In order to maintain a safe playing environment for all athletes and fans, you have to do more than just install state-of-the-art wall pads. The wall pads need to be constantly maintained to ensure your facilities remain safe for athletes. Like anything else, the padding at your facility will wear over time, creating a hazard for athletes and fans. When this happens, you should immediately replace your wall pads so athletes do not have a false sense of security.
Crashing into a seemingly functional wall pad could potentially injure the athlete more. In order to prevent injuries and avoid lawsuits, you should talk to an expert to learn how to properly maintain your wall pads. Here, our experts at Fieldwallpads.com will discuss proper maintenance and replacement strategies.
Why Invest in Wall Pads?
Any sports activities will result in physical movements and potential collisions with the walls. Padding removes the players' risk of injury, giving them a safe area to practice their skills. The padding also can be customized for your facility's unique look and ensures that you are following proper compliance for any jurisdiction requirements.
Which Wall Padding Is The Best Replacement Option?
The thickness level and type of wall pad you repair in your facility depends on what sports you anticipate will be played in that space. The padding differs from sport to sport to help reduce the types of injuries associated with each. Padding for baseball, football, and basketball will all be different. While soft, cushy padding may seem like a good idea, it is better to have wall padding that is also firm to absorb the shock that stems from collisions. Most wall padding has two types of foam in it. They are:
● Open-Cell Foam - This foam allows air to move from one cell to another when it is compressed, which creates a springy sensation when there is a collision.
● Closed-Cell Foam - In this type of foam, each cell acts as a balloon, containing the air absorbed when there is a collision.
If you choose open-cell foam but do not choose a thicker pad, athletes who collide with it will likely hit the hard surface underneath. This increases the chance of injury. However, if you put a vinyl cover over the thinner, open-cell foam pad, it can act as a closed-cell foam pad by absorbing the shock. If you choose a closed-cell foam wall pad, you can choose a thinner pad because the foam holds air, thus reducing the force inflicted on the athlete’s body.
Maintain Your Wall Pads
On average, wall pads of all kinds last seven to 15 years. However, if you do not maintain them, chances are they will not last as long as you want them to, costing you more in the long run and potentially injuring athletes.
Removing Markings
Wall pads are designed to take a beating with continuous impact over extended periods. Minor blemishes will occur, and these aren't as large of a concern as if you find extensive damage, so if you have found markings, you can try using dawn dish soap and hot water or a recommended cleaner from the manufacturer. In most cases, they're going to take scrubbing, and you want to avoid using products with any acetone, chlorine, or 2-Butoxyethanol because this can discolor the material.
Tear Upkeep
If you have a large tear that's gone through the foam in the padding, vinyl patch repairs are available. You will need to clean the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any debris that could prevent adhesion. Measure out a space two to three inches larger than the damage, apply glue, and allow it to sit for two to three minutes, then place the patch over the space for the best adhesive quality.
By frequently checking your wall pads and repairing any damages that may have occurred, you can help them last for their life expectancy or even longer.
Wall Pad Options
One part of maintaining your pads is ensuring you have the correct ones in place to start with, and here are just a few varieties:
● Indoor and Outdoor
Whether your facility is hosting baseball, basketball, volleyball, and more, this padding's primary purpose is to offer safety for the players and the walls.
● Outfield and Backstop
You need the right product that helps inspire fans and players through customization options while at the same time adding the highest levels of protection, and outfield padding offers this.
● Stadium Seating
The stadium seating padding is one of the most critical safety aspects because it not only helps protect the seats but can give the individuals using them a more comfortable experience.
Contact Fieldwallpads.com Today
If you are in the market for new, state-of-the-art wall pads for your athletic facility, contact Fieldwallpads.com today. Our experts will walk you through each benefit of our products and help you choose which option is best for your facilities. To learn more or schedule a consultation, give us a call at 800-257-6404 or message us on our contact page.