Running track installation is a skill that unfortunately, many contractors do not have. Contractor mistakes, lack of experience and specialized training can lead to a shortened lifespan of your new running track.
There is no need to have to incur more costs to fix improperly installed running tracks. If installed correctly, your new running track should last you more than 20 years.
It is of paramount importance to understand that the success of the premium synthetic surface you choose for your dream running track will last 20 years or so will only perform and last as intended if the 3 critical components of running track construction below the surface are constructed to the highest achievable quality.These 3 CRITICAL COMPONENTS of running track installation and construction are not normally known to the layperson nor are they a normal part of planning discussions. They are:
- THE LASER CONTROLLED ASPHALT ‐ Installed with proper density, smoothness and planarity
- THE STONE BASE – Creating a dense and stable foundation to allow for proper density of the asphalt layers
- THE DRAINAGE ‐ Removes unwanted moisture from ground site which is a pavement’s greatest enemy
And these are totally dependent on one another! Surface failure happens all too often!
The running track synthetic surface is only as good as the substructure below and if the asphalt pavement below is not constructed to the highest level of quality, meeting the necessary asphalt quality control criteria, MOST IMPORTANTLY, smoothness and density requirements, YOUR SYNTHETIC SURFACE WILL BE COMPROMISED! Imagine that if your asphalt surface is out of smoothness tolerance by 1/4″ when your synthetic surface is only 3/8” or 1/2” thick, it will have hard spots where the asphalt is higher and soft spots where the asphalt is lower. In addition, where the asphalt is high, your synthetic surface will be thin, or wear quickly, and longevity will be significantly compromised. Proper compaction of the asphalt, or achieving the designed DENSITY OF THE ASPHALT, is arguably the most important factor in determining if the asphalt pavement will last as long as the 20‐25 year synthetic surface you just purchased. If the asphalt is not compacted properly, then you can also expect that your synthetic surface will not last as long as intended. The success of the asphalt pavement is totally dependent upon the other two important components which are LASER-CONTROLLED STONE BASE CONSTRUCTION and DRAINAGE. Sound design and installation of these two components are imperative to remove maximum moisture from the site, and create the dense foundation that the asphalt pavement requires to meet its necessary criteria for highest quality. Now that we know the 3 critical components of running track construction:- Laser-controlled
- Asphalt pavement
- Stone base and drainage
