Concrete
Check curing, moisture, laitance, cracking, joints, level tolerance and surface preparation requirements for the selected finish.
Technical & Specifier Centre / Global
What substrate does sports flooring need?
Surface selection should start with the base. A high-quality sports surface cannot compensate for uncontrolled cracking, moisture, poor levels or failed drainage below it.
Global / overseas search owner Manual project review Exact-system evidence only
Direct answer
The short version.
Inspect the existing concrete, asphalt or other base for flatness, cracking, moisture, movement, coatings, drainage and transitions. The acceptable substrate depends on the exact applied, modular, roll or turf system.
Project decision
What matters before product selection.
Use these points to structure the first project conversation. Final suitability stays tied to the actual site, selected system and local project team.
Asphalt
Check stability, oxidation, cracks, depressions, drainage and whether the surface is suitable for the intended overlay or modular system.
Existing sports surface
Identify coatings, contamination, delamination, movement and compatibility before using an existing court as the new substrate.
Project brief
Information worth collecting before quotation.
01Base material
02Age
03Flatness
04Cracks / joints
05Moisture
06Drainage
07Existing coatings
08Transitions
09Indoor / outdoor environment
Frequently asked
Answers without oversimplifying the project.
Can modular tiles go over any old court?
No. Modular systems can tolerate some conditions differently from applied surfaces, but they still require a suitable, stable and appropriately level base.
Can sports flooring fix drainage?
No. Some systems help water move through the surface, but site and sub-base drainage remain separate design issues.
Should the base be inspected before pricing?
Yes. Photos, dimensions and base information materially improve product selection and quotation.
Next step
Turn the research into a real project brief.
Send the site, dimensions, intended use, quantities and known local requirements. Apollo will review the relevant product pathway and keep local engineering, approvals and site-work responsibilities explicit.