Thaw. It can freeze and it can thaw ... ... and this affects ball bounce, joints and court condition
After the hard frost, we are bound to get a period soon when the snow and ice will disappear. Avid athletes may not be able to wait for it -skaters excepted. Still, we should be careful not to rush onto the sports field or tennis court.
Thaw
In fact, when we are in a period where it is freezing at night and above zero during the day, we experience “thawing. This is a phenomenon where the thawing water cannot sink down due to the frozen layer, which is underneath. As a result, the thaw water does not reach the drainage system. Entering the field too quickly can cause the top layer and a portion of the lava foundation to become unstable, and there is a chance that small dents can be made in the foundation.
Damage lava foundation
Also, due to the extreme cold, the sports mat can become temporarily detached from the lava foundation. The bubble that then forms allows the lava to move upward more easily, creating uneven surfaces. By rolling the sports field or tennis court, one brings the loosened lava back to its former position. But this is not a certainty and there may even be permanent unevenness to the lava foundation.
Injuries
Uneven surfaces or mats mainly affect tennis. The ball here is small and therefore produces unpredictable behavior. In korfball, the athlete will notice much less an unevenness, but the damage to the lava foundation is no less. In addition to changes in athletic characteristics that occur with frost and thaw, one must also consider potential injuries. Too hard ground due to frost or too soft ground when thawing can damage athlete’s knees and ankles.
Want to know what the course condition is like after a period of frost and thaw?
Our specialists will be happy to help you! Please contact us.
Call: +31 (0) 88 170 06 16
Mail: info@veiligesportvloer.nl