Refurbishment and testing of sports facilities
The issue of a refurbishment backlog with regard to sports facilities in Germany is a recurrent topic of discussion. A large number of sports fields, gymnasiums and swimming pools are in dire need of modernisation to once again fulfil their designated purpose as state-of-the-art sports facilities. However, many operators find it difficult to ascertain whether their sports facility is in need of refurbishment at all. Or whether it still meets the safety requirements set out in the relevant standards and could potentially be used for a while longer. Or, if a refurbishment is already scheduled, what the scope of this will be and what environmental impact must be taken into account, particularly if old sports surfaces have to be disposed of. And finally, the question arises of what factors must or should be considered during a refurbishment or modernisation project.
ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung is at your service for any advice or assistance you may require regarding the aforementioned issues. We offer a comprehensive inspection and testing service for your existing sports facility. This includes the provision of expert advice and guidance on upcoming refurbishments. Our services also include mass balancing in advance, ensuring precise knowledge of the volume of old materials requiring disposal or rather recycling during the refurbishment process. In order to provide you with a comprehensive picture, we do not merely look at the surface, but also at the underlying base layers.
We would be pleased to inspect your sports facility with a view to a potential or already planned refurbishment project. Alternatively, we would be happy to verify that your existing sports facility is still in compliance with all the relevant standards and regulations. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require further assistance.
To find out more about our range of services for existing sports facilities, please click on the relevant menu item.
(Old) floor testing
| Indoor facilities | Outdoor facilities |
|---|---|
| Synthetic turf | Sports function |
| Synthetic surfaces | Protective function |
| Sports hall flooring | Visual assessment |
| Impact protection walls | Refurbishment recommendation |
Professional Refurbishment Recommendations for Sports Facilities
Once the decision to modernize your sports facility has been made and funding secured, our experts at ISP GmbH step in to provide tailored refurbishment recommendations. We conduct comprehensive inspections and tests on existing surfaces, including synthetic turf, athletic tracks, and sports halls, to determine which components can be retained and which require replacement. Our assessments help clarify complex questions such as the most suitable surfacing for a football pitch or the ideal safety surface for an exercise area. Based on these evaluations, we deliver a clear, sustainable refurbishment plan that mitigates risks and ensures compliance with relevant standards.
Optional services like mass balancing and construction supervision further streamline the renovation process. Finally, post-refurbishment safety tests guarantee that the upgraded facility meets all regulatory and competitive requirements.
Comprehensive Assessment for Synthetic Turf Sports Fields
Ensuring the safety and compliance of synthetic turf sports fields is crucial for athlete protection and meeting regulatory standards. ISP GmbH conducts thorough on-site inspections that evaluate both the turf surface and its elastic layers according to DIN EN 15330-1, DIN 18035-7, and DFB certification guidelines. The process begins with a detailed visual inspection to identify and document any visible defects, followed by specialized laboratory-equivalent tests on the field. Additionally, the underlying layers are examined for structural integrity, proper drainage, and compatibility with potential new surfaces. If significant degradation is detected, further measures such as mass balancing help define the scope and cost of necessary refurbishment.
This comprehensive assessment empowers facility operators with the planning certainty needed to maintain or upgrade their sports fields to ensure long-term safety and performance.
Comprehensive Assessment for Synthetic Sports Fields
Ensuring that your synthetic surfaced sports field meets current safety and performance standards is essential for athlete protection. ISP GmbH conducts detailed on-site inspections and tests, verifying compliance with DIN 18035-6, DIN EN 14877 and World Athletics specifications. A thorough visual examination identifies any surface defects, while precise tests assess properties such as drainage, material integrity, and elasticity. The inspection also extends to the underlying base layers to ensure that their composition and condition remain suitable for continued use. If repairs or a full refurbishment are required, our experts provide a clear recommendation and cost estimate through mass balancing.
This comprehensive assessment gives you the confidence and planning certainty to maintain a safe, high-quality sports facility.
Mass Balancing: A Key Step in Sustainable Turf Recycling
Mass balancing is essential for accurately estimating the waste generated when a synthetic turf system reaches the end of its service life. This process involves sampling and analyzing individual components to determine their quantity and recyclability. Clear guidelines from the RAL Quality Assurance Association require mass balancing before any refurbishment or disposal efforts. With a detailed breakdown of materials, facility operators can precisely budget for disposal and recycling costs.
ISP GmbH offers certified mass balancing services, ensuring rigorous in-house laboratory testing for reliable results. This proactive approach not only supports sustainable recycling practices but also helps operators meet strict environmental standards.
Comprehensive Assessment for Sports Halls
Sports halls and gymnasiums are in daily use, yet aging facilities may eventually require repairs or modernization to meet DIN standards and competition specifications. ISP GmbH conducts thorough on-site assessments to evaluate key elements such as flooring, walls, ceilings, and installation components. A detailed visual inspection is followed by precise laboratory-equivalent tests on the flooring to ensure compliance with DIN 18032-2 and DIN EN 14904 standards. Additional evaluations of walls and ceilings, based on DIN 18032-3 and DIN 18032-7, provide a complete picture of the facility’s condition.
The results determine whether minor repairs will suffice or if comprehensive refurbishment is needed to ensure athlete safety. This expert assessment gives operators planning certainty, cost savings, and guarantees ongoing compliance for their sports hall.
Is Your Playground Surfacing Still Safe?
Even well-maintained playground safety surfacing can deteriorate over time, raising concerns about compliance with DIN EN 1177 standards. Through on-site inspections and specialized tests, ISP GmbH checks whether an older surface still protects children adequately or requires replacement. Our qualified specialists identify defects, evaluate drainage, and recommend cost-effective refurbishment if necessary.
By choosing ISP GmbH professional assessment, you ensure a long-term, high level of safety for young playground users—giving both operators and parents peace of mind.
We provide inspection and testing services for:
- Synthetic turf systems for sports grounds
- Synthetic surfaces for outdoor sports areas
- Walls, floors and ceilings in gymnasiums and sports halls
- Playground safety surfacing
Contact us!
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