When an artificial pitch starts to look and play its age, the big question is whether to repair it or replace it. Get it right and you either save a large sum or invest at the right moment. Get it wrong and you either pour money into a surface that is finished, or replace one that had years left in it.
Problems that can usually be repaired
- Lifted or separated seams, where turf edges have come loose.
- Worn patches in goal mouths, penalty spots and other high-wear areas.
- Worn cut-in lines that need replacing.
- Damage from vandalism or improper footwear.
- Root protrusions, where growth beneath the turf creates uneven areas.
Prompt repairs keep the surface safe and playable and stop small problems turning into bigger ones. Leaving a lifted seam, for example, lets it catch feet and equipment and spread.
Problems that often respond to rejuvenation
Slow drainage, a hard surface, flattened fibres and heavy contamination are often signs that the surface needs a deep clean, decompaction and infill work rather than replacement. If the fibres themselves are still in reasonable condition, a rejuvenation can restore much of the original performance at a fraction of the cost of a new surface.
When resurfacing makes sense
Resurfacing becomes the most economical option when the carpet itself has reached the end of its life, with fibres that are badly worn, brittle or broken across large areas, or when repeated repairs are costing more than they save. It may also be right if the facility's use has changed and the current surface no longer suits it.
Questions to ask first
- How old is the surface, and what was its expected lifespan?
- Is the problem local or across the whole pitch?
- What condition are the fibres in beneath the contamination?
- How has it been maintained so far?
An honest survey will answer these. We only recommend replacement when it is the most economical long-term option, and when it is, we can plan the uplift and resurfacing with our sister company, Envirolawn, so one team handles the whole job.
