Maintenance of sports surfaces

Maintenance of sports surfaces – is it worth it?

Absolutely! Professional care of a surface helps to extend its lifespan, ensuring the surface maintains its proper appearance and parameters. Alongside surface installation, we always offer maintenance services, which allows us to extend the warranty period for any surface installed by Grimar.

The maintenance of sports surfaces is a key element in preserving the quality and safety of sports facilities. Regular maintenance brings many benefits that strongly argue in favor of investing in it.

First and foremost, proper maintenance extends the life of the surface. Well-maintained surfaces retain their properties, such as resilience and grip, for a much longer time, which is particularly important for intensively used sports facilities.

Furthermore, regular cleaning and maintenance help prevent damage that can lead to costly repairs. Keeping the surface in good condition can significantly reduce expenses related to its replacement in the long run.

A very important aspect is also the safety of the users. A well-maintained surface minimizes the risk of injury, which is a priority for both facility managers and the athletes themselves.

It is also worth noting that regular maintenance affects the aesthetics of the facility. Clean and well-kept surfaces make a sports facility look more professional, which can attract more users.

Maintenance of artificial surfaces

Renovation of artificial turf

In the case of damage to surfaces made of synthetic turf, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the problem’s scale. Due to the variety of potential damages, an individual approach to each situation is necessary.

Upon noticing defects such as tears, gaps, or other damage, their nature and extent must be assessed immediately. For synthetic turf surfaces, special attention should be paid to fiber splitting, which can affect its functionality and durability.

Most turf manufacturers recommend a comprehensive cleaning of artificial turf pitches four times a year to maximize their lifespan. Deep cleaning, which penetrates to the lowest layer of the artificial surface’s infill, removes all contaminants (dirt, dust, pebbles) from the sand and rubber granulate. Furthermore, it cleanses the surface of undesirable organic compounds such as moss, fungi, or mites.

Procedures for servicing synthetic turf surfaces:

• Potential repair of mechanical damage (patching/re-gluing the surface).
• Cleaning the turf of dirt, stones, sediment, or other contaminants like pieces of glass, plastic, and bottle caps.
• Loosening the infill (granulate/sand), which helps the surface regain its elasticity and resilience.
• Detangling and lifting the blades.
• Cleaning the granulate of contaminants.
• Application of agents to prevent the formation of moss and algae, as well as agents that destroy mites.
• Replenishing and brushing in the infill (granulate).

With a year-round maintenance contract, we do not charge for travel.

Care of polyurethane surfaces

Wet cleaning of a polyurethane surface should be carried out at least once or twice a year, depending on the level of dirt and the location. In more shaded areas, more frequent care is necessary. High-pressure washers or specialized cleaning equipment are used for this purpose. Regular maintenance of synthetic surfaces significantly contributes to maintaining their sporting and protective properties, ensuring optimal technical parameters, water permeability, and an aesthetic appearance of the pitch.

In the case of contamination caused by oils, fuels, or chemicals, the affected area should be immediately covered with sand or sawdust to absorb the liquid, minimizing damage. The surface should then be cleaned with appropriate preparations.

After each sports activity, it is worth checking the surface for damage or major dirt, such as spilled liquids, which require immediate removal. Once a week, it is recommended to remove loose debris such as leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs, or sand to maintain its proper condition and functionality.

Procedures for servicing polyurethane surfaces:

• Vacuuming and washing the surface (under pressure).
• Chemical cleaning — removal of biological contaminants (moss, algae).
• Potential minor repairs or refreshing the spray coat.

Care and maintenance of acrylic surfaces

Continuous use of the surface and variable weather conditions, such as rain, snow, falling leaves, or developing moss, lead to natural soiling that can reduce the comfort and quality of play on the court. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper surface care. Regular sweeping and washing with a pressure washer are the basics of care. For deeper damage, it is worth using Grimar’s services!

Maintenance of Natural Surfaces

Care and maintenance of natural grass surfaces

Caring for a natural grass lawn is a key element in maintaining its aesthetics, functionality, and safety for users.

The basis of care is regular mowing. The height of the grass depends on the type of turf, but it is recommended to be within the range of 2.5-5 cm. It is important not to remove more than 1/3 of its height during a single mowing, which promotes healthy growth. A natural lawn also requires proper watering, especially during periods of drought. Even watering should be ensured, avoiding both drying out and overwatering, which can cause root rot.

Soil aeration is an important procedure that allows for better absorption of water, nutrients, and air by the roots. It is done using aerators that create holes in the soil. Fertilizing is also necessary for healthy grass growth. Using fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, adapted to the season and the lawn’s needs, supports its condition.

To maintain a uniform turf, weeds and moss, which compete with the grass for water and nutrients, must be removed. Regular weeding and the use of appropriate herbicides will help keep the lawn clean. In case of damage or unevenness, overseeding or renovating problematic areas is advisable, preferably in spring or autumn when conditions are favorable for regeneration.

Systematic observation of the lawn allows for the early detection of signs of disease or the presence of pests. If necessary, appropriate plant protection products should be used to keep the lawn in excellent condition.

Care and maintenance of clay surfaces

Proper care of a clay surface is crucial to ensure its durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Regular maintenance procedures help maintain the optimal technical parameters and aesthetic appearance of the surface.

A clay surface requires proper moisturizing, especially during dry periods. Regular sprinkling with water prevents dusting and increases its cohesion. However, excessive watering, which can lead to washout and structural damage, should be avoided.

Over time, the surface may wear down, and the material may be washed out or worn down by foot traffic. If necessary, fresh clay should be added, ensuring even distribution and compaction of the layer.

To prevent the formation of unevenness and ruts, the surface should be regularly leveled by rolling. Rolling should be performed especially after heavy rainfall or increased use to restore a uniform structure.