Refurbishment report
In recent years, the number of synthetic turf sports fields has increased, largely replacing traditional surfaces such as cinder pitches. In amateur football, in particular, synthetic turf pitches have now become the standard alongside classic natural grass pitches. Once a high-quality synthetic turf system has been installed in a sports facility, its surface is typically replaced after a period of 10 to 15 years, depending on maintenance and utilisation. However, it may well be that the synthetic turf system will need to be refurbished at an earlier stage.
Many operators of synthetic turf sports fields, however, find it difficult to determine whether renovation is already necessary and the extent to which modernisation will be required. New EU regulations concerning synthetic turf sports fields may also necessitate earlier refurbished, as plastic infill granules will no longer be available from 2031 for environmental reasons. In order to meet the criteria of sustainability, it is essential that the components of the synthetic turf system are thoroughly examined before renovation.
To help you, as the operator, meet all these requirements, a refurbishment report for your sports field, as offered by ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung, is the ideal solution. A site inspection is conducted by our specialists to evaluate the condition of your existing synthetic turf sports field, including the elastic layers. Based on the findings, they will be able to ascertain the need for renovation, derive options for further action and discuss these with you as the operator. Of course, all inspections are carried out in accordance with the prevailing standards and regulations that are currently in effect. A refurbishment report provides valuable planning certainty, saves costs and guarantees the longevity of the renovated sports field. Furthermore, it helps to ascertain whether renovation is required at all at this particular point in time.
Inspection of the underlying layers
What does the refurbishment report entail? Among other things, it involves a comprehensive inspection of the sub-base. When replacing the synthetic turf carpet for the first time, it is possible that the underlying base layers can remain in place. Of course, this is only the case if they still meet the requirements of the relevant standards and guidelines. Therefore, it is imperative that the condition of the base layers and the entire system installed below the surface be meticulously examined.
Are the base layers damaged? Is proper drainage still ensured? Do the thickness and composition of the base layers still comply with the relevant standards? Have there been any alterations to the layers over time? And are the remaining components of the system even compatible with the new synthetic turf carpet?
An inspection of the underlying layers will provide answers to all these questions. As the operator of a synthetic turf sports field, you do not need to worry that the inspection will compromise the functionality of the surface until the necessary renovations have been completed. The inspection will be carried out in a way that will ensure that the sports field can continue to be used afterwards without any restrictions (unless major damage is discovered that would jeopardise the safety of the athletes).
Mass balancing
Another component of the report is mass balancing. In the context of the recycling of old synthetic turf sports field, which has become an integral part of guidelines and tenders, it is necessary to ascertain the mass and recyclability of the surface to be disposed of. This is all the more important if the bound elastic layer is also to be disposed of. A direct examination of the base layer's state will allow for an accurate estimation of the quantity that needs to be recycled.
It has been observed that when an agreement is made with a company specialising in sports field recycling, the estimated quantity is often significantly lower than the actual requirement. As the operator, you should avoid this. The condition of the base layer is another factor that can cause problems during the recycling process. For instance, if many components of crushed stone and gravel have become incorporated into it over time, this may have a negative impact. Mass balancing provides a reliable picture of the condition, allowing the disposal and recycling process to be optimally planned.
Refurbishment recommendation
In addition to the results of the on-site inspections, the refurbishment report also contains a refurbishment recommendation. Based on the assessment of the synthetic turf system’s condition, it identifies the necessary and recommended modernisation steps. Such a recommendation goes well beyond simply analysing the current condition. The specialists who carried out the inspections can also predict how the remaining elements of the synthetic turf system will develop over the next few years until it is refurbished.
Problems that could necessitate further premature refurbishment can be identified at an early stage and possibly rectified during the upcoming modernisation. Current legislative developments or new market trends can also be included in the assessment. In the end, you will get not just an expert opinion, but also professional advice to ensure that the modernisation you are about to undertake is sustainable and in your best interests.
ServicesHave your synthetic turf sports facility checked.
Before replacing your synthetic turf carpet or your entire synthetic turf system, it is advisable to commission ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung to prepare a refurbishment report. This will provide you with a professional assessment of the scope and necessity of modernisation.
It involves assessing the condition of any remaining components of your synthetic turf system, estimating the volume of material that needs to be disposed of and providing recommendations for refurbishment.
Contact us
We will be happy to advise you on the procedure and background to testing your synthetic turf sports facility.
Synthetic turf
| Sports | Test criteria |
|---|---|
| Football | Sports function |
| Hockey | Protective function |
| Rugby | Technical properties |
| Tennis | Environmental compatibility |
| American Football |