Field tarps and athletic field covers are vital for safeguarding fields from the elements. Whether it’s a football field, baseball diamond, or soccer pitch, these protective materials offer a much-needed defense against inclement weather, extensive use, and other potential hazards. Choosing the appropriate materials for long-lasting field protection involves considering several factors, including the wide range of options available in the market.
Field tarps: Benefits and Considerations
Field tarps are large, heavy-duty covers that shield sports fields from rain, snow, and other weather conditions. They are typically made from waterproof and UV-resistant materials and offer several benefits, including:
Weather protection
Field tarps and covers are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. In addition to preventing rain from collecting on the field, they shield it from excessive sunlight, reducing the risk of damage to artificial turfs caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. Natural turfs can benefit during temperature extremes, where field covers can insulate and protect vulnerable grasses. In some cases, the insulating effect of field covers can help seeds germinate more quickly and promote dense and healthy growth.
Enhanced field maintenance
By keeping playing fields dry and protected, sports field tarps help extend the lifespan of both natural and artificial turf and reduce maintenance costs. They prevent soil erosion and minimize wear and tear caused by foot traffic, helping maintain a consistent playing surface.
Versatility and ease of use
Field covers are available in precut and custom sizes to accommodate different configurations of sports fields. Field tarps are easy to install and remove, allowing sports facility managers and groundskeepers to quickly cover and uncover specific areas as needed. Some field tarps come with handles and anchoring systems, making securing them in place and withstand strong winds easier.
While rain covers offer numerous benefits, there are a few points to consider when selecting yours. First, choose a tarp that is the right size for your field to ensure proper coverage. Look for a supplier who can customize yours with grommets, handholds, custom shapes, and other features to simplify deployment, anchoring, and storage.
Athletic Field Covers: What to Look For
In addition to field tarps, athletic field covers are another essential component of sports field protection. Unlike field tarps, athletic field covers are designed to be more durable and provide long-term protection for the field. Popular choices include reinforced polyethylene (RPE) and reinforced polypropylene (RPP). When choosing athletic field covers, here are some key factors to consider:
Material durability
Look for covers made from high-quality materials that are resistant to tearing, punctures, and UV damage. Heavy-duty materials such as reinforced polyethylene (RPE) and woven geomembrane are popular for their durability, longevity, flexibility, and minimal weight.
Customization options
Depending on the specific requirements of your sports field, you may need athletic field covers that can be customized to fit irregular shapes or include necessary features such as cut-outs for goal posts. Consider suppliers that offer customization options to ensure a perfect fit and functionality.
Materials Options for Sports Field Protection
When it comes to sports field covers and tarps, there are numerous materials available. The two most common materials used for field protection are PVC and reinforced polyethylene (RPE).
There are many types of PVC and RPE geomembranes, and their characteristics can vary substantially depending on the manufacturing process, the membrane weight, and features like added UV inhibitors and additional coatings.
Comparing Spec Sheets
Since evaluations like “fair,” “good,” and “excellent” are entirely subjective, ask for spec sheets when you’re comparing one material to the other. Look for these key measurements when comparing materials for athletic field covers and tarps.
Tensile strength is the force a material can withstand before it breaks. A higher tensile strength is better for applications subjected to a lot of stress, such as a sports field cover exposed to wind and rain.
Tear strength is the amount of force that is required to tear the material. Higher tear strength is better for applications where the material may be punctured or torn, such as a sports field cover used by players who may slide or fall on it, especially while wearing cleats.
Impact resistance is the ability of the material to withstand sudden impacts without breaking. Higher impact resistance is better for applications where the material may be exposed to objects thrown or dropped on it, such as a sports field cover used by players who throw balls or other things.
Weather resistance is the overall ability of the material to withstand exposure to the elements, such as wind (tensile strength), rain (chemical resistance), and UV radiation. A higher weather resistance is better for applications where the material will be exposed to the elements for an extended period. For sub-freezing climates, cold cracking is another crucial spec since that marks the temperature where the material loses flexibility and becomes brittle.
Weight may seem like a minor consideration in the big picture. Still, heavy tarps and giant, unwieldy field covers can make deploying them seem more trouble than they’re worth, and simple measurements like thickness don’t give an accurate impression of weight. When you’re considering a large tarp weighing between 150 and 200 lbs, that extra 50 lbs may be the difference between deploying it for tonight’s thunderstorm and letting it go “just this once.”
Factors to Consider When Choosing Athletic Field Covers
Several factors should be considered when selecting materials for athletic field covers to ensure the best choice for your sports field. By carefully evaluating these factors and consulting with experts if needed, you can choose the most suitable field protection materials for your athletic facilities:
Climate and Weather Conditions
Assess your area’s climate and weather patterns to determine the level of protection required. Suppose your field is exposed to heavy rain, strong winds, or prolonged sunlight. In that case, you may need more robust materials capable of withstanding these conditions. Strong winds can lift and tear covers, so you’ll need a material with strong tear resistance. Materials that include a reinforcing scrim layer are an excellent choice. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade some materials, so look for materials with natural resistance to UV rays or special coatings that provide equivalent protection.
Usage and sports activities
Consider the type and intensity of sports activities that will take place on the field and whether the covers will be deployed during play. For example, sideline covers for sports that use cleats require more durable materials. In contrast, low-impact sports like tennis typically require less heavy-duty options. Sports that leave covers on during play require durable materials that won’t be seriously damaged from scuffs and steady traffic.
Budget constraints
Determine your budget for field protection materials and select options that offer the best value for money. Consider the long-term cost-effectiveness of the materials, considering factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and lifespan. A material expected to last 20 years compared to one for 10 years can save substantial money in the long haul.
Maintenance and upkeep
Evaluate the maintenance requirements of the materials you are considering. Some materials may require regular cleaning, repairs, or reapplication of protective coatings. Choose materials that align with your maintenance capabilities and resources. For example, when covering a sports field used by professional athletes, you will need a product with a high tensile strength and tear strength. If you are covering a sports field used by children, choose a material with a lower cost and a softer feel. Look for options that closely match your needs, and then consider comparable prices.
It is essential to consult a reputable supplier for more information about the specific qualities of RPP and RPE materials for sports field covers. They can help you choose the best material for your project.
