Maintenance Tips for a Basketball Court
A basketball court can be a significant investment, but one that is likely to be worth the expense in the long run. However, no matter what material the court is built from, regular maintenance is required to prevent deterioration and minimize upkeep costs. However, if the owners or managers don’t have experience with court care, they can make matters worse. Here are some helpful hints to keep basketball courts good as new for longer.
Outdoor court maintenance
Outdoor basketball courts are typically made from asphalt, concrete, or acrylic surfaces. Caring for these courts usually means preventing deterioration from sun and weather exposure.
Debris and moisture
Since outdoor courts are usually not protected from debris, owners should regularly remove leaves, branches, and other plant matter to prevent moisture accumulation. Excess moisture in the court can lead to cracks, which can require costly repairs. A professional court installer can quickly fill in any cracked material and even out the surface when it becomes worn. Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help when the court starts looking worse for wear.
Painting and sealing
Asphalt and concrete tend to lose their luster over time, and any paint applied during the original installation will wear off from use and weather exposure. Repainting an older court is the best way to apply new water-proofing seals and revitalize it for future use. It will also help mark the sidelines, free throw lines, baselines, and the center circle more prominently to avoid any confusion.
Use the court as intended
If the court is outdoors, don’t, for instance, turn it into a parking lot when it’s not in use. The additional traffic will leave behind skid marks and tire residue, which is not only a pain to clean but can disrupt gameplay. It will also deteriorate the court faster.
Indoor court maintenance
Indoor courts are typically made from various hardwoods, rubbers, and acrylics, allowing for better movement and shock absorption. Maintaining these courts should be performed regularly to keep the flooring clean and safe to use.
Daily mopping
To clean off any marks, spilled water, sweat, and debris from the floor, we recommend a thorough daily mopping with a soft-headed mop specifically designed for the surface. An automatic scrubber can also do the trick faster and without human assistance, with the help of some cleaning solution. Mix two ounces of floor cleaner per gallon of water when mopping indoor floors.
Prevent unnecessary marks
Shoes play an important role in preventing damage to an indoor court surface. To avoid marking the floor, players should wear shoes with non-marking outsoles. Outdoor shoes are more likely to have dirt and grit on the soles, and this grime may damage an indoor court floor. Encourage visitors to wear proper shoes or remove their street shoes before stepping on the court surface.
A professional court installer can provide repairs and assist with seasonal maintenance if something goes terribly wrong and the court gets too worn out.
Apex Court Builders specialize in construction, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. We do business in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego! Call us today! (480) 384-9141.
