Artificial Surfaces
“If you consider the outsourced maintenance of your artificial pitch assuming that it will cost less to maintain than a natural grass surface, then you could well be disappointed”
and supply appropriate equipment (such as a tractor, small brush, dragmat) to carry out daily and weekly brushing, dragging and raking of your pitch, along with adequate training and demonstrations. A budget of around £5,000 should enable you to purchase a machinery package that is simple, easy to use, reliable and, above all, affordable. This can then be complemented with
regular sweeping, vegetation treatments, decompactions, infill top-ups, deep- cleaning and repair works by your contractor. If you are assuming that the outsourced maintenance of your artificial pitch will cost less to maintain than a natural grass surface, then you could well be disappointed. However, an annual budget in the region of £7,500 should provide you with a comprehensive maintenance service that will help to enable your pitch to be used for around forty-five hours a week, which equates to approximately £3.20 for every hour that the pitch is in use*. This emphasises the key point that effective maintenance can actually be implemented at a fraction of the cost of the revenues that can be generated from the increased playability of artificial
sports pitches. The key to the success of a combined maintenance effort is communication; a shared knowledge and continued dialogue between the pitch owner and their maintenance provider ensures that any issues can be identified at an early stage, and rectified before they worsen, with potential implications for the pitch’s overall playing quality and its economic viability. A programme of routine and specialist maintenance throughout the life of an artificial pitch can help to ensure its longevity and safety, as well as preserving its aesthetics and performance levels. For pitch owners and operators, the
warranty implications of carrying out incorrect, or no maintenance, are serving to promote a greater understanding of the importance of a dedicated maintenance programme, to the useable life of their artificial surface. Exactly how that maintenance is implemented depends on key indicators, primarily available funds. In our experience, working together with your maintenance contractor provides the most economical way to establish a programme of works that falls within your budget, whilst covering the
essential processes needed to keep your pitch in good condition.
As with natural grass, time and effort
is required to effectively maintain an artificial pitch, and the necessary knowledge of the construction and maintenance requirements of these facilities should form part of any grounds team’s skill set. For every ten hours of use on an artificial pitch, one hour should be allocated for maintenance and, if you follow this rule from day one, a successful maintenance programme can help you maximise the return on your investment and enjoy many years of use
from your artificial sports pitch. *Data extracted from ‘Maintenance Cost Benefits’, Dr. Colin Young, SAPCA (03.04.2009 SportSurf, Loughborough University)
If you are having problems with rain, frost or snow, your artificial surface may need a Rejeneration® or Winter RevivalTM
Call us now for more information on our range of Winter Maintenance Services
tel:08702 400 700
email:
info@technicalsurfaces.co.uk www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012 PC 51
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