Football fields are a staple of any athletic facility. Many athletic directors and business directors for public schools are ditching their grass football fields for artificial turf playing surfaces. The reason is that artificial turf fields provide several desirable advantages over grass, including fewer maintenance requirements, drought resistance, and improved playtime year-round.
Getting the most out of your new artificial turf field requires working with an experienced builder who knows what they are doing. Here, American Athletic Track and Turf, a proud partner of FieldTurf, a Tarkett Sports Company, lists important questions to ask about football field design and field turf installation before choosing a contractor.
How Long Will Artificial Turf Installation Take?
While field turf installation isn’t a one-day project, athletic directors and fitness center managers may be on a tight deadline before an upcoming season. It’s wise to ask contractors how long they anticipate the project to take. This information will give you a good sense of how long you need to pause athletic competition. Skilled and experienced contractors will be able to provide you with a reasonable timeline based on your needs.
How Will Drainage Issues Be Resolved?
One of the most important aspects of turf field installation is drainage. Proper drainage is necessary to ensure player safety and performance. Ask contractors how they tackle drainage. Reputable contractors will explain their drainage solutions, such as channels, slot drains, flat drains, and more.
What Will the Site Inspection Include?
Artificial turf installation jobs are not a one-size-fits-all project. Each site is unique. Therefore a site evaluation and inspection is required. Contractors who don’t perform site evaluations or who provide quotes without first inspecting the project site may not possess the necessary experience to deliver top-quality work.
How Much Experience Does the Contractor Have with Projects Like This?
Artificial field turf installation is a blend of art and science. It takes a certain level of skill that can only be acquired through experience. It’s wise to ask contractors how much experience they have and if they can provide references or examples of past work. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from a contractor and the quality of work they deliver.
Is the Contractor an ASBA Member?
American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) is a non-profit trade association that is comprised of builders, designers, and suppliers. It exists to promote the highest standards of design, construction, and maintenance for all types of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Builders associated with the ASBA must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations, making them ideal contractors to work with.
Are Maintenance and Repairs Included in the Contracts?
Even with professional installation, artificial turf fields will require maintenance from time to time Routine maintenance is necessary to ensure the playing surface remains in good condition and safe to play on. Ask contractors if they offer maintenance and repairs and if it’s included in their contracts.
Is the Work Under Warranty?
Warranties aren’t always needed but are good to have. They offer clients peace of mind should anything out of the ordinary occur with their turf field. It’s wise to ask contractors what warranties are offered and what specifically is covered.
Find Answers at American Athletic Track and Turf
When it comes to artificial turf field installation, trust the experienced team at American Athletic Track and Turf. For over 25 years, we have been providing clients on the East Coast and Southeast regions of the U.S. with award-winning athletic facility design and construction services. In addition, we offer clients professional repairs and maintenance services to help maintain the integrity of their playing surfaces. All of our services are backed by enhanced warranties.
American Athletic Track and Turf is also pleased to offer clients an alternative to the traditional bidding process through our SmartBuy Program. The purpose of this program is to help you save time and money while still having full control over the finished product. For more information regarding artificial turf field installation and why so many clients choose American Athletic Track and Turf, contact us today. Our team is here to help you make the right decisions for your athletes.
