfacer is mostly known as the budget friendly option for resurfacing, refreshing, …

Are pinholes a problem?

All courts have some measure of pinholing and they are generally cosmetic in nature. Some pinholes are more pronounced than others, but basically any coating that is applied horizontally will have them. Pinholes occur when a tiny bubble forms in the surface coating and then bursts as the coating is drying, leaving behind a small …

ASBA 2022 Technical Meeting

  In the sports construction industry, as in life, there are certain milestones and measuring sticks, events that both mark the passage of time and a time of celebration. For North America, there is no more anticipated event than the American Sports Builders Association Technical Meeting. If you’re not familiar with ASBA, don’t take our …

Properly preparing concrete for the installation of athletic surfaces

A successful athletic court installation is dependent on many factors, starting with a sound base (with good drainage) and asphalt or concrete meeting the requirements of American Sports Builders Association. Here are some other key factors to consider prior to starting your job. Surfaces should be properly sloped for good drainage, and free from cracks …

For Rust, the Best Defense Is a Good Offense

Rust can ruin the visual appeal of crisp, clean, colorful athletic surfaces. When dingy brown spots develop over time on tennis, basketball and other outdoor and indoor athletic playing surfaces, it’s likely due to the presence of iron. Iron oxidizes as moisture penetrates the court, eventually causing rust to migrate to the surface and materialize …