Spring cleaning synthetic surfaces

The unprecedented rainfall across the UK this winter will have diverted a lot of games, competitions and general play to synthetic surfaces, putting additional strain on pitches. The results of the extra usage may only be coming to light now, as we head towards the spring. The combination of damp conditions and increased usage can exacerbate the usual compaction and drainage issues, making maintenance a must for the restoration of safety and playability. The chances are the surface will not have been thoroughly cleaned since the previous summer.

When drier days present, the opportunity arises to carry out necessary infill management tasks, including the collection of dust and lighter particles which can, and should, now be carefully removed.

The Redexim Speed-Clean is a land-driven surface sweeper which efficiently lifts and separates infill and contaminants in a single pass. Utilising a paddle brush system, infill is lifted from the pile where detritus is separated via an oscillating sieve and collected in bins on the rear of the unit. With clean infill returned to the surface, permeability and playability are enhanced.

As the industry moves away from intentionally added micro-plastic polymeric infills towards alternative specifications of infill, more management than simple debris removal is required. Due to their more mobile nature, and increased susceptibility to bacterial and airborne contamination, natural infill materials such as cork or rubber will need a more intensive clean to maintain performance and player safety.

That’s where tools such as the Redexim Verti-Top come into play. Where once it would be considered a ‘specialist’ tool, cleaning systems such as the Verti-Top will become a weekly usage item. Available in a 1.2m or 1.8m working width, the Verti-Top lifts the top 15mm of infill, separating contaminants and smaller particles such as dust and hair thanks to an integrated vacuum. The cleaned infill is then dropped and brushed back into the surface, leaving a clean, level and aesthetically pleasing finish ready to support a busy season of play.