A new baseball season is about to begin. Your athletic facility may have had new outdoor wall padding from Sportsfield Specialties installed and the graphics are looking sharp! You’re not done yet though. Maintaining your wall pads will be an on-going effort crucial for protecting your players and your investment. Here are 7 ways to maintain your wall pads so you can get the most out of them for as long as possible:
CLEAN YOUR PADDING
Start by establishing a cleaning schedule to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of your outdoor wall padding. Use warm water, a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge to gently clean the surface. This helps prevent the buildup of grim and maintains pad appearance. Avoid heavy scrubbing, especially over your digitally printed graphics. After you’ve cleaned the pad surface, wipe them down with clean water to remove any cleaning product or soap residue – Ask us about our vinyl cleaning kits.
SECURE YOUR PADDING
Look over your outdoor wall padding to make sure each pad is secure and properly installed. Check that their fasteners, such as z-clips, backer plates or j-hooks are tight and intact. A secure installation is crucial for the padding to provide optimal protection during collisions with ball players. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help!
INSPECT FOR DAMAGE
A thorough inspection of your outdoor wall padding for damage on a regular basis is vital. Look for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Don’t forget to look for loose seams, punctures, cuts, and other areas where the wall pads may be deteriorating. For the safety of your ball players and spectators, you should promptly address and repair any issues to ensure the effectiveness of your pads.
PREVENT MOLD & MILDEW
In humid climates, take measures to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on your outdoor wall padding. Ensure padding is vented properly, especially in shade, damp, or enclosed spaces. Promptly address any moisture-related issues to avoid any significant damage. Keeping them clean and dry is essential in mold & mildew prevention.
ROTATE YOUR PADS
High-traffic areas where repeated impacts occur and areas with intense sun exposure may lead to wear, fading, and deterioration. Prolonged sun exposure will cause outdoor wall padding to fade and deteriorate over time. Choose padding with UV-resistant properties like our ProZone® Field Wall Padding to ensure that your wall pads and digitally printed graphics are clear and bright over multiple seasons. When possible, consider rotating your outdoor wall pads to distribute wear more evenly, even out fading due to UV exposure, and extend their overall lifespan.
OFF-SEASON REMOVAL
We also recommend removing your outdoor wall padding during your off-season, especially in regions where heavy rain or snow may occur. Store them in a clean, dry area.
By implementing these maintenance best practices, you can ensure that your outdoor wall padding installed around your baseball or softball field will remain in optimal condition, providing reliable protection and contribute to the aesthetics of your sports facility.