Are Sports Carpets Waterproof?

Sports carpets are the perfect solution to slippery surfaces that aren’t suitable for training and sports competition. Installing sports carpets can instantly convert these surfaces into sport-friendly areas, especially for contact sports, such as basketball.

In this article, you’ll learn if sports carpets are waterproof or not.

What Are Sports Carpets?

A sports carpet is a flooring solution made of different materials such as polypropylene. It’s either installed indoors or outdoors for sports activity purposes.

Here are the two major types of sports carpets:

1. Indoor Sports Carpets

Indoor sports carpets are suitable for extended exercise sessions and yoga, helping the users maintain a steady grip.

2. Outdoor Sports Carpets

Carpet manufacturers create outdoor sports carpets, outdoor play carpets, and UV-resistant synthetic sports surfaces. They come in different weights, colors, and designs. Other types of outdoor sports carpets include grass carpets, which are designed to look like real grass, and textile carpets.

Choosing the right type of outdoor carpets can help communicate your brand and evoke emotion for all types of users. The best outdoor carpets create a professional venue for sports and a fun and creative venue for children.

Materials of Sports Carpets

Here are the different materials used in manufacturing sports carpets:

1. Polypropylene

A type of material that makes sports carpets waterproof is polypropylene. Sports carpets made of this material is inexpensive and it’s available in many colors and different designs. This material is used to manufacture synthetic turf sports carpets, making them waterproof.

Here are the following benefits of polypropylene-made sports carpets:

• Polypropylene carpets protect heavy traffic areas, covering areas that could be slippery, such as those near a pool.
• They create a non-absorbent surface, so cleaning spills become easier.
• Polypropylene carpets are extremely durable, lasting longer than carpets made of plastic or textiles materials.

2. Polyester 

Polyester sports carpets are inherently stain-resistant, definitely outperforming both wool and nylon. In addition, polyester sports carpets are very soft and far less expensive than nylon or wool.

3. Combination Of Polypropylene and Polyester

Sports carpets made of both polypropylene and polyester have shared advantages. These carpets are suitable for all types of private and public sector sports buildings, such as golf clubs, changing rooms, sports shops, driving ranges, as well as hockey, cricket, and rugby pavilions.

Moisture-Resistant Carpeting

A moisture-resistant carpet can withstand wear, stains, and spills, especially in heavy-duty applications, such as sports venues. These carpets are waterproof, resisting water spills and protecting flooring from below. It’s crucial to choose a sports carpet that’ll adhere to the subfloor in high-moisture conditions.

Moisture-resistant sports carpets provide everything that one can expect from a ‘waterproof’ carpet. However, remember that this type of carpet isn’t a substitute for moisture remediation, in which there are hydrostatic issues and visible moisture present.

How Moisture Affects Carpet Performance

It’s crucial to have a modern sports facility, which is safe for players to use. But moisture is everywhere, and it can affect the carpet’s performance from above and below it. A moisture-resistant sports carpet is specifically engineered to protect against both.

Stains and spills provide moisture from above. A moisture-resistant sports carpet prevents stains and spills from going into the subfloor. This means that the stain or spill will remain on top until you clean it.

Vapor from the concrete subfloor causes moisture from below, affecting flooring performance. Excess moisture breaks down the adhesive, which causes delamination and wear of your flooring system. A moisture-resistant sports carpet helps prevent these flooring issues.

But, of course, there’s no substitute for regular and proper maintenance. Make sure to clean stains and spills immediately to prevent soiling.

How To Choose Sports Carpets

Choose a sports carpet with a waterproof feature for a safe sports venue, such as one with a combination of polypropylene and polyester. A good combination consists of 85% polypropylene 15% polyester sports carpets. This combination is already affordable, comfortable, fade-resistant, stain-resistant, super easy to clean, and water resistant.

Check the following tips when choosing sports carpets:

• Check the sports carpet manufacturer: Review the background and track record of the sports carpet manufacturer by visiting their website. Check how long they’ve been in the carpeting business.

• Read reviews: Find out what sports centers or enthusiasts say about the sports carpet you’re planning to purchase. Check social media comments to have some insightful ideas of the quality of sports carpets for sale.

Conclusion

Depending on the materials used, sports carpets are generally waterproof and water-resistant. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor sports carpet, scrutinizing the material is crucial to determine the quality of the carpet, promoting safe, durable, and long-lasting flooring surface for varying types of sports activities.

Investing in high-quality sports carpets can help improve sports performance and the general ambiance of the venue.