Repairing and Resurfacing
An Asphalt or Concrete Court Is Not Rocket Science,
It's Just Plain Common Sense!

Guidelines Chart Previous: Determining Surface Condition Other Preparations: Fixing Cracks Is a Base-Coat Required?

Settling of the gravel base below the surface may cause the asphalt to sag leaving unacceptable depressions on an asphalt or concrete sport surface.

How do you know whether to level a depression?

...If it bothers you, fix it!

What are the guidelines to know which depressions to fill and which to leave?
Let's put your surface into the proper perspective. You have a tennis court, not a pool table. The perfect tennis court has never been built (and never will). You'll never find a tennis court without some depressions. What you need to determine is which ones to fix (if any) and which ones are acceptable in accordance with published guidelines.

The United States Tennis Court and Track Builders Association (USTC & TBA) recommends:

Prior to application of a color finish system, the court surface shall be flooded with water and allowed to drain; then if remaining water covers a 5-cent coin in any area, that area shall be patched and levelled in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the color finish. (Note: if the standing water (puddle) does not cover the coin, it is considered within tolerance and will evaporate within a reasonable period of time). Reflooding may be necessary until "birdbaths" are minimized.

Where to Begin?
After a rainfall (or flood the court with a sprinkler) let the court thoroughly dry and then decide which areas you want to level.

Let's identify the puddle areas
After you have determined the depressions to fix, use chalk to mark the court around the edge of each puddle to be leveled. Marking the perimeter edge of the puddles will allow you to see exactly where you have to level after the water has been removed from the puddle areas.

Note: For the minor depressions that will not be leveled, it is strongly recommended to keep a Water Remover hanging on the court fence as a quick and simple way to disperse minor puddles after a rainfall.

Leveling Depressions
What product do I use for leveling the depressions?
MultiCover, an asbestos-free, 100% acrylic latex emulsion with pre-mixed silica sand (when applied as a base-coat) is formulated for on-site mixing with additional silica sand, portland cement and suficient water to a create a trowel grade consistency when used as a patching mix.

Container Size: 5-gallons
Coverage Rate: approximately 25 sq. ft. 1/4" deep
Curing time: 1-3 days depending on temperature and humidity

MultiCover is used without further addition of sand or cement as a complete resurfacer base coat. (See Applying a Base-Coat).

Surface Preparation
Surface must be cleaned entirely of dust, dirt, mildew (if any), debris and all loose materials including vegetation. New asphalt must cure for 21 days before commencing repair or coating applications. Unless the surface is new, it is strongly recommended to thoroughly power wash the entire surface with special emphasis on cleaning the black areas within the depressions. Repair of cracks within the patch area must be completed prior to leveling (See Treating Cracks).

Patching Mix
MultiCover	5-gallons
Silica Sand (#32)	20 lb.
Portland Cement (mix with water before adding)	¼ gallon (dry)
Water	¼ to ½ gallon to obtain a trowel grade consistency

Mixing Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix MultiCover. Add sand while continuing to mix.
2. Mix cement thoroughly with a small amount of water (to make a liquid cement mix), then pour into batch after sand has been added.
3. Add only enough water to obtain workability

Patch Application
This application will require a "screed" or straight-edge (1" x 3" board) no longer than the widest part of each patch and should be on-hand before beginning the patch mix. Do not apply patch material greater than ¼" deep at one time. Patches are to be done in successive lifts, allowing curing time between each lift, usually 1-3 days depending on temperature and humidity.

Deposit mixed patch material in the center of the depression and use the straight-edge to screed the material across the depression to the chalk lines placed around the depression. Remember, the patch is not to exceed ¼" in depth. Apply successive 1/4" lifts until patch is flush with surface at the chalk mark. Feather the edges of the final lift with a paint brush from the outside into the patch to assure a smooth edge. Allow to cure.

Due to the addition of Portland cement, shrinkage cracks will appear. Apply MultiCover with the addition of 40% water. Pour over patch and spread with squeegee to fill in shrinkage cracks. Allow to dry and then scrape. Repeat process until a smooth satisfactory patch has been obtained.

Larger Depressions
The exact same procedure will apply, except you will require two people to use the screed. Larger batches will have to be prepared.

Clean Up:
Wash tools with water. If material has dried, use kerosene.

Cautions:

• Read the container label before using. Follow label instructions.
• When applying, air temperature must be a minimum of 50 degrees F. (10C) and rising. Do not apply if surface temperature exceeds 135 degrees F. (57C)
• Do not apply when rain is imminent or forecast
• When applying indoors, use with adequate ventilation during application and drying
• Close containers when not in use
• Do not store in direct sunlight or where temperature may exceed 100 degrees F.
• KEEP FROM FREEZING